A variance-covariance structure to take into account repeated measurements and heteroscedasticity in growth modeling

This study proposes a within-subject variance-covariance (VC) structure to take into account repeated measurements and heteroscedasticity in a context of growth modeling. The VC structure integrates a variance function and a continuous autoregressive covariance structure. It was tested on a nonlinear growth model parameterized with data from permanent sample plots. Using a stand-level approach, basal area growth was independently modeled for red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) and balsam fir [Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.] in mixed stands. For both species, the implementation of the VC structure significantly improved the maximum likelihood of the model. In both cases, it efficiently accounted for heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation, since the normalized residuals no longer exhibited departures from the assumptions of independent error terms with homogeneous variances. Moreover, compared with traditional nonlinear least squares (NLS) models, models parameterized with this VC structure may generate more accurate predictions when prior information is available. This case study demonstrates that the implementation of a VC structure may provide parameter estimates that are consistent with asymptotically unbiased variances in a context of nonlinear growth modeling using a stand-level approach. Since the variances are no longer biased, the hypothesis tests performed on the estimates are valid when the number of observations is large.     

Economic evaluation of forest drainage and fertilization in northern Ontario peatlands with an investment decision model

Drainage and fertilization of an existing peatland black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) stand and 24 possible methods of planting a clear-cut area near Cochrane, Ontario were evaluated by means of a recently developed forestry investment decision model, FIDME.Results indicate that, on the basis of the cost estimates used and assumptions made, drainage of the existing stand is the most economical treatment if it can reduce the rotation age by 30 years or more. Drainage combined with fertilization is the second best alternative if this treatment can reduce the rotation age by 40 years or more. Fertilization of the undrained site ranks a distant third, and then only if it reduces the rotation age by 10 years; otherwise, it will be uneconomical to apply.In the case of the clear-cut area, planting bare-root stock on a mechanically prepared but undrained site without weed control ranked first among the 24 alternatives considered; the same treatment, but with weed control included, ranked second. Planting containerized seedlings on a mechanically prepared but undrained site with weed control ranked third, followed by planting bare-root stock on a mechanically prepared and drained site with weed control. In contrast, planting containerized seedlings on an unprepared site and with no weed control ranked as the least cost-effective method considered.     

Height–diameter equations for boreal tree species in Ontario using a mixed-effects modeling approach

Height–diameter relationships based on stand characteristics (trees/ha, basal area, and dominant stand height) were investigated for balsam fir, balsam poplar, black spruce, jack pine, red pine, trembling aspen, white birch, and white spruce using data from permanent growth study plots in northern Ontario, Canada. Approximately half the data were used to estimate model parameters with the rest used for model evaluation. Multiple Chapman–Richards functions with parameters expressed in terms of various stand characteristics were fit to determine the best models for predicting height.     

Expression of Jagged2/Notch3 signaling molecules in pulmonary hypertensive rats induced by monocrotaline

AIM: To study the expression of Jagged2/Notch3 signaling molecules in pulmonary vascular wall of pulmonary hypertensive rats induced by monocrotaline. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group (C group,n=15), solvent control group (S group,n=15) and monocrotaline model groups (M group,n=15). The model of pulmonary hypertension was established by a single subcutaneous injection of monocrotaline (50 mg/kg). The rats in S group were given a single subcutaneous injection of the same dose of solvent. After 4 weeks, the pulmonary vascular remodeling was assessed by HE staining, and the mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) were determined by right heart catheterization. The expression of Jagged2/Notch3/Hes5 molecules in the pulmonary vascular wall was detected by immunohistochemical method and real-time PCR. RESULTS: Compared with S group and C group, the percentage of medial wall thickness of smaller arteries in model group increased significantly (P<0.01). The levels of mPAP and RVSP in M group were significantly higher than those in S group and C groups (P<0.01). The results of real-time PCR showed that the expression of Jagged2, Notch3 and Hes5 was significantly increased in M group compared with S group and C group. The data from immunohistochemical detection indicated that Jagged2 mainly expressed in the intima of small lung artery, Notch3 and Hes5 mainly expressed in the medial smooth muscle cells. Compared with S group and C group, the expression of Jagged2 and Notch3 was significantly increased in the lung small arteries of M group. CONCLUSION: The activation of Jagged2/Notch3 signaling pathway might play an important role in the formation of pulmonary hypertension.     

论一元立木材积模型的研建方法

对建立一元立木材积模型的两种常规方法进行了深入分析,提出了以树高—胸径模型为基础的二阶回归估计方法。利用该方法既可以提高模型切合性能,又能有效控制模型的拟合误差,并以西藏自治区的四旁树一元立木材积模型为例进行了说明。     

华北平原农灌咸淡水侵入界面渗透性变化机理研究

从研究应用背景、基础理论及模型、实验模拟等方面就微咸水灌溉过程,侵入界面土壤渗透性变化进行分析研究.以衡水典型研究区微咸水分布及水质矿化度分析数据为基础,应用地球化学模式PHREEQC,结合水敏性机理分析矿物迁移的存在形式及各种形式之间的转化关系.结果表明:含高价离子农灌微咸水加快粘土胶体颗粒絮凝沉降能力强于低价离子,...     

三维机械CAD系统中的参数化特征库技术

介绍了在三维机械CAD系统Solid Edge中，建立常用零件参数化特征库的技术以及参数化特征的使用方法，着重探讨了将驱动尺寸与变量表结合起来提高常用零件建模效率的技术。     

用例研究与应用综述

用例不仅成为软件需求获取中最为重要的技术,而且已经成为软件工程、软件开发方法学、软件体系结构等诸多研究领域的热点。本文从用例的实现、描述和形式化、重用和重构、粒度、用例应用于非功能性需求、跟踪性、用例的评审和检测、用例支持新型软件开发技术、用例支持工具的开发等九个方面回顾了近十年用例研究的状况,对用例研究的进展和涉及的应用领域进行了较系统地归纳,着重提出了用例有待深入研究和解决的问题。