bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A DMD based UV lithography method with improved dynamical modulation range for the fabrication of curved microstructures
Authors: Zhang Zhimin , Meng Qingwang , Luo Ningning
Published: April 2021

For the fabrication of curved microstructures, the fabrication fidelity is greatly affected by the nonlinear relationship between the gray levels of the digital micromirror device (DMD) and the exposure dose in DMD gray-scale lithography. In this study, a method is proposed for the high fidelity fabrication of curved microstructures using DMD based dynamical ultraviolet lithography. A target curved microstructure is mapped into multiple discretized exposure profiles to control DMD mirrors. By extracting the same rows in all the discretized exposure profiles and arranging all the extracted rows in sequence, binary frame images to be exposed are constructed and then combined into a dynamical digital mask. With the proposed method, the nonlinear modulation of the DMD in gray-scale lithography is replaced with a linear binary modulation; thus, the dynamical modulation range of the DMD has been improved. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the method by theoretically simulating and experimentally fabricating a curved microlens array, compared with DMD gray-scale lithography. The experimental results show that the fabrication deviation in the edge region of the fabricated curved microlens array has been effectively decreased. This method may have great potential for the precision and low-cost industrial production of curved microstructures.
Total-transmission and total-reflection of individual phonons in phononic crystal nanostructures
Authors: Jiang Pengfei , Ouyang Yulou , Ren Weijun , Yu Cuiqian , He Jia , Chen Jie
Published: April 2021

The control of thermal waves by the phononic crystal exhibits peculiar behaviors different from the particle picture of phonons and thus has attracted increasing interest. However, the wave nature of phonons is only indirectly reflected in most studies via the macroscopic thermal transport coefficient, such as thermal conductivity. In this work, we investigate directly the coherent interference effect in a graphene superlattice structure at the microscopic phonon mode level via wave-packet simulations. The constructive interference and destructive interference between the reflected phonons give rise to valleys and peaks in the transmission coefficient, respectively, leading to the periodic oscillation of the transmission function with the variation of the superlattice period length. More importantly, both total-transmission and total-reflection of individual phonons have been clearly demonstrated. The physical conditions for realizing the phonon interference have been proposed, which are quantitatively in good agreement with independent wave-packet simulations. Our study provides direct evidence for the coherent phonon interference effect, which might be helpful for the regulation of phonon transport based on its wave nature.
Sizeable bandgap modulation in Y2Hf2O7 pyrochlore oxide thin films through B-site substitution
Authors: Zhu M. , Liang X. , Yang B. B. , Zhu S. J. , Xie C. , Hu L. , Wei R. H. , Lu W. J. , Zhu X. B. , Sun Y. P.
Published: April 2021

The high-quality (111)-oriented pyrochlore oxide thin films Y2(Hf1-xIrx)2O7 (YHIO) were prepared by pulsed laser deposition. The bandgap values of Ir-substituted YHIO thin films for x = 0–0.5 range from 4.6 to 1.9 eV. Taking account of spin orbital coupling and correlation effect (U), the first-principles calculations based on density functional theory were used to intercept this variation. The theoretical results illustrate that the variation is attributed to the lower Ir 5d orbital in energy and stronger orbital hybridization between the oxygen 2p orbital and the Ir 5d orbital near the Fermi surface. These results suggest that we can widely modulate the bandgap through B-site chemical substitution based on the Y2Hf2O7 thin film.
Role of support in tuning the properties of single atom catalysts: Cu, Ag, Au, Ni, Pd, and Pt adsorption on SiO2/Ru, SiO2/Pt, and SiO2/Si ultrathin films
Authors: Das Tilak , Tosoni Sergio , Pacchioni Gianfranco
Published: April 2021

The role of the support in tuning the properties of transition metal (TM) atoms is studied by means of density functional theory calculations. We have considered the adsorption of Cu, Ag, Au, Ni, Pd, and Pt atoms on crystalline silica bilayers, either free-standing or supported on Ru(0001) and Pt(111) metal surfaces. These systems have been compared with an hydroxylated SiO2/Si(100) film simulating the native oxide formed on a silicon wafer. The properties of the TM atoms change significantly on the various supports. While the unsupported silica bilayer weakly binds some of the TM atoms studied, the SiO2/Ru(0001) or SiO2/Pt(111) supports exhibit enhanced reactivity, sometimes resulting in a net electron transfer with the formation of charged species. Differences in the behavior of SiO2/Ru(0001) and SiO2/Pt(111) are rationalized in terms of different work functions and metal/oxide interfacial distances. No electron transfer is observed on the SiO2/Si(100) films. Here, the presence of hydroxyl groups on the surface provides relatively strong binding sites for the TM atoms that can be stabilized by the interaction with one or two OH groups. The final aspect that has been investigated is the porosity of the silica bilayer, at variance with the dense SiO2/Si(100) film. Depending on the atomic size, some TM atoms can penetrate spontaneously through the six-membered silica rings and become stabilized in the pores of the bilayer or at the SiO2/metal interface. This study shows how very different chemical properties can be obtained by depositing the same TM atom on different silica supports.
Oxytocin alters leukogram composition in
Authors: Wagner B. K. , Martin D. G. , Rudd D. M. , Parker A. J.
Published: April 2021

Context Transportation, a common practice in cattle production, activates the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, ultimately increasing glucocorticoids and altering the cellular immune system in cattle. Oxytocin attenuates the HPA axis in mammals. Intra-nasal oxytocin supplementation has been investigated in human and rodent models, revealing anxiolytic effects. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of exogenous oxytocin to mitigate stress and inflammatory responses in transported cattle. Aims We hypothesised that Bos indicus cattle treated with intra-nasal oxytocin would demonstrate more stable cortisol and inflammatory responses when subjected to handling and 6 h of road transportation compared with cattle treated with intra-nasal saline. Methods Thirty, Bos indicus steers were allocated to one of three treatments: (1) intra-nasal sterile saline and held in the yard for 6 h (S-NT; n = 10), (2) intra-nasal sterile saline and transported for 6 h (S-T; n = 10), and (3) intra-nasal oxytocin (0.3 IU/kg bodyweight) and transported for 6 h (OXT-T; n = 10). Blood was collected at 0, 6, 48, and 72 h and analysed for haematological parameters, cortisol, glucose and lactate. Key results A treatment × time effect (P < 0.05) was detected for lymphocytes and basophils, such that oxytocin helped maintain baseline counts. A treatment × time effect was detected for neutrophils and eosinophils such that counts were greater and lesser, respectively, directly following transport (P < 0.01) for transported treatments. Total leukocyte counts were not different between treatments (P = 0.96). No differences were observed between treatments or over time for plasma cortisol concentration (P = 0.46). A treatment × time interaction (P < 0.03) was detected for bodyweight such that transportation, independent of intra-nasal treatment, resulted in increased weight loss compared with the non-transported treatment. Conclusion Oxytocin altered circulating basophils in Bos indicus cattle exposed to short-duration transport. Although no effect on the HPA axis was detected via changes in cortisol concentration, road transport induced some signs of an acute inflammatory response directly following transportation. Implications Providing exogenous oxytocin improved the maintenance and recovery of some cellular immune system parameters in Bos indicus steers subject to short duration transport and more research is needed to explicate a more comprehensive understanding of such effects.
Aquatic biodiversity enhances multiple nutritional benefits to humans
Authors: Bernhardt Joey R. , O’Connor Mary I.
Published: April 2021

Significance

Food security is not simply about maintaining yields, but it is also about the need for a stable supply of nutritionally diverse foods. Obtaining nutritious food is a major challenge facing humanity, and diverse aquatic ecosystems can help meet this goal. To test how aquatic biodiversity affects human health, we assembled a dataset of nutrients, contaminants, and ecological traits of 801 aquatic species. We used ecological models to quantify the role of species richness and ecological functional diversity and found that these biodiversity dimensions enhanced seafood micronutrient and fatty acid provisioning by the same mechanisms that link biodiversity to productivity in grasslands, forests, and other systems. Our results underscore the need to minimize aquatic biodiversity loss to sustain and improve human well-being.
Potential ecological impacts of climate intervention by reflecting sunlight to cool Earth
Authors: Zarnetske Phoebe L. , Gurevitch Jessica , Franklin Janet , Groffman Peter M. , Harrison Cheryl S. , Hellmann Jessica J. , Hoffman Forrest M. , Kothari Shan , Robock Alan , Tilmes Simone , Visioni Daniele , Wu Jin , Xia Lili , Yang Cheng-En
Published: April 2021

As the effects of anthropogenic climate change become more severe, several approaches for deliberate climate intervention to reduce or stabilize Earth’s surface temperature have been proposed. Solar radiation modification (SRM) is one potential approach to partially counteract anthropogenic warming by reflecting a small proportion of the incoming solar radiation to increase Earth’s albedo. While climate science research has focused on the predicted climate effects of SRM, almost no studies have investigated the impacts that SRM would have on ecological systems. The impacts and risks posed by SRM would vary by implementation scenario, anthropogenic climate effects, geographic region, and by ecosystem, community, population, and organism. Complex interactions among Earth’s climate system and living systems would further affect SRM impacts and risks. We focus here on stratospheric aerosol intervention (SAI), a well-studied and relatively feasible SRM scheme that is likely to have a large impact on Earth’s surface temperature. We outline current gaps in knowledge about both helpful and harmful predicted effects of SAI on ecological systems. Desired ecological outcomes might also inform development of future SAI implementation scenarios. In addition to filling these knowledge gaps, increased collaboration between ecologists and climate scientists would identify a common set of SAI research goals and improve the communication about potential SAI impacts and risks with the public. Without this collaboration, forecasts of SAI impacts will overlook potential effects on biodiversity and ecosystem services for humanity.
Impact of prenatal maternal cytokine exposure on sex differences in brain circuitry regulating stress in offspring 45 years later
Authors: Goldstein Jill M. , Cohen Justine E. , Mareckova Klara , Holsen Laura , Whitfield-Gabrieli Susan , Gilman Stephen E. , Buka Stephen L. , Hornig Mady
Published: April 2021

Significance

Clinical research and animal models have demonstrated a significant connection between maternal stress during pregnancy and sensitivity to stress in offspring, leading to increased susceptibility to neuropsychiatric disorders later in life. In a unique prenatal cohort that was followed for over four decades, we tested associations between pro- and anti-inflammatory markers in maternal prenatal sera and sex differences in neural responses to negative stress in the offspring in early midlife using functional MRI. Men and women exposed in utero to abnormal levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and to an imbalance of pro- to anti-inflammatory influences showed dysregulation of stress response circuitry 45 y later, with sex-dependent effects.
Confidence intervals for policy evaluation in adaptive experiments
Authors: Hadad Vitor , Hirshberg David A. , Zhan Ruohan , Wager Stefan , Athey Susan
Published: April 2021

Significance

Randomized controlled trials are central to the scientific process, but they can be costly. For example, a clinical trial may assign patients to treatments that are detrimental to them. Adaptive experimental designs, such as multiarmed bandit algorithms, reduce costs by increasing the probability of assigning promising treatments over the course of the experiment. However, because observations collected by these methods are dependent and their distribution is nonstationary, statistical inference can be challenging. We propose a treatment-effect estimator that has an asymptotically unbiased and normal test statistic under straightforward, relatively weak conditions on the adaptive design. This estimator generalizes for a variety of parameters of interest.
Modular complement assemblies for mitigating inflammatory conditions
Authors: Hainline Kelly M. , Shores Lucas S. , Votaw Nicole L. , Bernstein Zachary J. , Kelly Sean H. , Fries Chelsea N. , Madhira Marisha S. , Gilroy Caslin A. , Chilkoti Ashutosh , Collier Joel H.
Published: April 2021

Significance

Current treatments for chronic inflammatory conditions rely on biologic drugs, commonly monoclonal antibodies that interfere with inflammatory signaling pathways. These drugs have made enormous contributions to the treatment of inflammatory diseases but still possess considerable drawbacks, including high cost that limits access in low-resource settings, the requirement for regularly repeated injections, and uneven efficacy. As an alternative to such biologics, active immunotherapies, in which an individual is induced to generate their own therapeutic antibodies, offer considerable potential advantages. Here, we report chemically defined nanomaterials inducing therapeutic responses in two models of inflammation in mice. The materials were produced by coassembling defined T cell epitopes, B cell epitopes, and an engineered fragment of complement protein C3dg into defined nanomaterials.
Combat stress in a small-scale society suggests divergent evolutionary roots for posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms
Authors: Zefferman Matthew R. , Mathew Sarah
Published: April 2021

Significance

Did PTSD and combat stress evolve as a universal human response to danger? Or are they culturally specific? We addressed this question by interviewing 218 warriors from the Turkana, a non-Western small-scale society, who engage in high-risk lethal cattle raids. We found that symptoms that may have evolved to protect against danger, like flashbacks and startle response, were high in the Turkana and best predicted by combat exposure. However, symptoms that are similar to depression were lower in the Turkana compared to American service members and were better predicted by moral violations. These findings suggest different evolutionary roots for different symptoms which may lead to better diagnosis and treatment.
Accurate modeling of DNA conformational flexibility by a multivariate Ising model
Authors: Liebl Korbinian , Zacharias Martin
Published: April 2021

Significance

The deformability of DNA is strongly sequence-dependent. Accurate prediction of the deformability could be a major step for understanding indirect readout in numerous processes involving protein–DNA binding. At the base-pair level, DNA deformability is typically described by nearest-neighbor-coupled harmonic oscillators. However, DNA can also adopt different transiently stable substates that also depend on neighbors. We have developed a model that combines a harmonic coupled oscillator description with an Ising model to include also all possible substates of a DNA duplex. It gives not only an improved prediction of the equilibrium distribution of DNA helical variables, but also predicts indirect readout contributions to protein–DNA binding in better agreement with experiment than a unimodal harmonic model.
MrgprC11
+
sensory neurons mediate glabrous skin itch
Authors: Steele Haley R. , Xing Yanyan , Zhu Yuyan , Hilley Henry B. , Lawson Katy , Nho Yeseul , Niehoff Taylor , Han Liang
Published: April 2021

Significance

Chronic itch, associated with dermatologic or systemic diseases, is challenging to treat and significantly affects quality of life. In the past several decades, significant progress has been made to help us understand the mechanisms of itch. Due to the ease of application and analysis, all animal itch behavioral assays utilize pruritogens administered to the hairy skin. However, itch occurs to both hairy and hairless glabrous skin. Many medical conditions such as plantar and palmar psoriasis, dyshidrosis, and cholestasis mainly evoke itch in glabrous skin. We here present evidence demonstrating that distinct neuronal populations are responsible for mediating hairy and glabrous skin itch. This study advanced our understanding of itch and will have significant impact on the clinical treatment of itch.
Impacts of biodiversity and biodiversity loss on zoonotic diseases
Authors: Keesing Felicia , Ostfeld Richard S.
Published: April 2021

Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases of humans caused by pathogens that are shared between humans and other vertebrate animals. Previously, pristine natural areas with high biodiversity were seen as likely sources of new zoonotic pathogens, suggesting that biodiversity could have negative impacts on human health. At the same time, biodiversity has been recognized as potentially benefiting human health by reducing the transmission of some pathogens that have already established themselves in human populations. These apparently opposing effects of biodiversity in human health may now be reconcilable. Recent research demonstrates that some taxa are much more likely to be zoonotic hosts than others are, and that these animals often proliferate in human-dominated landscapes, increasing the likelihood of spillover. In less-disturbed areas, however, these zoonotic reservoir hosts are less abundant and nonreservoirs predominate. Thus, biodiversity loss appears to increase the risk of human exposure to both new and established zoonotic pathogens. This new synthesis of the effects of biodiversity on zoonotic diseases presents an opportunity to articulate the next generation of research questions that can inform management and policy. Future studies should focus on collecting and analyzing data on the diversity, abundance, and capacity to transmit of the taxa that actually share zoonotic pathogens with us. To predict and prevent future epidemics, researchers should also focus on how these metrics change in response to human impacts on the environment, and how human behaviors can mitigate these effects. Restoration of biodiversity is an important frontier in the management of zoonotic disease risk.
Mechanosensitive remodeling of the bacterial flagellar motor is independent of direction of rotation
Authors: Wadhwa Navish , Tu Yuhai , Berg Howard C.
Published: April 2021

Significance

Macromolecular machines carry out most of the biological functions in living organisms. Despite their significance, we do not yet understand the rules that govern the self-assembly of large multiprotein complexes. The bacterial flagellar motor tunes the assembly of its torque-generating stator complex with changes in external load. Here, we report that clockwise and counterclockwise rotating motors have identical remodeling responses to changes in the external load, suggesting a purely mechanical mechanism for this regulation. Autonomous control of self-assembly may be a general strategy for tuning the functional output of protein complexes. The flagellar motor is a prime example of a macromolecular machine in which the functional regulation of assembly can be rigorously studied.
Capture and metabolomic analysis of the human endometrial epithelial organoid secretome
Authors: Simintiras Constantine A. , Dhakal Pramod , Ranjit Chaman , Fitzgerald Harriet C. , Balboula Ahmed Z. , Spencer Thomas E.
Published: April 2021

Significance

The ability to robustly isolate intraorganoid fluid in a high-throughput capacity, using human endometrial epithelia as a model, circumvents several constraints typically associated with obtaining biological fluids, both in vivo and in vitro. This approach also allows for direct tandem genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and functional metabolomics. In addition to enhancing our understanding of uterine fluid composition regulation, this innovation is directly and readily transferrable to wider fields of cell and organoid biology, with implications for personalized, or precision, medicine approach development.
Tourism's beneficial nature: increasing tourism's capacity to enhance conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand's protected areas.
Authors: Abbott Mick , Boyle Cameron , Lee Woody
Published: April 2021

This chapter aims to problematize the notion that tourism and conservation are opposed to one another, by interrogating the expression of this in New Zealand's legislation which clearly states that tourism is allowed in the country's protected areas so long as it is 'not inconsistent' with the conservation of such sites. The central question guiding this chapter is how might novel nature-based experiences in New Zealand's protected areas enable a form of tourism which is not only consistent with, but also strengthens, conservation at these sites? In response to this question, three landscape design projects located at different national parks in Te Wai Pounamu, New Zealand's South Island, are examined. These individual case studies have intentionally sought, through the use of design-directed research, to explore ways in which protected areas as key sites in the nature-tourism interface could be reimagined.
Gerwasia rubi.
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: April 2021

There is little published information on this plant pathogenic fungus, which is limited to parts of Asia, Mexico and the Philippines. It attacks Rubus spp. and as these hosts exist in other regions of the world with similar environmental conditions, this species may pose a threat to native or agricultural plants if introduced.
Gymnosporangium miyabei.
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: April 2021

G. miyabei is considered to be endemic to Japan. Although there is one report from Korea (Hiratsuka, 1940), it has not been found in that country since then.
Hamaspora australis.
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: April 2021

There is little published information on this plant pathogenic fungus, which has limited geographic distribution. All host species of H. australis only occur in New Zealand.
Kuehneola loeseneriana.
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: April 2021

There is little published information on this plant pathogenic fungus, which is limited to parts of North, Central and South America. It infects Rubus spp., which exist in other regions of the world with similar environmental conditions, therefore this species may pose a threat to native or agricultural plants if introduced.
Mainsia rubi.
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: April 2021

There is little published information on this plant pathogenic fungus, which has a limited geographic distribution. As hosts exist in other regions of the world with similar environmental conditions, this species may pose a threat to native or agricultural plants if introduced.
Phragmidium arisanense.
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: April 2021

There is little published information on this plant pathogenic fungus, which is limited to Shaanxi, China and Taiwan. It infects Rubus spp., which exist in other regions of the world with similar environmental conditions, therefore this species may pose a threat to native or agricultural plants if introduced.
Claviceps gigantea (horse's tooth).
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: April 2021

This pathogen only occurs in certain high humid valleys of Mexico and is apparently not adapted to surrounding drier areas where maize [Zea mays] is certainly grown. Its host range and environmental tolerances have not been determined, so that the risk that would result from an introduction to distant regions cannot be known. Human mistakes, such as the transport of contaminated maize seed, would be the most likely means by which it could bypass ecological and geographic barriers to reach other humid parts of the world, where it might be a problem on maize. In Mexico, it can reduce yield of a maize ear by 50% (Fucikovsky and Moreno, 1971), so preventing its spread is a serious consideration.
Dreyfusia nordmannianae (silver fir adelges).
Authors:   Australia, CRCNPB Australia
Published: April 2021

Several conifer aphids of the family Adelgidae were probably introduced on nursery stock from Asia to Europe in the nineteenth century on imported fir (Abies spp.) and most of them were unknown before reaching Europe (Kenis et al., 2007). D. nordmannianae was introduced in Europe in the 1840s on imported Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana) and moved onto a new host, the European silver fir, Abies alba, where it has since caused important damage on young silver fir trees and Nordmann fir plantations (Bejer, 1981; Nierhaus-Wunderwald and Forster, 1999; Kenis et al., 2007).
Pilosella aurantiaca (orange hawkweed).
Authors: Cortat Ghislaine , Grosskopf Gitta
Published: April 2021

P. aurantiaca is a perennial herb which has spread rapidly in North America after its introduction as an ornamental and/or the contamination of pasture seeds from its native range in Europe. Although it is known to be a noxious weed elsewhere, it continues to be available as a garden ornamental and is therefore likely to spread further. It is an undesirable invader on account of its competitiveness, prolific seed production and vigorous vegetative growth leading to a drastic change in vegetation, loss in forage for stock, and loss of biodiversity. All Hieracium/Pilosella species are prohibited entry to Australia and New Zealand, and in the USA, P. aurantiaca is a declared weed in Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota and Washington.
Phakopsora meibomiae (soybean rust).
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: April 2021

P. meibomiae is a rust native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas that has a broad host range among legume species. It infects soyabean (Glycine max), but is less aggressive on that host than the Asian soyabean rust species, Phakopsora pachyrhizi, which has invaded and spread widely throughout the Americas. Due to the fact that the American species has not caused epidemics on soyabean in South America or invaded North America, it can be considered to be much less invasive than the Asian species. Given its broad host range, the possibility exists that strains of P. meibomiae could be a threat to other legumes cultivated in warm parts of the world.
Alternaria triticina (leaf blight of wheat).
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: April 2021

A. triticina is one of several species in the genus that have been isolated from wheat leaves; it is demonstrated to be pathogenic, whereas others appear to be primarily saprophytes. The leaf blight disease it causes has been a serious problem on susceptible cultivars of durum [Triticum turgidum subsp. durum] and bread wheat [Triticum aestivum] in India. The species has been reported from other hosts and other countries on several continents, but recent taxonomic examinations (Mercado Vergnes et al., 2006; Simmons, 2007) have only supported its presence in southern and southwestern Asia. Nevertheless, it is definitely seedborne, so that the possibility of accidental introduction by that means is a threat for growers using imported seed.
Pueraria phaseoloides (tropical kudzu).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro
Published: April 2021

P. phaseoloides is a vigorous fast-growing vine included in the Global Compendium of Weeds (Randall, 2012) and listed as one of the most aggressive weeds invading moist habitats in tropical and subtropical regions (USDA-ARS, 2012). It spreads by seeds and by runners (i.e., stolons) which are structures that enable plants to multiply rapidly and colonize entire forests very fast. This species has been extensively introduced in tropical and subtropical region of the world to be used as forage for livestock, to control soil erosion, and as a soil improvement species (Skerman et al., 1991; Cook et al., 2005). P. phaseoloides has the potential to degrade other plants by smothering them under a solid blanket of leaves, by girdling woody stems and tree trunks, and by breaking branches or uprooting entire trees and shrubs by the strength of its weight. Currently, this species is classified as a "noxious weed" in the United States (USDA-NRCS,2012) and as an invasive species in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Puerto Rico and Pacific Islands including Hawaii, Fiji, French Polynesia, Niue and New Caledonia (Soria et al., 2002; Acevedo-Rodríguez and Strong, 2012; Chacón and Saborio, 2012; PIER, 2012).
Pileolaria terebinthi.
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: April 2021

P. terebinthi is an autoecious rust, completing all stages of its life cycle on trees in the genus Pistacia. It occurs on native species from the western Mediterranean to mainland China and northwestern India, but has not been reported from native species or the introduced pistachio tree in North America. Introduction to other pistachio-growing areas has not occurred. The importation of infected trees or cuttings would facilitate this. No evidence exists that the commercially-traded nuts could carry the pathogen from infected fruit. Locally, the fungus is distributed by windborne basidiospores, aeciospores, urediniospores and fallen leaves bearing teliospores.
Ciborinia allii (neck rot of onion).
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: April 2021

C. allii is associated with the same serious neck-rot disease of onion as Botrytis allii. In general, B. allii is considered to be the more important of the two (Presly, 1985; Stewart and Franicevic, 1994; Lacy and Lorbeer, 1995). Losses of up to 50% have been reported due to neck rot of onions in storage (Kritzman and Netzer, 1978).
Cananga odorata (ylang-ylang).
Authors: Datiles Marianne Jennifer
Published: April 2021

Cananga odorata is known as the perfume tree or ylang-ylang, and the flowers (also leaves and fruits) yield an important essential oil widely used in perfume manufacture. The essential oil also has a wide range of medicinal uses. Cananga odorata can grow to a height of about 30 m with a straight stem and drooping, brittle branches, but when grown for perfume extraction it is normally not more than 3 m high. The tree is native to Southeast Asia, however, it has been widely planted, mainly in home gardens, as an ornamental, multipurpose species. It is found naturalized or planted in many tropical and subtropical areas of the World (particularly as an occasional species in fallow forests, open forests and along forest margins), including China, Taiwan and many of the Pacific Islands. The timber is used locally for construction purposes, for canoes, and occasionally for fuelwood. The species is also known to be sold and used for folk medicine. Medicinal uses include treatment of boils, as a carminative, for treatment of cephalgia, diarrhoea, gout, malaria, eye problems, rheumatism and as an emmenagogue (Duke, 2014).
Cassia grandis (pink shower).
Authors: Datiles Marianne Jennifer , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro
Published: April 2021

C. grandis is an element of lowland and riparian, semideciduous forests, occurring naturally from Mexico to South America. The species is usually 10-15 m high, and is very ornamental, especially due to its pink flowers which appear when the tree is partially defoliate and cover the entire crown. It is used in landscape design and urban arborization in tropical America, although in some cases its use is restricted due to the size of its fruits, which can reach 40-60 cm long. The species is recommended for live fences and revegetation in gallery forests in periodically flooded areas, but it is also adapted to a more or less pronounced dry season. C. grandis can be planted under direct sunlight in mixed tree systems, in fertile soils. The species has agroforestry potential for dry zones, especially in Central America, and is recommended for arborization of perennial crops and pastures, the fruits are highly appreciated by the cattle. C. grandis requires periodical pruning, however this may cause early decay and rot. The wood is used in construction, especially for carpentry, joinery, flooring, posts, beams, also for rustic furniture, tool handles, small bridges and boats. It is considered good for charcoal and fuelwood, and inadequate for cellulose and paper. In Central America, especially in Costa Rica, the membrane which surrounds the seeds is used as a substitute for chocolate, and is also used in many countries due to its medicinal properties. Researches have shown that extracts from this plant exhibit activity against the most common dermatophytes.
Cassia javanica (pink shower).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro
Published: April 2021

C. javanica is an attractive small tree with widely spreading branches and showy, bright-pink blossoms. It is native to South-East Asia and is widely planted throughout the tropics as an ornamental and roadside tree, and has become naturalized in numerous tropical countries. C. javanica is very polymorphic and several subspecies have been distinguished. This is the only Cassia species with valuable timber. The wood is used for general construction, furniture and cabinet making. It is a leguminous species, fairly drought tolerant and coppices vigorously. The tree also has promise for the tannin industry. Due to the species' considerable potential, further research into its silvicultural management is warranted.
Cinnamomum verum (cinnamon).
Authors: Pasiecznik Nick
Published: April 2021

C. verum (cinnamon), formerly known as C. zeylanicum, is a small tree up to 18 m tall with a diameter at breast height of 60 cm. It grows naturally in forests in Sri Lanka and the western Ghats of South India and is now under cultivation in many parts of the world, including the Secheylles, Java, Brazil and Jamaica. The best cinnamon bark is still produced in Sri Lanka, the main producer and exporter of cinnamon. In its natural habitat this species is found growing from the lowlands up to an altitude of 700 m. C. verum is a hardy species which tolerates a wide range of tropical soils.
Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn).
Authors: Pasiecznik Nick
Published: April 2021

C. monogyna is a widely distributed (Meusel et al., 1965), thorny shrub or small tree (up to 10 m high). It is an exceptionally variable species in all its morphological features, particularly in size and shape of leaves, resulting in a high number of forms described from various parts of its range (Browicz, 1986). Common hawthorn is native to most of Europe (excluding its northeastern part) and to some places on the Mediterranean seashore. In Asia it grows naturally in Anatolia (excluding the central and northeastern regions), in northwestern Caucasus, northeastern Iraq, northern Iran, western Syria, Lebanon and northern Israel (Boratynski, 1986). C. monogyna is generally regarded as lowland species, however it has been reported from Cyprus at 1525 m in altitude, Albania and Lebanon (1600 m), Macedonia (1630 m), Greece (1650 m) and Anatolia (up to 2200 m in altitude).
Calotropis procera (apple of sodom).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro
Published: April 2021

C. procera is a fleshy evergreen shrub about 1.8-5.5 m tall, with a diameter at breast height of 15-20 cm (von Maydell, 1986). The flowers are pale green to white, with purple tips. A fibre obtained from the bark is used to make lines, bow-strings and twine; it can also be spun with cotton, or used to stuff mattresses and pillows. The fibre is strengthened by soaking in water for 1-2 days, but extensive soaking may reduce durability. The wood is of small dimensions and is too light for most uses. C. procera produces a distinctive white latex, which contains cardiotoxins and hydrocarbons with many medicinal and pesticidal properties. C. procera has been widely planted for fibre production and has become naturalized on the American and Australian continents. It is often abundant on degraded areas and is an indicator of overgrazing. C. procera is a widespread pioneer in semi-desert grassland and bushland (e.g. in Africa), and it also colonizes shifting sand-dunes such as in Rajasthan, India. However, due to its properties as a pioneer, there is a risk that this species may become a weed. More research is needed on C. procera to maximize production and marketing of its many potential products.
Dendrocalamus strictus (male bamboo).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa
Published: April 2021

D. strictus occurs widely in drier deciduous and semi-deciduous forest throughout the plains and lowest hills of India and Burma. Managed on a large scale and widely planted, it is a major resource for paper pulp and board products.
Delonix regia (flamboyant).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro
Published: April 2021

D. regia, with showy red flowers, is primarily planted as an ornamental tree throughout the tropics.
Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian blue gum).
Authors: Praciak Andrew
Published: April 2021

Eucalyptus globulus varies from a multi-stemmed shrub on exposed sites to a very tall forest tree, 70-80 m tall, with a large open crown or a medium-sized woodland tree to 20 m. Although found mainly in Tasmania, it also occurs in southern Victoria. The wood is strong and moderately durable and is used for light and heavy construction and regarded as being excellent for cellulose and paper manufacture. It is slightly to moderately salt-tolerant (Marcar et al., 1995). Production from plantation-grown trees is mainly for pulpwood, but also for other timber products. It is an important plantation species in Australia and has experienced outstanding success as an exotic in many countries, with over 1 million ha of plantations established (Eldridge et al., 1993). The species is grown extensively on the Iberian Peninsula, Yunnan province in China and in Chile, for timber, pulp and oil production. The essential oil of E. globulus has dominated the market for cineole-rich oils since soon after the inception of the industry in 1852 (Doran and Saunders, 1993).
Flemingia macrophylla (large leaf flemingia).
Authors: Pasiecznik Nick
Published: April 2021

F. macrophylla is a multipurpose tree and is used in hedges, shelterbelts, as a shade crop and in alley cropping. This species produces mulch, fodder, fuel wood and a dye. Its nitrogen fixing ability results in soil improvement, and the extensive root system aid soil conservation. The roots of this species are used as a tonic in China, and as an external application to ulcers or swellings in India. In China and India, F. macrophylla is important as a host plant for lac insects. Since 1978, 3000 hectares of lac stands have been planted in southern Yunnan, China (Chen et al., 1993).
Albizia chinensis (Chinese albizia).
Authors: Pasiecznik Nick
Published: April 2021

A. chinensis is a multipurpose, fast-growing, large deciduous tree up to 30 m tall and 100 cm diameter. It has a very wide natural distribution in India, China and South-East Asia and is cultivated in many other tropical countries, particularly in Malesia and Africa. It prefers moist, well-drained sites and is sensitive to drought. It will tolerate only light frosts. This species has been extensively planted in the tea estates in Assam for shade, slope stabilization and for improving soil fertility.
Albizia lebbeck (Indian siris).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa , Datiles Marianne Jennifer , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro
Published: April 2021

A. lebbeck is a medium to fast-growing, drought-tolerant, nitrogen-fixing tree, widely introduced and now found throughout the tropics. It is adapted to a variety of climates from semi-arid to humid regions, and can tolerate saline, alkaline and marginal soils. It is a valuable and versatile tree producing small timber, fuel and fodder, and commonly used as an ornamental and shelter tree. While commonly grown in plantations, it is also promoted as an agroforestry species, especially in dryland silvopastoral systems.
Pinus elliottii (slash pine).
Authors: Praciak Andrew
Published: April 2021

P. elliottii var. elliottii is an important timber species native to the lower coastal plain within the southeastern USA. Because of its rapid early growth and its production of highly valuable wood products, it has been widely introduced into other countries. As an exotic, it is used in Africa, especially in southern Africa, and in Australia and South America for various products ranging from lumber to pulpwood. In Brazil, it makes an important contribution to the resin production industry. The preferred method of regenerating P. elliottii is by clearcutting followed by chemical or mechanical site preparation, then direct seeding or planting of nursery stock. Although natural regeneration by seedtree, shelterwood, or group selection is an option, availability of genetically superior stock usually makes planting the favoured method of regeneration. Rotation lengths vary according to product objective. The optimum pulpwood rotation is about 25 years. In unthinned plantations, this age increases to 30 from 23 years as density increases and site index declines. South Florida slash pine (P. elliottii var. densa) is characterized by a grasslike, almost stemless stage, that lasts for 2 to 6 years. Variety densa has a small range, a less desirable tree form than var. elliottii, and is more difficult to regenerate. P. elliottii is particularly susceptible to fusiform rust (caused by Cronartium fusiforme) and is frequently attacked by the southern pine bark beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis). The best protection against insect attack is to maintain vigorous, healthy stands through good forest management. The wood is used for a wide variety of products. Markets and size and quality of the material determine whether it is used for sawlogs, veneer logs, poles, pilings, posts, pulpwood, particle board, or chip-n-saw logs. The straightness of the bole makes P. elliottii particularly suited for poles, pilings, and solid-wood products. Although it may often grow more slowly than P. patula and P. taeda, it can produce higher pulpwood yields due to its higher wood density. P. elliottii yields the best quality and highest quantity of commercial turpentine of all American pitch pines (Streets, 1962). However, this use has declined significantly as other sources of resins have become more readily available.
Prunus serotina (black cherry).
Authors: Terwei André
Published: April 2021

P. serotina is a deciduous, single-stemmed tree, often medium- to large-sized, up 38 m in height and over 1.2 m or more in dbh in its native range in the eastern USA, though south-western varieties are much smaller. However, where introduced in Central Europe, P. serotina is mostly a shrub, only rarely a tree up to 20 m in height. Black cherry was among the first American trees to be cultivated as an ornamental in European gardens, introduced to England in 1629. In many places it has become naturalized and appears to be highly invasive. The invasive behaviour of this species in several northern and central European countries should be taken into account when considering future introductions to moist, temperate climates.
Pterocarpus indicus (red sandalwood).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa
Published: April 2021

P. indicus, known as smooth narra or narra, produces a high-quality timber, which is used in both structural work and for fine furniture, decorative flooring, cabinet work and musical instruments (Soerianegara and Lemmens, 1993). It is a rapidly-dwindling natural resource because the wood is so highly prized, and because the tree supplies many other products. It exudes a gum or resin, called 'kino' or 'sangre de drago' (dragon's blood), which is a powerful astringent, and the boiled shredded bark is used for tanning as well as for medicinal preparations. It can be planted as a species for agroforestry, reforestation, as an ornamental and avenue tree. A possible disadvantage of the species is that it is relatively slow-growing, which discourages tree farmers from propagating the species on a commercial scale. Research aimed at identifying provenances with faster growth rates and greater yields is desired.
Schinus terebinthifolius (Brazilian pepper tree).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro , Pasiecznik Nick
Published: April 2021

S. terebinthifolia is a small tree, 3-10 m tall (occasionally up to 15 m) and 10-30 cm diameter (occasionally up to 60 cm). It is native to Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, generally colonizing open areas, and is particularly found on forest borders and river margins. The tree has an attractive appearance and was introduced to many countries in Europe, Central America, the West Indies, and to the USA, as an ornamental and street tree. It has become an aggressive woody weed, displacing native vegetation as well as rapidly invading disturbed sites. It may also cause allergies in sensitive people even without direct contact with the leaves and fruits. It has a high ecological plasticity, a short life cycle and very rapid growth, and its fruits are eaten by birds (Hasui and Hofling, 1998) and other animals; it is therefore recommended as a wildlife food plant and for the restoration of degraded areas and especially gallery forests. The tree is also used in hedges. It is used to stabilize dunes on the Brazilian Atlantic coast. The Brazilian pepper-tree, as S. terebinthifolia is commonly known, does not have significant commercial value in Brazil, being used for posts, fuelwood and charcoal, and as a source of tannins and resins (Baggio, 1988), but the fruits are highly appreciated as a condiment in Europe, where they are used as a substitute for black pepper (Piper nigrum) (Laca-Buendia et al., 1992). S. terebinthifolia is well known for its medicinal characteristics and produces good quality fodder, especially for goats, but it must be used carefully because of the toxicity of some of the plant parts. Essential oils extracted from the seeds of S. terebinthifolia have pesticidal activity against the housefly, Musca domestica. Its antimicrobial properties have also been investigated (Martinez et al., 1996).
Syzygium grande (sea apple).
Authors: Datiles Marianne Jennifer
Published: April 2021

S. grande is a moderately fast growing tree (up to 30 m tall) with natural populations in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand. It is planted in hill forests in Bangladesh. It has good timber for poles, railway sleepers and carriage bodies. The mature trees tolerate fire and have been used in fire-breaks in Malaysia. It has a good regeneration capacity. There are about 70 fruits per kilogram (110-115 seeds per kilogram). Seed viability is short (15-25 days). About 60-70% of seeds germinate after direct sowing. In nurseries, seed germination can increase to 75-80% when raised in polybags. It coppices well when young, but coppicing ability declines with age. It can also be propagated vegetatively through grafting and air-layering. The Bangladesh Forest Research Institute (BFRI) has selected Provisional Plus Trees, established clonal orchards and identified seed production areas for tree improvement. At 45 years rotation the MAI recorded from Bangladesh is 5.4 cubic metres per hectare. More research is needed on its genetic variation and assessment of different provenances.