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The present study aims to determine woody species composition and diversity in sub-temperate forests of Darjeeling Himalaya. In order to collect data, sample plots sized 20 m × 20 m were deployed and the diameter at breast height (DBH) of all woody species was measured. A total number of 609 individuals belonging to 30 families under 41 genera and 51 species were encountered. The most frequently occurring species were Cryptomeria japonica, Lithocarpus fenestratus, L. pachyphyllus, Quercus glauca, Eriobotrya dubia, Syzygium kurzii, Alnus nepalensis, Exbucklandia populnea and Magnolia lanuginosa. The values of Shannon and Menhinick indices were 3.870 and 2.067 respectively. Similarly, dominance was estimated as 0.022 while evenness showed a value of 0.984. Furthermore, the total basal area estimated was 186.632 m² ha-1 and the importance value index ranged from 2.013 to 16.855. Moreover, dominance-diversity (d-d) curve showed a log-normal species distribution. The regeneration status of dominant woody saplings revealed that 40% showed good regeneration, 20% had poor regeneration while 40% lacked regeneration. These findings provide an enhanced understanding of woody stands diversity and composition in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Research has focused on behavior of particulate organic matter (POM) and mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) in acidic soils, but little attention has been given to the effects of tree species and vertical distribution of these components. With the ultimate aim of preserving soil organic matter, this study clarifies POM and MAOM status throughout the soil profiles of Cryptomeria japonica stands and Chamaecyparis obtusa stands. Methods: In 11 C. japonica stands and 7 C. obtusa stands with contrasting soil acidities (i.e., acid buffering capacities, ABC), we collected soil samples from three depths (0–10, 10–20, 20–40 cm) that were then density-fractionated into a light fraction (LF) mainly with POM, middle fraction (MF) mainly with MAOM, and heavy fraction with scarce MAOM. Alkali-extractable compounds within LF and MF were investigated by using fluorescence excitation emission matrices-parallel factor analysis. Results: Although POM content was similar between the ABCs for both tree species, MAOM content in the low-ABC soils was higher (C. japonica) or lower (C. obtusa) than in the high-ABC soils. Principal component analysis discriminated fluorescence components in terms of their origin, oxidative degradation, and decomposed structure. Based on these characteristics, POM in the low-ABC soils was more oxidatively degraded than that in the high-ABC soils, whereas MAOM in the low-ABC soils was more plant-derived/highly-decomposed (C. japonica) and more microbially metabolized (C. obtusa) throughout the profiles. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that POM and MAOM were more decomposed due to the soil acidity in C. japonica stands and C. obtusa stands, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), an established treatment for allergic diseases, prevents the development of other allergic manifestations. Although the mechanisms remain unclear, AIT has been shown to reduce basophil activation (BA) against nontarget allergens. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess immunological changes in Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f) after Japanese cedar pollen (JCP)-based subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) monotherapy. Method: The data of 16 patients (age: 6–37 years) with JCP-induced allergic rhinitis who were sensitive to Der f (serum Der f-specific immunoglobulin E [IgE] level >0.34 kUA/L) and received JCP-based SCIT for 5 years were reviewed retrospectively. BA by Der f and JCP extracts and serum-specific IgE and immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) levels against these allergens were evaluated before and after completing 5 years of JCP-based SCIT monotherapy. Results: The areas under the dose-response curves of BA by Der f and JCP extracts were significantly reduced (p = 0.02 and p = 0.002, respectively). JCP-specific IgE levels decreased and JCP-specific IgG4 levels increased significantly (p < 0.001 for both), whereas Der f-specific IgE and IgG4 levels did not change significantly. Conclusions: JCP-based SCIT monotherapy reduced Der f-specific BA. These findings suggest that JCP-based SCIT has the potential to modulate immune response toward nontarget allergens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Japanese fir, Cryptomeria japonica, is ecologically and commercially vital in China. However, infestations by Dendrolimus houi Lajonquière larvae cause widespread dieback, mimicking mechanical damage effects, with unclear differential impacts and mechanisms. To address this, 6th instar larvae of D. houi were introduced to three-year-old C. japonica seedlings to induce pest infestation, while mechanical damage and non-infested pests were controlled. Then, next-generation sequencing techniques were employed, and transcriptome sequencing was conducted to analyze the distinct damage mechanisms responding to C. japonica. This study revealed 10,412 DEGs between pest infestation and controls and 5535 DEGs comparing pest infestation to mechanical damage. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted the involvement of these DEGs in crucial processes such as photosynthesis, amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis, and plant hormone signaling pathways. In particular, 786 unique DEGs were discerned in pest-infested samples. Key enriched pathways, such as pyruvate and propionate metabolism, were pinpointed, with flavonoid biosynthesis potentially closely linked to pest-feeding inductions. These findings provided valuable insights into the molecular responses of C. japonica to D. houi infestation, laying the foundation for future research aimed at developing pest-resistant varieties of Japanese fir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antiviral efficacy of cell-extracts (CEs) derived from cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa (Siebold & Zucc.) Endl., C. obtusa) and cedar (Cryptomeria japonica (Thunb. ex. L.) D.Don, C. japonica) was assessed using phi6 and MS2 bacteriophages, which are widely accepted surrogate models for enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, in order to verify their potential use as antiviral agents. Our results indicate that CEs derived from C. obtusa are dominantly composed of terpinen-4-ol (18.0%), α-terpinyl acetate (10.1%), bornyl acetate (9.7%), limonene (7.1%), and γ-terpinene (6.7%), while CEs derived from C. japonica are dominantly composed of terpinen-4-ol (48.0%) and α-pinene (15.9%), which exhibited robust antiviral activity against phi6 bacteriophage. Both CEs successfully inactivated the phi6 bacteriophage below the detection limit (10 PFU/mL) within a short exposure time of 30 s (log reduction value, LRV > 4). Through exposure experiments utilizing CEs with content ratios prepared via 2-fold serial dilutions (ranging from 3.13% to 100%), we demonstrated that the antiviral effect could be sustained up to a concentration of 25% (C. obtusa LRV = 3.8, C. japonica LRV > 4.3 at a 25% CE content ratio for each species). However, CEs with content ratios below 12.5% did not produce a significant reduction in bacteriophage concentration and consequently lost their antiviral effects. Conversely, both CEs did not exhibit antiviral activity against MS2 bacteriophage, a non-enveloped virus. Our findings reveal for the first time the potential of CEs derived from C. obtusa and C. japonica for use as antiviral agents specifically targeting enveloped viruses.

This article discusses the effects of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) on patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis, a common allergic disease in Japan. The study found that SLIT reduced clinical symptoms and decreased the avidity of antigen-specific IgE, which is associated with mast cell degranulation and anaphylaxis. The study also examined serum levels of antigen-specific IgE, IgA, IgG1, and IgG4, as well as Tfh cell subsets. The findings suggest that SLIT induces the production of low-affinity IgE and suppresses the production of high-affinity IgE, contributing to the therapeutic efficacy of SLIT. [Extracted from the article]

This study was conducted to investigate the uptake of castor oil (CAO) in some wood specimens and the effect of CAO on the leaching ability, dimensional stability and fungal-decay resistance of the wood specimens. CAO was infused into the specimens using a pressure treatment. Uptakes of CAO penetrated in yellow poplar (YEP), Japanese cedar (JAC) and Douglas fir (DOF) blocks were higher than 100 %. The leaching ability of the CAO-based suspensions against saline water was the lowest in YEP, followed by Japanese larch (LAR), JAC and DOF. The retention values were 90 % or higher in most of the specimens. Radial and tangential swellings of CAO-treated strips submerged in saline water for 2 weeks were restrained compared to control specimens. No significant differences were found between bending strength and Janka hardness of CAO-treated and control strips. CAO treatment provided acceptable decay resistance to most wood specimens against Fomitopsis palustris and Trametes versicolor. Retention of CAO in the leached strips were identified through X-ray microscopic observation. Based on the results, CAO was determined to be an effective agent for improving the dimensional stability of wood. These results demonstrate the great potential of CAO as an environmentally friendly wood preservative and dimensional stabilizer, allowing CAO-permeated wood as raw materials for both indoor and outdoor use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen, H2, is likely to become the key renewable energy carrier for the future. Thermochemical conversion of biomass can be applied to produce H2 involving a variety of conversion technologies, including gasification, that produce a mix of synthesis gas, H2 and CO. It is of paramount importance thus having a consolidated, efficient, versatile and clean technology to produce H2 in a sustainable and continuous manner contributing to current energy policies. For this work, a bench-scale batch gasifier located at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo Tech, was used for the production of syngas from the torrefied woody biomass. These data were inputs for the development of an hybrid model for the prediction of the composition of the producer gas. The time-depending data obtained in the semi-batch gasifier process was composed of three regions (pyrolysis, oxidation and reduction zones) in which recurrent neural networks were combined with physical-based models, whose parameters were conveniently tuned to fit the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Nitrate (NO3−) leaching from forest ecosystems can differ depending on the plant species because of differences in nitrogen (N) retention capacities. Moso bamboo, a fast-growth species, expands into adjacent forests worldwide, potentially leading to increased N retention and subsequently reduced NO3− leaching. Accordingly, this study aims to compare NO3− leaching and potential factors between Moso bamboo and neighboring forest. Methods: We measured NO3− concentrations in soil solutions at a Moso bamboo site (BF) and an adjacent Japanese cedar plantation (CF). We also evaluated soil nitrification and plant N uptake by the in situ depletion method. Results: The NO3− concentration in the soil solution below the root zone (50 cm) was lower in BF (48 ± 8 µmol L−1) than in CF (305 ± 16 µmol L−1). The NO3− concentration in the soil solution was significantly higher for surface soil (0–5 cm) (111 ± 11 µmol L−1) than for soil below the root zone in BF, but not significantly different between these two layers in CF (357 ± 25 µmol L−1), indicating high N retention in BF. The net nitrification rates and root NO3− uptake rates were higher in BF than in CF, indicating that plant N uptake could be the main contributors to the low NO3− leaching. Conclusions: Bamboo invasion has the potential to mitigate forest NO3− leaching due to its high N uptake. Our findings highlight the importance of vegetation with higher N uptake in enhancing N retention under elevated atmospheric N deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Mimela testaceipes (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), the striated chafer, for the EU, following a commodity risk assessment of dwarfed Pinus parviflora grafted onto P. thunbergii from China in which M. testaceipes was identified as a pest of possible concern to the EU. M. testaceipes occurs in Japan, northeast China, Far East Russia, South Korea and very likely North Korea. Adults are recognised pests feeding on and damaging the needles of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) and Japanese larch (Larix leptolepis) which are important forestry trees where the pest currently occurs. It has adapted to feed on the needles of Pinus species introduced into its native area, such as P. taeda, which is native to southeastern USA although M. testaceipes is not regarded as a significant pest of pines. Larvae are reported to cause root damage to grasses, as well as conifers. Eggs are usually laid in grassy soils by females that develop on conifer species. Larvae develop in the soil feeding on the roots of grasses or conifer hosts. Larvae overwinter in the soil and take 2 or 3 years to develop. In principle soil, host plants for planting and cut branches with foliage could provide pathways into the EU. However, prohibitions on the import of soil and hosts such as Chamaecyparis, Larix and Pinus regulate such pathways into the EU. Nevertheless, certain dwarfed Pinus spp. from Japan are provided with a derogation for entry into the EU. In addition, the host C. japonica is unregulated and could also provide a pathway. Hosts occur in the EU in climate zones that match those where M. testaceipes occurs in Asia. If M. testaceipes were to enter the EU, conditions in central and northern EU are conducive to establishment. Following establishment, impacts on Japanese cedar, Japanese cypress and Japanese larch would be expected; it is possible that M. testaceipes could adapt to feed on Pinus and Larix species growing in Europe. M. testaceipes satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vernacular houses constructed using local woods contain information about forest‐resource use. To clarify how timber was used to construct wooden farmhouses, we identified the timber species composition of 11 houses built between 1845 and about 1940 in Tadami, a snowy rural area in northeastern Japan, and interviewed 70 residents. We recorded 2004 timber parts (99–308 parts per house) and 171.2 m3 (1828 parts) of known species (14 taxa). Cryptomeria japonica (cedar) and Pinus parviflora var. pentaphylla (white pine) were used for all essential structural parts and accounted for 44% and 39% of the total timber volume, respectively. Fagus crenata (beech) was the third most commonly used species (7%), for roof supports, beams, and girders. The interviews revealed that the timber was typically sourced from local private or common woodlands within 1 km and that local craftsmen selected and hauled the trees. Considering the region's unique and complex vegetation, as land‐cover distribution is strongly influenced by frequent avalanches, the timber was likely managed within local stands of tall trees, and the most available species would have been cedar (although whether native or planted is unknown), followed by native white pine on mountain ridges around settlements. In comparison, beech stands that could supply sufficient amounts of timber might have been limited. Based on the characteristics of the trees used as house timber in Tadami, we conclude that despite the surrounding harsh, snowy conditions, locally available species of tall trees were historically selected for timbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, short-term accelerated creep tests were conducted using the stepped isostress method (SSM) to investigate the impact of hydrothermal treatment on the long-term creep behaviour of Japanese cedar wood and to determine optimal hydrothermal treatment conditions. The results showed that SSM can effectively predict the creep behaviour of hydrothermally treated wood. Among the treatment conditions tested, Japanese cedar wood treated hydrothermally at 180 °C for 4 h exhibited higher flexural strength retention (91%) and moisture excluding efficiency (MEE) (44%) and demonstrated superior creep resistance compared to untreated wood. When subjected to a 30% average breaking load (ABL) over 20 years, the specimen's creep compliance, instantaneous creep compliance, b value, activation volume, and improvement in creep resistance (ICR) were 0.17 GPa−1, 0.139 GPa−1, 0.15, 1.619 nm3, and 4%, respectively. The results indicate that subjecting Japanese cedar wood to hydrothermal treatment at 180 °C for 4 h has a negligible effect on its flexural properties but results in significant improvements in both dimensional stability and creep resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the roots and soil surrounding their hosts are typically independently investigated and little is known of the relationships between the communities of the two compartments. We simultaneously collected root and surrounding soil samples from Cryptomeria japonica (Cj) and Chamaecyparis obtusa (Co) at three environmentally different sites. Based on molecular and morphological analyses, we characterized their associated AMF communities. Cj was more densely colonized than Co and that root colonization intensity was significantly correlated with soil AMF diversity. The communities comprised 15 AMF genera dominated by Glomus and Paraglomus and 1443 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of which 1067 and 1170 were in roots and soil, respectively. AMF communities were significantly different among sites, and the root AMF communities were significantly different from those of soil at each site. The root and soil AMF communities responded differently to soil pH. At the genus level, Glomus and Acaulospora were abundant in roots while Paraglomus and Redeckera were abundant in soil. Our findings suggest that AMF colonizing roots are protected from environmental stresses in soil. However, the root-soil-abundant taxa have adapted to both environments and represent a model AMF symbiont. This evidence of strategic exploitation of the rhizosphere by AMF supports prior hypotheses and provides insights into community ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin‐modifying enzymes (LMEs), which include laccases (Lacs), manganese peroxidases (MnPs), versatile peroxidases (VPs), and lignin peroxidases (LiPs), have been considered key factors in lignin degradation by white‐rot fungi because they oxidize lignin model compounds and depolymerize synthetic lignin in vitro. However, it remains unclear whether these enzymes are essential/important in the actual degradation of natural lignin in plant cell walls. To address this long‐standing issue, we examined the lignin‐degrading abilities of multiple mnp/vp/lac mutants of Pleurotus ostreatus. One vp2/vp3/mnp3/mnp6 quadruple‐gene mutant was generated from a monokaryotic wild‐type strain PC9 using plasmid‐based CRISPR/Cas9. Also, two vp2/vp3/mnp2/mnp3/mnp6, two vp2/vp3/mnp3/mnp6/lac2 quintuple‐gene mutants, and two vp2/vp3/mnp2/mnp3/mnp6/lac2 sextuple‐gene mutants were generated. The lignin‐degrading abilities of the sextuple and vp2/vp3/mnp2/mnp3/mnp6 quintuple‐gene mutants on the Beech wood sawdust medium reduced drastically, but not so much for those of the vp2/vp3/mnp3/mnp6/lac2 mutants and the quadruple mutant strain. The sextuple‐gene mutants also barely degraded lignin in Japanese Cedar wood sawdust and milled rice straw. Thus, this study presented evidence that the LMEs, especially MnPs and VPs, play a crucial role in the degradation of natural lignin by P. ostreatus for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deadwood in forests plays a critical role in maintaining the ecological functions. Small mammals use deadwood, and thus deadwood can mitigate the negative impacts of plantation on small mammals. This study focused on fallen dead trees in planted forests, and aimed to verify whether fallen dead trees affect behavioral patterns of Japanese squirrels. To clarify the use of fallen dead trees by Japanese squirrels in a Japanese cedar plantation, we observed squirrel behavior by camera trap surveys at 61 survey sites. Our findings showed that fallen dead trees play a crucial role in the behavior of Japanese squirrels, serving as landmarks for movement, vigilance, resting, and hoarding sites. These functions are critical for the survival of Japanese squirrels, suggesting that fallen dead trees in planted forests have positive impacts on their microenvironment use. The increase of deadwood due to disturbances such as heavy rainfall and snowfall resulting from climate change may provide benefits to arboreal small mammals in poorly managed planted forests. Additionally, leaving some of the deadwood generated during the harvesting process in properly managed forests can improve the quality of habitat for arboreal small mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breeding long-lived trees is challenging, but it has been shown that genomic information can be used to improve efficiency. In this study, genomic prediction (GP) was tested on selected individuals of a two-generation breeding population of Cryptomeria japonica, the most common plantation tree in Japan. In the 1980s, the second-generation plus trees (101 clones) were selected from about 8500 individuals obtained by cross-mating the first-generation plus trees (47 clones). RAD-seq based on 8664 SNPs was used to perform GP for three important traits in this population: tree height, wood stiffness, and male flower quantity. The association between traits and genotypes was modeled using five Bayesian models whose predictive accuracy was evaluated by cross-validation, revealing that the best model differed for each trait (BRR for tree height, BayesA for wood stiffness, and BayesB for male flower quantity). GP was 1.2–16.0 times more accurate than traditional pedigree-based methods, attributed to its ability to model Mendelian sampling. However, an analysis of the effects of intergenerational kinship showed that parent–offspring relationships reduce the predictive accuracy of GP for traits strongly affected by selection pressure. Overall, these results show that GP could significantly expedite tree breeding when supported by a deep understanding of the targeted population's genetic background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acacia mearnsii, an invasive alien species, is the main resource identified for the energy transition initiated on Reunion Island. It is, therefore, critical to identify the existent forest stands within the island's large tropical forest area and to determine which of these stands are accessible for logging operations. In this study, a very high-spatial-resolution image was used to map forest (Acacia mearnsii, Acacia heterophylla, Cryptomeria japonica) and non-forest land cover. To identify the accessible forest stands, we developed a geographic information system (GIS) processing chain, accounting for barriers, the distribution of slopes, and the location of forest roads. User-defined parameters, such as the slope threshold and maximal distance to forest roads, allow different scenarios to be explored. The classification yields an overall accuracy of 88% and a Kappa index of 0.86 and highlights the areas occupied by the different types of Acacia. By applying the GIS processing chain for a standard scenario, the results show that only 19% of the initial study area of 637 ha of Acacia mearnsii patches is suitable for exploitation. In conclusion, our results demonstrate how remote sensing (RS) and GIS can be combined to provide valuable tools for forest managers to design management plans for invasive alien forest species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Azores archipelago (Portugal), forest operations and wood industry generate large amounts of Cryptomeria japonica biomass residues (CJBR), which can be used to produce valuable essential oils (EOs). In this study, we evaluated the chemical composition and antioxidant activities of EOs from Azorean C. japonica sawdust (CJS) and resin-rich bark (CJRRB). The CJS and CJRRB EOs, obtained via hydrodistillation, showed different yield values (0.27% vs. 0.80% v/w, dry weight) and also different chemical profiles, as assessed using GC/MS. A total of 64 and 85 components were identified in CJS and CJRRB EOs, representing 95.7% and 96.9% of the total composition, respectively. The major components in CJS EO were oxygenated sesquiterpenes (mainly α+β-eudesmol, 1-epicubenol, and cubebol), while in CJRRB EO, the major components were monoterpene hydrocarbons, including α-pinene, δ-3-carene, and limonene (66.6% vs. 6.4% for oxygenated sesquiterpenes and 0% vs. 64% for monoterpene hydrocarbons, respectively). Antioxidant activity was estimated using (i) two radical-based assays, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, and (ii) a lipid model assay, β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching activity (BCBA). Both CJS and CJRRB EOs exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant activities, and their DPPH, ABTS, and BCBA EC50 values were 1107 vs. 1275 µg/mL, 260 vs. 498 µg/mL, and 1764 vs. 662 µg/mL, respectively. The results indicate that both EOs were able to exert antioxidant activity via different mechanisms of action. Therefore, Azorean CJS and CJRRB may be sustainable sources for antioxidant compounds. This study expands the chemical and biological knowledge of CJBR EOs and, consequently, adds more value to the C. japonica EO industry.

Phytochemical investigation of the bark of Cryptomeria japonica led to the isolation of five new abietane diterpenoids, 5-epi-12-hydroxy-6-nor-5,6-secoabieta-8,11,13-trien-7,5-olide (1), 12-hydroxy-6β-methoxy-6,7-secoabieta-8,11,13-trien-7,6-olide (2), 6β,12-dihydroxy-7,8-secoabieta-8,11,13-trien-7,8-olide (4), 5,12-dihydroxy-7,8-secoabieta-8,11,13-trien-7,8-olide (5), and 5α,8-epoxy-12-hydroxy-7,8-secoabieta-8,11,13-trien-7-al (6), together with one known abietane diterpenoid, obtuanhydride (3). Their structures were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data and comparison with the spectral data of known analogs. At the concentration of 100 μg/mL, compounds 4, 5, and 6 inhibited antifungal activities against wood decay fungi activity by 18.7, 37.2, and 46.7%, respectively.

Nevertheless, looking at xylem anatomy of conifers with elongated tracheids for axial transport and very few pits connecting tracheids radially suggests that radial conductance must be much lower than axial conductance and appears to be mainly conducted through rays[7]. If the axial conductance is 20 times higher, losing half of the conductive area at 1.8 m results in a total reduction of sap flow of 7% and if axial conductance is 10 or 30 times higher, total flow would be reduced by 6% or 9%, respectively (Supplementary Table S1C). Because radial conductance is very low and not relevant for the re-distribution of sap flow, the simplified model is two-dimensional with axial to tangential conductance 20:1 (see text for details). The resistance of the xylem to this embolism formation is thought to be an important aspect of plant drought resistance[3] and the total conductance of the transport system must be sufficient to maintain water flow without the water potential becoming too negative[4]. [Extracted from the article]

Flying squirrels have important roles in ecosystems, dispersing seeds and spores. However, flying squirrel species, which strongly depend on old mature forests, have declined in abundance due to the logging of mature forests. Guidelines for the conservation of flying squirrels have been developed, but it is vital to have an accurate understanding of their ecology to revise the guidelines to be more effective. The Japanese flying squirrel (Pteromys momonga, JFS), endangered in wide areas of Japan, is one of the flying squirrel species for which the least ecological information is available. This paper reviews individual reports and attempts to address knowledge gaps in JFS ecology to facilitate conservation strategies. Of particular importance is the fact that JFS uses planted Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) for nesting, gliding and winter forage, and JFS habitat may be strongly influenced by human activities such as forestry. Plantations are regularly logged, so management of plantations needs to be implemented with attention to the JFS habitat. It was also found that some ecological information necessary to develop guidelines for conservation, such as diet, gliding ability, and home-range size, is missing. Clarification of these issues is an important task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrodistillation (HD) process is used to obtain and fractionate essential oils (EOs). In this study, we aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the effects of six different HD timeframes (HDTs: 0–2, 2–10, 10–30, 30–60, 60–120, and 120–240 min) on the yield, physical properties, and chemical profile of Azorean Cryptomeria japonica foliage (Az–CJF) EO. An Az–CJF EO obtained by a typical HD over 4 h was used as a control sample, yielding 0.82%, w/fresh weight (f.w.), and containing eighty-nine components, as determined by GC–MS. The EO fraction yield revealed a narrow range (0.06–0.18%, w/f.w.), with ca. 50% obtained within the first hour. Monoterpene hydrocarbons dominated in Fr1 and Fr2 (92 and 45%, respectively, mainly α-pinene) while oxygen-containing sesquiterpenes prevailed in Frs. 3–6 (42–62%, mainly elemol and eudesmol isomers). Furthermore, Fr2 and Fr3 were the richest in oxygen-containing monoterpenes (9 and 7%, respectively, mainly bornyl acetate) and in sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (6 and 5%, respectively, mainly δ-cadinene), while Fr4 and Fr5 had higher amounts of diterpene hydrocarbons (ca. 22% both, mainly phyllocladene) and Fr6 exhibited the highest oxygen-containing diterpenes content (4%, mainly nezukol). In addition, regression models were established to predict EO yield, HD rate, and composition (major components) for a given HDT. As a result of this study, specific EO fractions can now be targeted in Az–CJF EO by adjusting the HDT. Hence, these findings can help reduce distillation time and, thus, operating costs associated with the HD process. It can also meet specific market demands due to the differential composition of the obtained EO fractions. In turn, this contributes to increasing the commercial potential of C. japonica EO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cry j 1 is a major allergen present in Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollens. Peptides with the core sequence of KVTVAFNQF from Cry j 1 ('pCj1') bind to HLA-DP5 and activate Th2 cells. In this study, we noticed that Ser and Lys at positions −2 and −3, respectively, in the N-terminal flanking (NF) region to pCj1 are conserved well in HLA-DP5-binding allergen peptides. A competitive binding assay showed that the double mutation of Ser(–2) and Lys(–3) to Glu [S(P–2)E/K(P–3)E] in a 13-residue Cry j 1 peptide (NF-pCj1) decreased its affinity for HLA-DP5 by about 2-fold. Similarly, this double mutation reduced, by about 2-fold, the amount of NF-pCj1 presented on the surface of mouse antigen-presenting dendritic cell line 1 (mDC1) cells stably expressing HLA-DP5. We established NF-pCj1-specific and HLA-DP5-restricted CD4+ T-cell clones from HLA-DP5 positive cedar pollinosis (CP) patients, and analyzed their IL-2 production due to the activation of mouse TG40 cells expressing the cloned T-cell receptor by the NF-pCj1-presenting mDC1 cells. The T-cell activation was actually decreased by the S(P–2)E/K(P–3)E mutation, corresponding to the reduction in the peptide presentation by this mutation. In contrast, the affinity of NF-pCj1·HLA-DP5 for the T-cell receptor was not affected by the S(P–2)E/K(P–3)E mutation, as analyzed by surface plasmon resonance. Considering the positional and side-chain differences of these NF residues from previously reported T-cell activating sequences, the mechanisms of enhanced T-cell activation by Ser(–2) and Lys(–3) of NF-pCj1 may be novel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pru p 3 and Pru p 7 have been implicated as risk factors for severe peach allergy. This study aimed to establish sensitization patterns to five peach components across Europe and in Japan, to explore their relation to pollen and foods and to predict symptom severity. Methods: In twelve European (EuroPrevall project) and one Japanese outpatient clinic, a standardized clinical evaluation was conducted in 1231 patients who reported symptoms to peach and/or were sensitized to peach. Specific IgE against Pru p 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 and against Cup s 7 was measured in 474 of them. Univariable and multivariable Lasso regression was applied to identify combinations of parameters predicting severity. Results: Sensitization to Pru p 3 dominated in Southern Europe but was also quite common in Northern and Central Europe. Sensitization to Pru p 7 was low and variable in the European centers but very dominant in Japan. Severity could be predicted by a model combining age of onset of peach allergy, probable mugwort, Parietaria pollen and latex allergy, and sensitization to Japanese cedar pollen, Pru p 4 and Pru p 7 which resulted in an AUC of 0.73 (95% CI 0.73–0.74). Pru p 3 tended to be a risk factor in South Europe only. Conclusions: Pru p 7 was confirmed as a significant risk factor for severe peach allergy in Europe and Japan. Combining outcomes from clinical and demographic background with serology resulted in a model that could better predict severity than CRD alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adaptive capacity of tree species is crucial for their survival under environmental change. Liushan (Cryptomeria japonica var. sinensis), an allogamous conifer species, is widely distributed across southern China. However, despite its broad distribution, there have been few investigations on the geographical variation and environmental adaptability of this species. Here, we combined the phenotypic (eight needle traits) and genetic data (14 nSSR loci) to fill this gap by assessing the genetic variation of geographical populations and exploring environmental adaptations of this species. Both phenotypic and molecular genetic analyses indicated a strong genetic differentiation among geographic populations. All populations could be clustered into three groups that were consistent with their geography. Most of the needle traits showed significantly correlated with geography and environmental factors. Geographical isolation and environmental differences are the main factors that have shaped current morphological traits and patterns of genetic variation. We suggest conservation measures to be implemented on a population level with existing populations, especially those with rare phenotypes as the main goal. Our findings shed light on the geographic variation in Liushan and expanded the knowledge of its putative adaptive mechanisms, ultimately benefiting the conservation of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Photorespiration is an essential metabolic mechanism associated with photosynthesis; however, little is known about the photorespiratory pathway of conifer gymnosperms. Metabolite analyses of the leaves of 27 tree species showed that the mean glycerate content in conifer leaves was lower than that in angiosperm leaves. We performed experiments where [13C]‐serine was fed to detached shoots of a conifer (Cryptomeria japonica), via the transpiration stream, and compared the labeling patterns of photorespiratory metabolites with those of an angiosperm tree (Populus nigra), because glycerate is produced from serine via hydroxypyruvate in peroxisomes. In P. nigra, hydroxypyruvate, glycerate and glycine were labeled with 13C, whereas in C. japonica, glycolate and a non‐canonical photorespiratory metabolite, formate, were also labeled, suggesting that an H2O2‐mediated non‐enzymatic decarboxylation (NED) reaction occurs in C. japonica. We analyzed changes in the metabolite contents of leaves kept in the dark and leaves exposed to illuminated photorespiration‐promoting conditions: a positive relationship between formate and serine levels in C. japonica implied that the active C1‐metabolism pathway synthesizes serine from formate. Leaf gas exchange analyses revealed that CO2 produced through NED was recaptured by chloroplasts. Database analysis of the peroxisomal targeting signal motifs of an H2O2‐scavenging enzyme, catalase, derived from various species, including nine coniferous species, as well as analyses of peroxisomal fractions isolated from C. japonica and P. nigra leaves indicated that conifer peroxisomes had less catalase activity. These results suggest that NED and the subsequent C1 metabolism are involved in the photorespiratory pathway of conifer leaves, where peroxisomes have intrinsically low catalase activity. Significance Statement: Photorespiration is a crucial metabolism that has a significant impact on the net CO2 fixation rates and energy‐use efficiencies of plants. It is thought that the photorespiratory pathway is identical among tree species; however, this study demonstrates that conifer gymnosperms have a different photorespiratory mechanism than that of angiosperm trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, wood of Cryptomeria japonica D. Don (Japanese fir) was liquefied with phenol as a solvent. Phenol‐liquefied wood was mixed with formalin and spherical phenol‐formaldehyde resin (PF) beads were prepared by a two‐stage suspension polymerization reaction. The influence of the kind and dosage of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) on the particle size distribution, mechanical strength and thermal properties of spherical PF beads were investigated. The results show that PF beads prepared with partially saponified PVA as a granulating agent are smaller than 75 μm, while the PF beads prepared with fully saponified PVA have larger diameters. However, the average diameter of spherical PF beads decreased with the increase of PVA addition. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicates that the initial thermal degradation temperature of the PF beads is around 150°C, and the main weight loss occurs between 400 and 600°C. Among them, the PF beads with BF‐04 as the granulating agent have the best heat resistance, and have the highest char yield at 800°C. The Brunauer, Emmett and Teller surface adsorption shows that the internal structure of the carbonized spherical PF beads is microporous pores. Carbonized beads prepared with high PVA adding have large absorption volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, specimens were prepared from Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) with different thicknesses to determine the best hot-pressing conditions for wood compression layered structural materials (WCLS) through densification at various temperatures and compressing time conditions. However, residual stress-releasing after densification recovery can cause dimensional instability. To address this issue, the drying set method was combined with the compression-set recovery test to determine the best setting time. As a result, the bending strength and modulus of rupture (MOR) of WCLS increased by 9.98 ± 9.71 to 20.87 ± 13.09% and the modulus of elasticity (MOE) increased by 9.87 ± 11.92 to 22.40 ± 17.97%. The volumetric swelling coefficient (S), water absorption percent (WAP), and equivalent moisture content (EMC) decreased as the drying time increased. The anti-swelling efficiency (ASE) and moisture excluding efficiency (MEE) were found to be the highest at a drying time of 12 h, with values ranging from 13.20 ± 15.11 to 36.46 ± 6.83% and 15.18 ± 1.11 to 19.58 ± 8.31%, respectively. The drying method was found to be effective in increasing dimensional stability. The glass transition temperature (Tg) moved to a lower temperature as the compression-set increased, which was due to plasticization of wood caused by high temperature and pressure. The cell walls of WCLS presented viscous buckling, which provided effective dimensional stability. The thermal conductivity of Japanese cedar and each compression-set WCLS were 0.1863 ± 0.0071, 0.1520 ± 0.0147, 0.1817 ± 0.0106, and 0.1423 ± 0.0137 W/mK, respectively. The thermal conductivity of each WCLS increased with an increase in compression-set, but decreased by 10.67 to 22.52% compared to Japanese cedar. The total electricity energy consumption of each WCLS after 24 h of testing decreased with a trend of 30.50 ± 0.84, 29.83 ± 0.42, 29.57 ± 0.51, and 29.4 ± 0.36 kWH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to heavy rain such as typhoons, landslides and slope failures are caused, and driftwood occurs along with debris flows. Since the bark of driftwood peels off during flow, elucidating the bark peeling process will lead to the estimation of the source of driftwood. It is also considered to be useful for river management. There is a study of the past that examined the situation of the detachment using the branch. However, the scale of the driftwood model had a problem. It had a small real model for a scale. In this study, a driftwood model was created using the bark of grown cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and fixed in a waterway for peeling experiments. As a result, when fresh water and earth and sand were circulated, the bark peeling rate increased in the order of upstream side, side surface, and downstream side due to the collision of earth and sand. Furthermore, the separation rate on the riverbed side was higher than that on the water's surface side. In the case that only freshwater circulated, it was revealed that the fluid power did not influence the bark exfoliation. Observation of the progress of the exfoliation confirmed two cases, exfoliation produced by the friction with sand and lump of the bark exfoliates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The handling of lignin residues is a concern for the use of wood in biorefineries. This study proposes a new pathway for lignin residues that uses the structure of wood. Optimal phosphoric acid hydrolysis to remove polysaccharides was selected from the principal component analysis based on infrared spectra. Acid-hydrolyzed wood, the lignin residue, exhibited anisotropic shrinkage, but its anatomical structure was not fractured. The strength and modulus of the lignin residue varied with the compression direction, reflecting the anisotropic structure of the wood that was not fractured by acid hydrolysis. The density of the lignin residue initially decreased and then slightly increased during ten cycles of 5 wt% phosphoric acid hydrolysis at 180 °C for 1 h, resulting in minor recovery of the modulus and strength. Therefore, practical durability can be achieved by increasing the density of the lignin residue through densification or combination with other functional polymers. Thus, simpler top-down strategies are expected compared with the currently proposed bottom-up approach for lignin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) is an economically important coniferous tree in Japan. However, abundant sugi pollen grains are dispersed and transported by the wind each spring and cause a severe pollen allergy syndrome (Japanese cedar pollinosis). The use of pollen-free sugi that cannot produce pollen has been thought as a countermeasure to Japanese cedar pollinosis. The sugi CjACOS5 gene is an ortholog of Arabidopsis ACOS5 and rice OsACOS12, which encode an acyl-CoA synthetase that is involved in the synthesis of sporopollenin in pollen walls. To generate pollen-free sugi, we mutated CjACOS5 using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. As a result of sugi transformation mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens harboring the CjACOS5-targeted CRISPR/Cas9 vector, 1 bp-deleted homo biallelic mutant lines were obtained. Chimeric mutant lines harboring both mutant and wild-type CjACOS5 genes were also generated. The homo biallelic mutant lines had no-pollen in male strobili, whereas chimeric mutant lines had male strobili with or without pollen grains. Our results suggest that CjACOS5 is essential for the production of pollen in sugi and that its disruption is useful for the generation of pollen-free sugi. In addition to conventional transgenic technology, genome editing technology, including CRISPR/Cas9, can confer new traits on sugi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azorean Cryptomeria japonica is widely used for local wood production, generating large amounts of aerial-part biomass residues that can be a sustainable source of value-added bioproducts. This comparative study aimed (i) to determine the yield and chemical profile of the essential oils (EOs) extracted by hydrodistillation from Azorean C. japonica foliage, leaves, male cones (MCs), and female cones (FCs), and (ii) to investigate the antimicrobial and brine shrimp lethality (BSL) effects of the obtained EOs and some major components. The EOs yield revealed a wide range (ca. 1–3%, w/d.w.) and their chemical composition, analysed by GC–MS and GC–FID, showed the presence of seventy-one components. Monoterpene hydrocarbons (38–71%) dominated in all the studied EOs, mainly α-pinene (17–45% of total EOs), decreasing as follows: cone EOs > leaf EOs > foliage EOs. Oxygen-containing monoterpenes (mainly terpinen-4-ol) also dominated in cone EOs. Contrariwise, oxygen-containing sesquiterpenes (mainly elemol) and diterpene hydrocarbons (mainly phyllocladene) dominated in foliage/leaf EOs. The studied EOs exhibited activity against Gram-positive bacteria but no activity against Gram-negative bacteria. A similar trend was displayed by α-pinene. Only the cone EOs showed antifungal activity against Penicillium chrysogenum, but this was significantly lower than those of α-pinene and terpinen-4-ol. Moreover, FC EO should also be considered for further investigation due to its high toxicity on BSL bioassay. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the variability of yield, chemical profile, and bioactivities in the EOs from different parts of the Azorean C. japonica, expanding the knowledge of the potentialities of C. japonica aerial-part EOs, particularly the ones from the cone samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiocontaminated Cryptomeria japonica from Iitate village in Fukushima was analyzed in terms of the bark, sapwood and heartwood. Both 134Cs and 137Cs activities were confirmed in these wood components. The sum of 134Cs and 137Cs activities was the highest in the bark, the lowest in the sapwood and that of the heartwood in between. Although the holocellulose isolated from the bark was contaminated by 134Cs and 137Cs activities, these radiocesiums were not detected in the holocelluloses from sapwood and heartwood. Similar results were obtained for dioxane lignins isolated from sapwood and heartwood. An examination of the FTIR spectra of holocelluloses and dioxane lignins from the bark, sapwood and heartwood of C. japonica originated from radiocontaminated Iitate, and radiocontamination-free Fuji areas revealed that the structures of the constitutions of the former wood were not altered by the radiocontamination. Furthermore, the FTIR spectra of the outer bark and inner bark holocelluloses from the artifically 137Cs-impregnated Fuji tree were similar to those of the outer bark and inner bark holocelluloses of the radiocontaminated Iitate tree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the effectiveness of partial leaf removal for alleviating transplant shock and reducing the risk of stem tilting in large-rooted cuttings of container-grown sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) with high shoot:root ratios. Different intensities of leaf removal (0%, 25%, 50% and 75%) were applied to large sugi rooted cuttings immediately after outplanting, and the stomatal conductance (gs), growth, and degree of stem incline (DSI) during the first growing season were compared to short-rooted cuttings. The 75% removal treatment was associated with high gs values (ca. 1.7–3.0 times of the other treatments) in the early stage of plantation establishment indicating the alleviation of water stress; however, this advantage disappeared within three months after planting. The stems with lower defoliation rates (i.e., 0% and 25%) tended to have large DSI values (about twice those of the 50% and 75% treatments) at an early stage of plantation establishment; however, this effect had almost disappeared within three months. The change in the DSI values and the height-to-diameter ratio (H/D) demonstrated that stem tilting was closely related to a high stem slenderness. The results of the present study showed that the effect of leaf removal on the alleviation of transplant shock and stem tilting was limited. Conversely, both stem elongation and diameter growth tended to be delayed at higher defoliation rates (27%–38% declines in elongation rate and 69%–30% declines in diameter growth compared to the 0% leaf removal treatment, respectively) due to the loss of photosynthetic organs. The large initial H/D also decreased the elongation rate immediately after planting. We consider that it would be better to reduce the initial H/D at the production of the cuttings before outplanting, rather than reducing the risk of stem tilting by leaf removal at the time of outplanting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on the preparation of lignin-free wood sections maintaining the anatomical structure of Cryptomeria japonica by means of alcoholysis combined with sodium chlorite treatment. To determine the optimal alcoholysis conditions, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was combined with multivariate analysis, and the obtained results indicated that the alcoholysis reaction proceeded over three stages. In the first stage, lignin and hemicellulose are partially removed. In the second stage, hemicellulose and amorphous cellulose are degraded and humin is formed. In the third stage, crystalline cellulose is degraded, further promoting the formation of humin. Since it is difficult to completely remove lignin by alcoholysis alone, the wood sections were subsequently subjected to sodium chlorite treatment. As a result, lignin-free sections were produced without degradation of the woody anatomical structure. Furthermore, alcoholysis at 140 °C for 1 h coupled with sodium chlorite treatment for 1 h succeeded in producing sections composed of essentially hemicellulose-free cellulose. These achievements make this protocol potentially applicable as a substrate for artificial cell walls and for the development of novel functional filters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Odor environments in living spaces can influence human physiological and psychological states. To elucidate the effect of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of wood in living spaces on the modulations of cognitive processing, we built two experimental huts to simulate wooden construction living spaces. One hut was made of cedarwood (Cryptomeria japonica), and the other was made of resin. We used cedarwood and resin, because they are often used as construction materials in Japan. In both huts, we measured the participants’ first positivity in the early visual cortex (P1), the third positivity elicited by voluntary attention (P3b), and the automatic occipital negativity to infrequent visual stimuli in event-related potentials (ERPs), while they performed a visual discrimination task. The VOCs in both huts were measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The concentration of volatile sesquiterpenes was significantly increased in the cedarwood hut. Neither P1 nor P3b was affected by the cedarwood hut. Compared to the resin hut, we observed significantly larger occipital negativities to the infrequent stimuli in the cedarwood hut in the time windows of 280–300 ms at the mid-occipital region. These findings suggest that the increased concentration of volatile sesquiterpenes emitted from cedarwood facilitates the human brain’s response to changes in visual stimuli.

Cryptomeria japonica var. sinensis Miquel in south China is currently overwhelmingly infested by a native caterpillar species, Dendrolimus houi (Lepidoptera), which is causing severe economic losses and ecological disasters in both planted and natural forests. Our results include report of five parasitoid species and eight parasitoid flies within D. houi and a dominant endoparasitoid species Kriechbaumerella dendrolimi, which attacks pupae of D. houi with a high parasitism rate. This result might be helpful to improve better identification and application in the future for potential biological control of D. houi in the forests of east Asia.

Abstract Japanese cedar, Cryptomeria japonica, is an evergreen conifer native to Japan and is often used as a building material. The humidity control properties of wood are known, but there have been few detailed analyses of its effects on living organisms. Therefore, we investigated the effects of cedar water-soluble components on human macrophages, which are essential for maintaining biological homeostasis and innate immunity. In this study, we prepared aqueous extracts from Cryptomeria japonica in Yoshino, Nara prefecture (called as Yoshino cedar). Yoshino cedar aqueous extracts stimulated macrophages toward the classically activated phenotype and inhibited the macrophage phenotype thought to mediate allergic responses. Next, we measured the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentration in the Yoshino cedar aqueous extract and found it was present at a high concentration. The major receptor of LPS is Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). To confirm whether LPS in Yoshino cedar aqueous extracts activate macrophages through the LPS/TLR4 pathway, we analyzed its effects on TLR4-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) and wild-type (WT) MEF. TLR4-deficient MEF did not produce the proinflammatory cytokines seen in WT MEF. This result showed that LPS in the Yoshino cedar aqueous extracts activate macrophages via TLR4. This information will help us better understand the benefits of cedar for human health, including allergies.

Tree-ring cellulose oxygen isotopic ratios have been widely studied as a hydrological proxy in monsoonal Asia. There has been, however, little attempt to perform proxy assessment of the intra-annual isotopic data to reconstruct hydroclimate with higher temporal resolution. We presented new intra-annual cellulose oxygen isotopic records of Japanese cedar trees spanning A.D. 1918 to 2017, and validated it as a hydrological proxy by comparing with meteorological data. There are significant negative correlations between intra-annual isotopic ratios and summer precipitation/relative humidity, as similar to annual-resolution data of earlier studies. Notably on intra-annual scales, the period showing the highest correlation gradually shifted from May to August, in corresponding to the location within the annual ring. Principal component regression analyses show the regression was more accurate over a wider duration than single regression analysis using the annual data, therefore indicating that the subdivision of the annual ring could contribute to reconstruct higher-resolution hydroclimate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiocesium (137Cs) released in the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident is still cycling in the forest ecosystem. We examined the mobility of 137Cs in the external parts—leaves/needles, branches, and bark—of the two major tree species in Fukushima, Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and konara oak (Quercus serrata). This variable mobility will likely lead to spatial heterogeneity of 137Cs and difficulty in predicting its dynamics for decades. We conducted leaching experiments on these samples by using ultrapure water and ammonium acetate. In Japanese cedar, the 137Cs percentage leached from current-year needles was 26–45% (ultrapure water) and 27–60% (ammonium acetate)—similar to those from old needles and branches. In konara oak, the 137Cs percentage leached from leaves was 47–72% (ultrapure water) and 70–100% (ammonium acetate)—comparable to those from current-year and old branches. Relatively poor 137Cs mobility was observed in the outer bark of Japanese cedar and in organic layer samples from both species. Comparison of the results from corresponding parts revealed greater 137Cs mobility in konara oak than in Japanese cedar. We suggest that more active cycling of 137Cs occurs in konara oak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of trees, in addition to that of the soil, must be considered in CH4 budget for forests. Although trees can emit CH4 through their stems, there are uncertainties about the main factors that explain inter- and intraspecific variations, which impedes upscaling of measurements from the stem to the ecosystem level. This study aimed to characterize the variability in CH4 emissions ( F CH 4 ) from stems between species and individuals, and within individuals. We measured F CH 4 in situ during the snow-free period in five species in a temperate mountain forest, using individuals of different sizes and chambers at different heights along the stems. One coniferous species emitted almost no CH4, whereas four broadleaved species exhibited high intraspecific variability in F CH 4 (0–3.7 nmol m−2 s−1). Increasing trends in F CH 4 with tree diameter were observed for four species. The vertical patterns in F CH 4 were complex. Seasonal variations in F CH 4 , measured on two trees per species, were well explained by air temperature with apparent temperature sensitivity coefficients (Q10) between 1.2 and 2, which were not related to the antecedent precipitation indices, whether calculated over 7 or 30 days. Potential CH4 production was detected in wood core segments incubated under anoxic conditions in the majority of individual trees of all species. Our results suggest that the CH4 emitted by trunks can originate either from soil or internal sources. Scaling F CH 4 from trees at the stand level and developing process-based models of F CH 4 will remain challenging until the sources of variation are better explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japanese cedar (JC, Cryptomeria japonica) pollen allergens are the primary cause of JC pollinosis, a widespread seasonal allergic disorder and a significant public health issue in Japan. Nevertheless, rare information on repressing the pollen allergens released from JC pollen is available. This study aims to validate the repression of allergen Cry j 1 (the dominant JC pollen allergen that triggers JC pollinosis) using todomatsu oil produced from Abies sachalinensis waste, through surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and blind docking simulation. The findings revealed that todomatsu oil reduces the antibody reactivity and content of allergen Cry j 1 by 85.96% and 42.12%, respectively. The docking modeling suggested that alkyl hydrophobic forces, pi–sigma bonding, and hydrogen bonding are the principal motivating forces for todomatsu oil components to dock with allergen Cry j 1. More than 50% of the amino-acid residues docked by each todomatsu oil component (except α-pinene) are hydrophobic. Furthermore, oil components, especially β-maaliene, exhibited potent repression of allergen Cry j 1. Consequently, todomatsu oil, due to its inexpensive, available, convenient, and ecologically beneficial nature, is a viable measure to repress allergen Cry j 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Australia, Aschersonia mackerrasiae on whitefly, Cladosporium corticola on bark of Melaleuca quinquenervia, Penicillium nudgee from soil under Melaleuca quinquenervia, Pseudocercospora blackwoodiae on leaf spot of Persoonia falcata, and Pseudocercospora dalyelliae on leaf spot of Senna alata. Bolivia, Aspicilia lutzoniana on fully submersed siliceous schist in high-mountain streams, and Niesslia parviseta on the lower part and apothecial discs of Erioderma barbellatum on a twig. Brazil, Cyathus bonsai on decaying wood, Geastrum albofibrosum from moist soil with leaf litter, Laetiporus pratigiensis on a trunk of a living unknown hardwood tree species, and Scytalidium synnematicum on dead twigs of unidentified plant. Bulgaria, Amanita abscondita on sandy soil in a plantation of Quercus suber. Canada, Penicillium acericola on dead bark of Acer saccharum, and Penicillium corticola on dead bark of Acer saccharum. China, Colletotrichum qingyuanense on fruit lesion of Capsicum annuum. Denmark, Helminthosphaeria leptospora on corticioid Neohypochnicium cremicolor. Ecuador (Galapagos), Phaeosphaeria scalesiae on Scalesia sp. Finland, Inocybe jacobssonii on calcareous soils in dry forests and park habitats. France, Cortinarius rufomyrrheus on sandy soil under Pinus pinaster, and Periconia neominutissima on leaves of Poaceae. India, Coprinopsis fragilis on decaying bark of logs, Filoboletus keralensis on unidentified woody substrate, Penicillium sankaranii from soil, Physisporinus tamilnaduensis on the trunk of Azadirachta indica, and Poronia nagaraholensis on elephant dung. Iran, Neosetophoma fici on infected leaves of Ficus elastica. Israel, Cnidariophoma eilatica (incl. Cnidariophoma gen. nov.) from Stylophora pistillata. Italy, Lyophyllum obscurum on acidic soil. Namibia, Aureobasidium faidherbiae on dead leaf of Faidherbia albida, and Aureobasidium welwitschiae on dead leaves of Welwitschia mirabilis. Netherlands, Gaeumannomycella caricigena on dead culms of Carex elongata, Houtenomyces caricicola (incl. Houtenomyces gen. nov.) on culms of Carex disticha, Neodacampia ulmea (incl. Neodacampia gen. nov.) on branch of Ulmus laevis, Niesslia phragmiticola on dead standing culms of Phragmites australis, Pseudopyricularia caricicola on culms of Carex disticha, and Rhodoveronaea nieuwwulvenica on dead bamboo sticks. Norway, Arrhenia similis half-buried and moss-covered pieces of rotting wood in grass-grown path. Pakistan, Mallocybe ahmadii on soil. Poland, Beskidomyces laricis (incl. Beskidomyces gen. nov.) from resin of Larix decidua ssp. polonica, Lapidomyces epipinicola from sooty mould community on Pinus nigra, and Leptographium granulatum from a gallery of Dendroctonus micans on Picea abies. Portugal, Geoglossum azoricum on mossy areas of laurel forest areas planted with Cryptomeria japonica, and Lunasporangiospora lusitanica from a biofilm covering a biodeteriorated limestone wall. Qatar, Alternaria halotolerans from hypersaline sea water, and Alternaria qatarensis from water sample collected from hypersaline lagoon. South Africa, Alfaria thamnochorti on culm of Thamnochortus fraternus, Knufia aloeicola on Aloe gariepensis, Muriseptatomyces restionacearum (incl. Muriseptatomyces gen. nov.) on culms of Restionaceae, Neocladosporium arctotis on nest of cases of bag worm moths (Lepidoptera, Psychidae) on Arctotis auriculata, Neodevriesia scadoxi on leaves of Scadoxus puniceus, Paraloratospora schoenoplecti on stems of Schoenoplectus lacustris, Tulasnella epidendrea from the roots of Epidendrum × obrienianum, and Xenoidriella cinnamomi (incl. Xenoidriella gen. nov.) on leaf of Cinnamomum camphora. South Korea, Lemonniera fraxinea on decaying leaves of Fraxinus sp. from pond. Spain, Atheniella lauri on the bark of fallen trees of Laurus nobilis, Halocryptovalsa endophytica from surface-sterilised, asymptomatic roots of Salicornia patula, Inocybe amygdaliolens on soil in mixed forest, Inocybe pityusarum on calcareous soil in mixed forest, Inocybe roseobulbipes on acidic soils, Neonectria borealis from roots of Vitis berlandieri × Vitis rupestris, Sympoventuria eucalyptorum on leaves of Eucalyptus sp., and Tuber conchae from soil. Sweden, Inocybe bidumensis on calcareous soil. Thailand, Cordyceps sandindaengensis on Lepidoptera pupa, buried in soil, Ophiocordyceps kuchinaraiensis on Coleoptera larva, buried in soil, and Samsoniella winandae on Lepidoptera pupa, buried in soil. Taiwan region (China), Neophaeosphaeria livistonae on dead leaf of Livistona rotundifolia. Türkiye, Melanogaster anatolicus on clay loamy soils. UK, Basingstokeomyces allii (incl. Basingstokeomyces gen. nov.) on leaves of Allium schoenoprasum. Ukraine, Xenosphaeropsis corni on recently dead stem of Cornus alba. USA, Nothotrichosporon aquaticum (incl. Nothotrichosporon gen. nov.) from water, and Periconia philadelphiana from swab of coil surface. Morphological and culture characteristics for these new taxa are supported by DNA barcodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new genera and seven new species of eriophyoid mites from China are described and illustrated. They are Alveacaphyllisa clethragen. nov. & sp. nov. on Clethra barbinervis Sieb. et Zucc. (Clethraceae), Acaricalus liquidambarussp. nov. on Liquidambar formosana Hance (Altingiaceae), Abacarus dendrocalamussp. nov. on Dendrocalamus hamiltonii Nees et Arn. ex Munro (Poaceae), Tetra spinasp. nov. on Dalbergia hupeana Hance (Fabaceae), Paraepitrimerus rhododendrussp. nov. on Rhododendron delavayi Franch. (Ericaceae), Diabsentophyes saurauiagen. nov. & sp. nov. on Saurauia sp. (Actinidiaceae), Diptacus liquidambarussp. nov. on Liquidambar formosana Hance (Altingiaceae). In addition, images of the characteristics of five new record species are provided, they are: Setoptus semiornatumPye, 2011rec. nov. on Pinus sp. (Pinaceae), Calacarus capsicaChakrabarti & Mondal, 1979rec. nov. on Capsicum annuum Linn. (Solanaceae), Calepitrimerus glacialisKeifer, 1961rec. nov. on Cryptomeria japonica var. sinensis Miq., 1870 (Cupressaceae), Phyllocoptruta citricolaChakrabarti & Sarkar, 2011rec. nov. on Citrus maxima (Burm.) Osbeck (Rutaceae) and Diptilomiopus davisiKeifer, 1969rec. nov. on Macadamia ternifolia F. Muell. (Proteaceae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptomeria japonica var. sinensis is a fast-growing coniferous species that is widely planted in southern China for landscaping and timber production. Large-scale afforestation is frequently associated with alien provenance invasion and could increase the likelihood of intraspecific hybridization, with potentially significant positive or negative effects on local forests. This study is the first investigation of the genetic background of planted C. japonica var. sinensis forests across their distribution. A synthetic approach integrating population genetics and species distribution modelling was used to evaluate the genetic consequences of widespread plantations and predict the species' future distribution. We found comparable levels of genetic diversity in 11 planted populations and seven ancient tree populations. Plantations in the species' native range in eastern China were sourced from nearby native forests or ancient trees, so clear genetic structure has been retained in this region. In colonized regions, planted materials were mostly introduced from Zhejiang province, the best-preserved habitat of C. japonica var. sinensis in China. Overall, the species has low genetic diversity compared to its conspecies, C. japonica, in Japan. Fortunately, Maxent modelling indicated that suitable habitats for this species will expand to the northeast and southwest gradually during the next 50 years, indicating promising applications in afforestation under climate change. However, seed transfer zones for the species should be delineated quickly to guard against risks of genetic pattern disruption and adaptation loss. Finally, our results show that rapidly increasing plantation of this species has a negligible impact on ancient trees and highlights an urgent need to conserve remaining genetic resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]