bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enigmatic Ectopic Fat: Prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Pancreas Disease and Its Associated Factors in a Chinese Population
Authors: Wang Chih‐Yuan , Ou Horng‐Yih , Chen Ming‐Fong , Chang Tien‐Chun , Chang Chih‐Jen
Published: February 2014

Background

Fatty infiltration of the pancreas is an enigmatic manifestation of ectopic fat deposition in obesity. Studies have shown that pancreatic lipid accumulation interferes with insulin secretion in humans. However, the prevalence of fatty pancreas and its associated factors in the general population remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of fatty pancreas and its association with diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (
NAFLD
), and cardiometabolic risk factors in a Chinese population.

Methods and Results

This was a cross‐sectional study. A total of 8097 subjects with or without fatty pancreas (n=1297 and 6800, respectively) were recruited. Each subject was assessed by using abdominal sonography to diagnose
NAFLD
and fatty pancreas. Clinical and metabolic parameters were compared between groups, and their associations with fatty pancreas were examined. The prevalence of fatty pancreas was 16%. The fatty pancreas group had a significantly greater proportion of subjects with diabetes (12.6% versus 5.2%) and
NAFLD
(67.2% versus 35.1%) than did the non–fatty pancreas group (
P
<0.001). In the logistic regression analysis, age (
P
<0.001), general or central obesity (
P
<0.001), diabetes (
P
<0.001), and
NAFLD
(
P
<0.001) were independently associated with fatty pancreas after adjustment for sex, lipid profile, alanine transaminase/aspartate transaminase ratio, hypertension, smoking, alcohol drinking, and exercise.

Conclusions

The prevalence of fatty pancreas is high in the general population. Both diabetes and
NAFLD
are important associated factors of fatty pancreas, independent of age, sex, adiposity, and other cardiometabolic risk factors.
Norms Matter! The Role of International Norms in EU Policies on Asylum and Immigration
Authors: Roos Christof , Zaun Natascha
Published: February 2014

Abstract

This Article investigates how international norms impact on eu asylum and immigration policy. To this end we scrutinize the assumption that the robustness of international norms indicates the quality of eu integration. Drawing on international norms literature we argue that four characters define an international norms’ robustness: specificity in definition, binding force, coherence with domestic law and international law, and concordant understanding among actors. Our analysis covers three eu policy areas, asylum policy, family reunification policy, and labour migration policy. Across the three areas international norms had varying degrees of robustness at the time of eu negotiations. The findings show that presence and robustness of international norms on asylum or immigration regulation are reflected in eu legislation. Given that there are more robust norms available on questions of status than on reception conditions or asylum procedures, the qualification directive was much easier to agree on than the reception conditions or the asylum procedures directive which were much more characterized by hard bargaining. The international norm, right to family life, was sufficiently robust and was codified in eu law. However, both the international norm and the eu law do not provide for clear admission criteria. On labour migration, robust international norms with regard to equality provisions for migrant workers are mirrored in eu legislation on residence rights of migrants. With regard to conditions of admission, the absence of international norms indicates little to no eu legislation.
Channelled Policy Transfers: EU-Tunisia Interactions on Migration Matters
Authors: Cassarino Jean-Pierre
Published: February 2014

Abstract

This study analyses how the migration policy options of the Government of Tunisia have been codified by repeated interactions with the European Union (eu) and its Member States. It argues that these interactions have been shaped by the gradual consolidation of a hierarchy of priorities where the drive for operability and security predominates. A hierarchy of priorities delineates the contours of the perceived top priorities that should be tackled first and foremost, while hiding or dismissing others. Having historicized the origins of this hierarchy, the study sets out to show that the prioritization of security concerns in bilateral and multilateral migration talks allowed the leadership of former President Ben Ali to skilfully readjust or channel transferred rules and policies on migration matters with a view to strengthening its own domination. This had serious implications for human rights observance in Tunisia. Today, after (or despite) the radical transformations that took place in Tunisia in early 2011, the same hierarchy of priorities continues to exist. However, its resilience may raise a host of complicated issues, given the empowered advocacy role of civil society organizations and the manifest alertness of Tunisian population.
Greek Testament, Aramaic Targums, and Questions of Comparison
Authors: Chilton Bruce
Published: February 2014

‭Two unsupported assumptions have hampered comparison of the Targumim with the New Testament. One assumption presumes the Targumim are pre-Christian; the other presumes that they are too late to be of relevance to exegesis of the New Testament. The history of discussion shows that, in alternating cycles, these views have posed obstacles to critical comparison. Analogies between Targumic passages and the New Testament indicate a relationship of four types, each of which is explored in this essay. In aggregate they support the independent finding that the process of Targumic formation overlapped with the emergence of the New Testament.‬
The ‘Yemenite’ Recension in Western Manuscript
Authors: Abudraham Ohad
Published: February 2014

‭It is well known that the various manuscripts of the Targumim of the Five Scrolls are divided into two primary families: a Western family, comprising manuscripts that were written in Europe and North Africa, and a Yemenite family, exclusively comprising manuscripts of Yemenite provenance. The present article challenges this sharp division by presenting a unique Western manuscript which has adopted a clear Yemenite recension for at least two Targumim of the Five Scrolls. A close comparison reveals unprecedented resemblance between the ‘Firenze, Biblioteca Medicea Laurentiana, Plut. III.1’ manuscript and the Yemenite textual tradition. Various explanations have been proposed so far in order to determine the origin of the Yemenite version, but given the new evidence it seems preferable to assume that the emergence of the Yemenite recension did not take place in Yemenite or Babylonian regions, but rather in the West.‬
Agricultural Imagery in Targum Jonathan and Matthew
Authors: Staalduine-Sulman Eveline van
Published: February 2014

‭To explore the question of whether TgJon might function as background to NT texts I compare TgJon and the gospel according to Matthew. I restrict this research to agricultural imagery, because the Targum is famous for its explanation of metaphors and similes, and because much imagery in Matthew has an agricultural background. It appears that in some cases it is interesting and helpful to consult the Targumic version of the Hebrew Bible. Targumic explanation of imagery is close to that of Matthew’s, although one must be aware of the differences.‬
The Reception of Mesopotamian and Early Jewish Traditions in the Aramaic Incantation Bowls
Authors: Bhayro Siam
Published: February 2014

‭This article presents several examples of how the Aramaic incantation bowls from late-antique Mesopotamia receive and use earlier traditions preserved in Mesopotamian cuneiform and Jewish alphabetic sources, with a view to demonstrating the importance of the bowls when discussing the earlier process of ‘Aramaic cultural mediation’. Four ways in which the bowls receive the earlier traditions are discussed (formulaic, terminological, conceptual and methodological), which help us appreciate what we should be looking for in other contexts. The clear reception of motifs from 11Q11 in the incantation bowls allows us to bridge the gap between the earlier cuneiform sources and the later incantation bowls.‬
Rhetorical Traditions of Public Diplomacy and the Internet
Authors: Rolfe Mark
Published: February 2014

Summary

Many calls have been made since 2001 for a ‘new public diplomacy’ of the information age that utilizes the internet to reach public opinion. They have been especially forthcoming from the Obama administration, although they have been just as popular with the political classes in the United States and elsewhere. However, such recent calls form only the latest instalment of a rhetorical tradition of public diplomacy that stretches back to Woodrow Wilson and beyond to the 1790s. There is a thematic recurrence in the rhetoric of public diplomacy, as there is in the rhetoric of democracy, and for the same reason: representative democracy has always involved a complex tension between, on the one hand, the political class of politicians and diplomats and, on the other, public opinion, which needs to be appeased since it confers legitimacy on representatives. This results in a recurring pattern of language involving suspicions of the political class, declarations of a new era of diplomacy and claims to credibility. There are hence frequent bouts of anti-politics politics and anti-diplomacy politics, sometimes utilizing a discourse of technological optimism, which politicians and diplomats attempt to assuage with similar calls for new political dawns.
Belgian Multinationals and Public–Private Partnerships in Economic Diplomacy
Authors: Kesteleyn Jennifer
Published: February 2014

Summary

This article analyses public–private partnerships in Belgium’s economic diplomacy from the perspective of multinational companies (mncs). The concept of corporate political activity (cpa) is therefore introduced. cpa is seen as a part of business diplomacy (bd), which companies use in order to defend their interests. Eight stock-listed Belgian multinationals (bmncs) were interviewed using single, semi-structured interviews. This exploratory study focused on whether or not companies contact public officials, which strategies they use and how these strategies are organized in order to defend their interests abroad. The empirical data revealed that bmncs enter into relationships with national and supranational actors. Information-sharing is the central aim of these relationships, because of the mutual realization that these contacts are important. This was less so, however, at the international level. In short, bmncs will, depending on the subject and/or the institutional context, rely on the services offered by Belgian economic diplomacy. They will initially, however, also include diplomatic functions of their own.
Israeli Diplomacy: The Effects of Cultural Trauma
Authors: Yair Gad , Odom-Weiss Sharona
Published: February 2014

Summary

Israeli politicians are diplomatic agents provocateurs. Presidents, prime ministers and foreign office executives craft diplomatic scenes that betray diplomatic protocol. This article exposes the deep cultural codes that explain the unique behaviour of Israeli diplomacy. It documents different occasions of Israeli exceptional diplomacy and suggests that they reflect the cultural traumas that underlie Israeli culture. The analyses apply a new theoretical framework that dwells on the cultural codes of ‘Israeliness’ while suggesting that the unique style of Israeli diplomacy reflects four such codes: existential anxiety; upright defiance; a dugri (frank) speech culture and a fear of seeming to be a sucker (‘fraier’). By interpreting prominent cases with a cultural lens, the authors provide new insights into Israeli unilateralism, its seeming ‘paranoid’ character, and the reason for Israeli ignorance of international diplomatic codes. Essentially, they suggest that: (a) there is a cultural mismatch between diplomatic protocol and the Israeli national habitus; (b) the more that Israel’s strategic interests are threatened, the more locked it becomes to its post-traumatic habitus and the further its politicians move away from protocol. Israel’s persistent cultural trauma is thus likely to maintain the deviation of Israeli diplomacy from diplomatic protocol.
Equal Opportunities in the Slovene Diplomatic Service
Authors: Jazbec Milan
Published: February 2014

Summary

A survey on equal opportunities in the Slovene diplomatic service was conducted during 2009. A thorough empirical research, where the sample included 630 persons employed in the Slovene diplomatic service, of whom 235 (37.3 per cent) responded to the questionnaire, indicated five main determinants of inequality: political affiliation; personal grudges; personal preference; age/generation grouping; and gender. The determinants that affect employees and are based on their gender include a combination of professional and private life, working abroad, and time spent working. The project produced a number of policy recommendations, which were gradually taken into account within the Slovene diplomatic system.
Some Effects of Dwarf Growth on Wood Structure
Authors: Baas Pieter , Chenglee Lee , Xinying Zhang , Keming Cui , Yuefen Deng
Published: February 2014

The effects of dwarf growth on wood structure, especially on element length, are described for 13 species of artificially induced or naturally occurring dwarf trees. In all cases element length is reduced, but there is no close correlation between the precise growth rate and the amount of length reduction. Conifers appear to show the greatest response. In the hardwood species studied, vessel frequency is higher and vessel diameter lower in dwarfs than in normal trees.
Pinus Pinaster as a Raw Material for the Paper Industry
Authors: Todorow Michael
Published: February 2014

Anatomical and pulping properties of Pinus pinaster are described and compared with those of P. nigricans. Pinus pinaster is a promising species for the paper industry.
The Systematic Wood Anatomy of the Moraceae (Urticales) I. Tribe Castilleae
Authors: Koek-Noonnan J. , Topper S.M.C. , ter Welle B.J.H.
Published: February 2014

The wood anatomy of the tribe Castilleae sensu Berg is described. Similarities and differences are discussed in relation to his concepts of the taxonomy of the tribe. The wood anatomical variation does not enable to distinguish between Maquira, Perebea and Pseudolmedia. Antiaris, Castilla, Helicostylis, Mesogyne and Naucleopsis can be recognised on the basis of slight differences. However, no reasons are found to question the delimitation of the Castilleae sensu Berg on the basis of their wood anatomy.
The Occurrence of Scalariform Perforation Plates and Helical Vessel Wall Thickenings in Wood of Myrtaceae
Authors: Schmid Rudolf , Baas Pieter
Published: February 2014

The occurrence of multiple perforation plates and helical wall thickenings in vessel elements of 144 species (plus 12 varieties and 2 hybrids) in 53 genera of Myrtaceae was extensively explored. Scalariform perforation plates occur in 40 species (plus 1 hybrid), in Luma, Myrceugenia, Myrteola, Ugni, and in the monotypic Myrtastrum rujo-punctatum, Neomyrtus pedunculata, and Tepualia stipularis. Ugni candollei also has foraminate (i.e., sieve-like) perforation plates. Helical wall thickenings occur in 33 species (plus 1 hybrid), in Acmena, Austromyrtus, Myrceugenia, Myrcia, Myrcianthes Psidium, Xanthomyrtus, and in Myrtus communis. Most of these records are new. The speeies with exclusively scalariform perforation plates (in Luma, Myrteola, Neomyrtus, and Ugni) are from cool mesic habitats; those with mixed simple and multiple perforation plates are also largely cool mesic but show a somewhat greater diversity of habitats. Myrtaceae with exclusively simple perforation plates predominate in all habitat types. Helical wall thickenings occur sporadically throughout the distributional range ofthe family. However, tropical species tend to have weaker helical thickenings than the subtropical and temperate species exhibiting them. The possible functional significance of these ecological tendeneies is discussed. It is hypothesised that multiple perforation plates were retained in some cool mesic Myrtaceae because of a lack of strong selective pressure to eliminate them from this type of environment, rather than that they were retained because of adaptive significance in trapping embolisms. The systematic and diagnostic value of multiple perforation plates and helical wall thickenings is also discussed. Scalariform plates are largely confined to related genera in Myrtoideae; Tepualia is the only representative from Leptospermoideae. Helical wall thickenings are only of limited diagnostic and systematic value above the species level.
Accumulation of Calcium Crystals in the Decayed Wood of Aspen Attacked by Fomes Igniarius
Authors: Muhammad A. F. , Micko Michael M.
Published: February 2014

The concentrations of minerals were studied in decayed, discoloured and clear wood of Aspen using both light and electron microscopes. Kevex X-ray energy spectrometer system and atomic absorption spectrophotometer analyses revealed that the concentration of K, Na, Ca, Mn, Mg were highest in the decayed wood and lowest in clear wood. Discoloured wood showed an intermediate concentration. Only crystalline calcium was present in the decayed wood and phloem. Association of wood rotting fungi seems to be closely related to the accumulation of calcium crystals.
Intracellular Suberin: Occurrence and Detection in Tree Bark
Authors: Biggs A. R.
Published: February 2014

A protocol is outlined for histochemical detection of intracellular suberin linings on the inner surface of the cell walls in impervious tissues of wounded and infected bark, and in bark forming rhytidome. Thin intracellular suberin linings (circa 0.5 µm) were detected in all 15 woody angiosperms examined. Intracellular suberisation was strongly associated with individual cells or cell layers (boundary zone) that displayed imperviousness with fluid diffusion tests. Tests inc1ude use of phloroglucinol + HCl and Sudan black B to selectively quench autofluorescence of lignin and suberin, respectively. Blue-violet excitation is used to enhance the Sudan IV test for suberin, cutin, and waxes.
Wood Anatomy of the Styracaceae: Evolutionary and Ecological Considerations
Authors: Dickison William C. , Phend Kristen D.
Published: February 2014

Woods of over 40 species representing nine genera of Styracaceae were studied. Features present in most taxa include growth rings, diffuse porosity, combinations of both solitaries and pore multiples, exclusively scalariform perforation plates, opposite to alternate intervessel pitting, imperforate tracheary elements with indistinctly bordered pits, both uniseriate and multiseriate heterocellular rays, and axial parenchyma distributed as a combination of diffuse, diffuse-in-aggregates, and scanty. Prismatic crystals occur in species of the genera Bruinsmia, Halesia, and Styrax, and silica is present in a few Neotropical species of Styrax. The characteristic solitary pore distribution and high scalariform perforation plate bar number of Huodendron are of potential evolutionary significance. The xylem of Lissocarpa differs from the Styracaceae in possessing more highly evolved vessel elements with both simple and scalariform perforations and prominently banded axial parenchyma. The occurrence of simple perforation plates in the wider, earlywood vessel elements, along with an increased pore frequency and decreased vessel element length, in Styrax platanifolius and S. texanus is documented. Both species inhabit seasonally dry habitats of the southwestern United States, thus supporting similar specialisations observed in other plants growing in xerophytic conditions. The apparent variation in perforation plate condition within different geographic varieties of S. officinalis is discussed. Significant correlations of wood anatomical characters and latitude of provenance are present among species of Styracaceae. Increasing latitude is strongly correlated with increased pore and multiseriate ray frequency, and decreased vessel element length and wall thickness. Increasing latitude is less strongly correlated with an occurrence of decreased pore diameter, increased bar number per perforation plate, increased fibre-tracheid and intervessel pit diameter, and increased frequency of uniseriate rays. Weak correlations are also evident between increasing latitude and shorter ray height and narrower, shorter, and thinner-walled fibre-tracheids.
The Anatomy of the Bark of Libocedrus in New Zealand
Authors: Chan Lek-Lim
Published: February 2014

The anatomy of the bark of Libocedrus bidwillii and L. plumosa, both indigenous to New Zealand, is described. The phloem cell types include axial and ray parenchyma, sieve cells and fibres. Fibres are of two types, thin-walled and thick-walled. The ends of these fibres are mostly blunt or abrupt.
Sem Observations on Trabeculae in Abies Sachalinensis
Authors: Ohtani Jun
Published: February 2014

The morphology of normal and abnormal trabeculae were observed in the secondary xylem of Abies sachalinensis using scanning electron microscopy. Both the usual types of trabeculae and the various abnormalities observed are described and illustrated.
Cell Wall Architecture in Alfa (Stipa Tenacissima L.) Fibres
Authors: Harche M. , Catesson A.M.
Published: February 2014

Mild extractions with methylamine were used to study cell wall architecture in bundle sheath and subpidermal fibres of alfa leaves. Short incubations allowed a better staining of wall polysaccharides. Rather long incubations (48 to 105 h.) were necessary to unmask the microfibrillar skeleton. Cell wall structure is shown to be polylamellate, plywood-like.
Barrier Zone Formation as a Resistance Mechanism of Elms to Dutch Elm Disease
Authors: Bonsen K.J.M. , Scheffer R.J. , Elgersma D.M.
Published: February 2014

Host responses of elms susceptible and resistant to Dutch elm disease were histologically examined. In a time course study the susceptible elm clone Ulmus × hollandica 'Belgica' and U. × hollandica '390', a clone which shows a high degree of resistance to non-aggressive isolates and a moderate degree of resistance to aggressive isolates of Ophiostoma ulmi, were inoculated in twig or trunk with either an aggressive or a non-aggressive isolate of O. ulmi. For purposes of comparison, the susceptible elm U. americana and the more resistant clones U. × hollandica 'Groeneveld', U. 'Lobel' and U. 'Sapporo Autumn Gold' were included. Depending on clone-isolate compatibility, infected twigs reacted by a walling off process, by barrier zone formation, or failed to resist the infection and died. Trees inoculated into the trunk reacted comparably but in the case of a compatible combination they always formed a barrier zone and the cambium never died in the year of inoculation.
Changes of Starch Content in the Storage Tissues of Deciduous Trees During Winter and Spring
Authors: Essiamah Sam. , Eschrich Walter
Published: February 2014

Starch transformation in relation to spring sap production has been investigated in six North European deciduous tree species from fall till the beginning of bud break in spring. The species examined were: Acer pseudoplatanus L., Betula pendula Roth, Alnus glutinosa Gärtn., Fagus sylvatica L., Quercus robur L., and Fraxinus excelsior L.
Systematic and Ecological Wood Anatomy of the Erythroxylaceae
Authors: Rury Phillip M.
Published: February 2014

The wood anatomy of 67 species of Erythroxylum, Nectaropetalum and Pinacopodium was analysed from an ecological, systematic and evolutionary perspective. Wood anatomy variation within the pantropical genus Erythroxylum is explicable largely in relation to ecological factors and correlative differences in plant architecture, leaf size and duration and foliar anatomy. Wood anatomy ranges between primitively mesomorphic and either meso- or xeromorphically specialised. Wood inclusion type and leaf structural features are strongly interrelated, thus reflecting both taxonomic affinities and ecological profiles of the species. The most wood anatomically variable infrageneric taxa within Erythroxylum are the New World sections Archerythroxylum and Rhabdophyllum, which include architecturally diverse, deciduous and evergreen species. Due to the intergrading ranges of wood anatomical variation among consectional and/or sympatric Erythroxylum species, attempts to identify wood samples to the species level are ill-advised in the absence of complementary ecological, geographic and leaf structural data. The wood anatomical uniformity of the cultivated cocas and their closest wild relatives of sect. Archerythroxylum implies their shared mesophytic ancestry, whereas chemical, genetic and leaf structural differences reflect the long term human selection, isolation and cultivation of Erythroxylum within ecologically disparate regions of South America. Wood (and leaf) anatomy of the drought sensitive E. coca var. coca is the most primitive and mesomorphic of the cultivated cocas, whereas both drought tolerant varieties of E. novogranatense are more wood (and leaf) anatomically specialised. The closest affinities of the Erythroxylaceae to other families of the Geraniales-Linales-Malpighiales alliance occur among the most wood anatomically primitive, mesomorphic and putatively basal, evergreen taxa within each family.
Formation and Fate of Kino Veins in Eucalyptus L'hérit.
Authors: Tippett Joanna T.
Published: February 2014

Kino veins, generally referred to as gum veins, are formed in Eucalyptus spp. in response to injury. Although they are retained as defects in the wood of many species, in some they become inc1uded in the phloem, then the rhytidome and are eventually shed. Ninety-three Eucalyptus spp. were sampled to determine whether they had xylem or phloem (bark) veins. The species which exhibited kino veins in the phloem were all members of three sections of the subgenus Symphyomyrtus. All species examined of the subgenera Monocalyptus and Corymbia had xylem veins. Kino veins are formed by the lysigenous breakdown of parenchyma bands produced by the cambium. The difference which results in the veins either being shed in the bark or inc1uded in the xylem is determined at the time of their initiation. The parenchyma bands may be produced on either the xylem or on the phloem side of the cambium. The fate of the veins becomes apparent once normal cambial divisions resurne the production of xylem and phloem.
A Response to Wheeler and Pearson's Critical Review of the Iawa Standard List of Characters
Authors: Miller Regis B.
Published: February 2014

In this paper I respond to Wheeler and Pearson's (1985) critical review of the IAWA standard list of characters. I propose that only a few minor changes in the standard list be considered. Essentially the list should remain the same until the changes can be discussed and the membership generally accepts them. I agree with many of Wheeler and Pearson's suggestions to improve the identification programs, but I disagree with programming changes that eliminate or alter the characters or character states in the standard list. Revamping the standard list and updating the identification programs are two completely separate issues. The standard list must not be compromised for the sake of programming improvements.
Characteristics and Response of Wood in Declining Trees from Forests Affected by Pollution
Authors: Bauch Josef
Published: February 2014

A review is given of the literature concerned with the characteristics of wood from diseased forests affected by pollution, and the wood properties of these trees with regard to utilisation are evaluated. Quantitative and qualitative studies on the anatomical and chemical characteristics of the wood from diseased trees indica te that changes, which impair the quality of wood, do not occur in softwoods. The physical and elastomechanical properties of wood from diseased trees correspond with those of wood from healthy trees. Preliminary findings with beech show equally reassuring results. Experiments with wood in forest storage do not indicate apredisposition for quality loss. Further research is recommended to understand the structural and physiological relationship in the response of the cam bial tissue in diseased trees. Experiments are also needed on adequate storage procedures once regional foresters have to cope with the harvest of unexpected quantities of diseased trees.
Abrupt Growth Changes In Conifers
Authors: Schweingruber F. H.
Published: February 2014

Abrupt changes in growth (reduction or recovery) persisting for a number of years and evident in annual ring sequences from conifers are visually identified, dated, and related to crown condition, site, region, and ecological factors. Analysis of several thousand trees shows that radial growth is only very loosely related to the density of needles in the crown. In those regions of Switzerland studied, the different species react differently to environmental conditions, each having its own indicator value. The frequency of growth reductions is governed by climatic conditions and other, unidentifiable factors. Only in a few areas is pollution the probable cause.
Proposed Scenario for Dieback and Decline of Acer Saccharum in Northeastern U. S. A. and Southeastern Canada
Authors: Gregory Robert A. , Williams Mansfield W. , Wong Betty L. , Hawley Gary J.
Published: February 2014

A sequence of events is presented that may explain the reported decline of sugar maple trees in the Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada. The primary factor, caused by defoliation, is a severe reduction in reserve carbohydrates, especially in roots, at the beginning of the leafless period. In this respect, la te defoliators - those that defoliate in late July and early August - are much more destructive than those that defoliate in J une because it appears that carbon is being utilised in July and August by one or more sinks about as fast as it is being assimilated photosynthetically. This, in conjunction with a loss of foliage for an extended period and limited refoliation, could result in severe carbohydrate dcpletion. Limited carbohydrate reserves may not be sufficient for normal respiratory activity during the Ieafless period, or for vernal outgrowth of embryonie shoots. Late defoliation and low carbohydrate reserves also appear to reduce the ability of the trees to acclimate to low winter temperatures; hence, cold winters could result in additional shoot die back and mortality. Other factors such as drought, atmospheric pollutants, and numerous pathogens mayaiso influence carbohydrate reserves, thus contributing to decline.
Wood Characteristics of Abies Balsamea in the New England States Compared to Abies Alba from Sites in Europe with Decline Problems
Authors: Shortle W. C. , Bauch J.
Published: February 2014

The increasing concern about the health conditions of forests in the United States and Europe 1ed to a comparative study of wood characteristics of Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. in the New England states, and Abies alba Mi1!. in the Federal Republic ofGermany. The advanced visible disease in Abies alba at several sites can be documented by means of many structural and physiological alterations. In diseased trees a suppression of the annual growth increment is obvious, and the individual transverse area of early and latewood cells decreases. The moisture content diminishes in the sapwood significantly and at the same time, wetwood deve10ps and expands into the sapwood. The element content per gram of wood does not significantly differ between healthy and diseased trees of the same stand. The content of soluble sugars increases in diseased trees, while the starch content is drastically reduced. However, parallel to the growth suppression the total amount per year of elements, soluble sugars and starch is significantly less in diseased trees than in healthy ones. In addition, accessory compounds appear to increase with the progress of disease. Cambial electrical resistance is strongly related to damage c1assification, and thereby to cambial growth.
Effect of Ethrel on Growth and Stem Anatomy of Pinus Halepensis Seedlings
Authors: Yamamoto F. , Kozlowski T. T.
Published: February 2014

Ethrel (2 - chloroethylphosphonic acid) applied in lanolin paste at eoneentrations of 0.01, 0.10, or i % to stems of 12-month-old Pinus halepensis seedlings greatly altered the rate of growth and anatomy of stems within 60 days. Height growth was not affeeted but growth of bark and xylem tissues was greatly increased after treatment with ethrel at 0.10 or 1%. The thick bark was the result of inereased phloem production and more intercellular spaee. Increase in the amount of xylem resulted from production of more tracheids per radial file rather than an inerease in traeheid size. The highest coneentration of ethrel applied (1 %) stimulated inerease in the amount of ray tissue and production of longitudinal resin duets in the xylem. The role of ethylene in regulating differentiation of stem tissues is discussed.
Effects of Flooding of Soll on Growth, Stem Anatomy, and Ethylene Production of Thuja Orientalis Seedlings·
Authors: Yamamoto F. , Kozlowski T. T.
Published: February 2014

Flooding of soil for 66 days decreased the rate of dry weight increment and induced stem hypertrophy and abnormal cambial growth in 3-year-old Thuja orientalis seedlings. The rate of dry weight increase of seedlings was reduced largely because of root decay and a decrease in root growth and in initiation of new roots. Diameters of the submerged portions of stems increased as a result of accelerated growth of bark as weil as xylem increment. stem diameters also increased above the water level but alm ost en tirely because of an increase in tracheid production. The xylem of submerged portions of stems was characterised by wide variations in tracheid size (with many largediameter tracheids), lack of arrangement of tracheids in orderly radial rows, and an increased number of xylem rays and large ray cells. Flooding also stimulated ethylene production in stems but did not affect formation of resin ducts in the bark and did not induce formation of compression wood. Ethylene appeared to play a role in regulating cambial growth of flooded plants.
Fossil Root- and Stemwood of Chionanthus Retusus Lindl. Et Paxt. from the Late Pleistocene of Akashi, Japan
Authors: Noshiro Shuichi , Suzuki Mitsuo
Published: February 2014

Fossil root- and stemwood of Chionanthus retusus has been found from the Late Pleistocene stratum at Akashi, Hyogo Prefecture, central Japan. The woods of fossil and extant C. retusus are described and compared. The fossil rootwood closely resembles that of the extant individuals in being ring-porous with large pores arranged in one layer in the earlywood, and small pores that gradually decrease in diameter from the earlywood, and are arranged in a flame-like pattern in the latewood. It differs from the wood of the extant species in the larger diameter of wide pores, the quite gradual decrease in vessel diameter from the earlywood to the latewood, and the narrower and lower rays. The fossil stemwood is quite similar to the stemwood of extant C. retusus in being ring-porous with large pores arranged in one or two layers in the earlywood, and small pores .that abruptly decrease in diameter from the earlywood, and are arranged in a flame-like pattern. It differs from the wood of the extant species in the larger diameter of wide pores, and the lower rays. Based on their similarity, these fossil woods are identified as the rootand stemwood of C. retusus.
The Cellular Structure of Cork from Quercus Suber L.
Authors: Pereira Helena , Emília Rosa M. , Fortes M.A.
Published: February 2014

The main characteristics of the cellular structure of cork from Quercus suber L. are reviewed and complt;mented with new observations of virgin and reproduction cork by scanning electron microscopy. Particular emphasis is given to cell geometry and topology and to the corrugations that are observed in the cell walls. The effect of the growth season in these features is described. Large variations in cell size, wall thickness and corrugations are reported.
Creation of a Large Database with Iawa Standard List Characters
Authors: Miller R.B. , Pearson R.G. , Wheeler E.A.
Published: February 2014

Data from the OXFORD/PRL card keys which were stored in a computerised form for the SEARCH program were converted into IAWA Standard List characters and the format for the IDENT programs to form the 'IAWAOPN' database. The characteristics of the OXFORD/ PRL card keys and the coding for the IA WA Standard List are reviewed. A computer program was written to make the initial conversion, but sub se quent editing of numerous entries was necessary on an individual basis. Some OXFORD/PRL features translated simply into IAWA/IDENT character states by converting one number to another, but the presence or absence of two or more features had to be considered for other characters. Some OXFORD/ PRL features could not be meaningfully translated into IAWA/IDENT character states. Also, many IAWA characters are coded less precisely than desirable, or had to be coded as unknowns, because the required information is not available from the card keys. Although it has limitations, which must be appreciated by its users, a large database now exists with over 3000 entries in IAWA/IDENT formal. A computer program (IAWA-SEARCH) has been developed for searching this database with a microcomputer.
Interpretation and Choice of Vessel Characters in the Iawa Standard List
Authors: Gasson Peter
Published: February 2014

While using the IAWA standard list of characters to describe the anatomy of tropical woods, some characters were found to be open to more than one interpretation. This paper discusses five interrelated vessel characters with reference to observations on 126 woods of Rutaceae. The reasons for am biguity in certain characters are given, and recommendation for more rigorous interpretation are made.
Annual Rhythm of Cambial Activity in Streblus Asper
Authors: Ajmal Sagheer , Iqbal Muhammad
Published: February 2014

Cambial strueture and aetivity of Streblus asper Lour. vary with the loeal c1imate. The eells start swelling eady in May prior to the onset of peric1inal divisions whieh are most frequent in September. The cell division stops in Oetober indieating the approach of dormaney. During the growth season, initiation as well as eessation of the xylem produetion preeedes that of phloem. High temperatures induee the eambial reaetivation. Onee initiated, the aetivity eontinues at relatively low temperatures. Hot and moderately humid eonditions in June favour xylogenesis whereas phloem differentiation begins at relatively low temperature and high humidity in July. The eoneurrent differentiation of xylem and phloem has its peak in August-September. The size and relative proportion of eambial initials change with the season. Fusiform initials are shorter and broader during the rainy season (July-September) than during the rest of the year. Tetraseriate rays and tall rays outnumber the other types of rays throughout the year.
Intra-Annual Spiral Compression Wood: A Record of Low-Frequency Gravitropic Circumnutational Movement in Trees
Authors: Telewski Frank W.
Published: February 2014

The majority of detailed studies on circumnutational growth movements have focused on herbaceous plants or on the primary growth of woody plant seedlings, ignoring completely secondary growth in woody plants. The relatively rapid movement in herbaceous tissues consists of two components: an autonomous growth rhythm and a gravitropic response. Since there is a gravitropic component to circumnutational movement and a gravitropic stimulus can induce compression wood formation, the formation of a compression wood spiral may be expected if there is a circumnutational movement of a woody stern. It is suggested here, that observed spirals of compression wood within annual growth rings in Pinus taeda L. and Abies concolor (Gord. ' Glend.) Lindl. ex Hildebr. represents an annual record of a slower circumnutational growth movement. Data derived from observations of greenhouse- grown 3-year-old Pinus taeda seedlings indicate that there are two distinct circumnutational patterns of different rotation al frequency present in woody plants associated with primary and secondary tissues.
Primary Function of the Protective Layer in Contact Cells: Buffer Against Oscillations in Hydrostatic Pressure in the Vessels?
Authors: van Bel Aart J.E. , van der Schoot Christiaan
Published: February 2014

In the literature it has been suggested that the protective layer, deposited along the wall between xylem parenchyma and vessels, is involved in tylose formation as part of an antipathogenic response. Yet, in a number of cases, the presence of a protective layer is not related with tylose development. It is proposed here, that the protective layer primarily acts as a buffer against hydrostatic oscillations in the vessels. As the hydrostatic pressure in the vessels becomes less negative, the xylem cells will increasingly withdraw water from the apoplast. Once the hydrostatic pressure has surpassed a certain limit, the protective layer is unable to withstand the osmotic pressure of the parenchyma cells and the latter will bulge into the vessels giving rise to the formation of tyloses.
Wood Anatomy of the Caprifoliaceae of Japan
Authors: Ogata Ken
Published: February 2014

The wood anatomy of 35 species belonging to 6 genera of the family Caprifoliaceae indigenous to Japan is described. Intergeneric or interspecific differences are recognised in various characters, especially vessel distribution, type of perforation plates (simple or scalariform), intervessel and vessel-ray pitting, presence or absence of spiral thickenings in vessels and fibres, ray histology and fibre type (fibre-tracheids or libriform fibres).
Wood Structural Diversity among Himalayan Rhododendron
Authors: Suzuki Mitsuo , Ohba Hideaki
Published: February 2014

The wood anatomy of nine species of Himalayan Rhododendron is compared. All share the characters: growth rings present, but indistinct; pores evenly distributed, numerous; intervessel pits alternate; perforation plates scalariform with 10 to 30 bars; wood parenchyma diffuse or diffuse-in-aggregates; rays heterogeneous uniseriate and multiseriate. However, pore size, occurrence of spiral thickenings and frequency of multi seriate rays are variable among the species studied. Our investigation shows that these characters vary according to the habit of plants. The woods of trees have wider vessels, distinct spirals in both vessels and fibre-tracheids, and numerous multiseriate rays, while those of shrubs have narrower vessels with indistinct or restricted spirals and less frequent multiseriate rays.
Ultrastructural Aspects of Primary Phloem. Sieve Elements in Poinsettia (Euphorbia Pulcherrima. Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Thorsch Jennifer , Esau Katherine
Published: February 2014

Certain developmental changes of sieve elements in the primary phloem of Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotsch (Poinsettia) were examined in the leaf blade, petiole and young stem. The sieve elements have simple sieve plates and, as seen in transection, each is associated with a single companion cell . Since, as expected, our fixed material showed a deposition of callose in sieve plates and in the sieve areas joining the sieve elements with the companion cells, the course of development and distribution of this callose was recorded. The sieve elements contain two types of proteinaceous inclusions, both cytoplasmic in origin. One is the typical form of P-protein composed initially of tubular units; later, the tubules become striated fibrils by stretching. The second inclusion is a nondispersing protein body, the first distinct feature identifying the differentiating sieve elements as such. It persists during the differentiation of the cell and is present in mature sieve elements. Aggregated endoplasmic reticulum is rather sparse in sieve elements, but the typical stacked form is occasionally observed in mature cells.
Wood Anatomy of Elm (Ulmus) and Hackberry (Celtis) Species Native to the United States
Authors: Wheeler E. A. , LaPasha C. A. , Miller R. B.
Published: February 2014

Wood anatomy of Ulmus and Celtis species (Ulmaceae) native to the United States is described. Ulmus differs from ring-porous species of Celtis in ray structure, crystallocation, and colour and fluorescence of water extracts. The soft elms/non-winged bark species (Ulmus americana and Ulmus rubra) differ from the hard elms/winged bark species (U. alata, U. crassifolia, U. serotina, and U. thomasii) in density, earlywood pore diameter, and appearance of crystal-containing axial parenchyma. Some species of hard elm can be distinguished from one another by a combination of characters: water extract colour and fluorescence, earlywood pore diameter and spacing. The anatomy of ring-porous species of Celtis is unifonn, except that in C. reticulata earlywood pores have a smaller radial diameter than the other species. Celtis pallida is diffuse-porous and resembles other diffuse-porous species of the genus. Vessel element lengths are similar for all species within these two genera regardless of habitat.
Multiple Perforation Plates in Gmelina Arborea Roxb. (Verbenaceae)
Authors: Ohtani Jun , Jing Wu , Fukazawa Kazumi , Shao qun Xian
Published: February 2014

Vessel members of Gmelina arborea Roxb. (Verbenaceae) have been reported so far to have exclusively simple perforations. In the present study based on SEM observations, however, various forms of multiple perforation plates have been found. These perforation plates always occurred as simple to multiple combination plates and the vessel members having them occurred only rarely, irregularly and solitarily in the wood. The morphology of the multiple perforation plates is illustrated by SEM micrographs.
Sites of First Phellogen Initiation in Conifers
Authors: Lev-Yadun S. , Liphschitz Nili
Published: February 2014

Sites of first phellogen initiation were studied in ten species of Pinaceae and Cupressaceae. The distance from the apex, age and the tissue from which the first phellogen is initiated, were determined. In Pinaceae the first phellogen arises at a shorter distance from the apex than in Cupressaceae. In fastgrowing leaders, or seedlings, suberization appears at a larger distance from the apex as compared to slow growing branches. Differences between Pinaceae and Cupressaceae are probably related to differences in the contribution of leaf-bearing organs and branches to photosynthesis. These differences represent a compromise between protection by suberisation in Pinaceae and increase in the photosynthetic area in Cupressaceae.
Wood Identification of Commercially Important North American Species of Birch (Betula)
Authors: Miller Regis B. , Cahow Eric
Published: February 2014

The wood anatomy was studied of the four commercially important North American species of birch: Betula alleghaniensis, B. lenta, B. nigra, and B. papyrijera. Although the wood from these species is fairly homogeneous, it appears that B. papyrijera can be separated from B. nigra; B. alleghaniensis and B. lenta, though indistinguishable from each other, can be separated from both B. papyrijera and B. nigra. The diagnostic features are as follows: ray width, ray and ray cell shape as viewed on the tangential longitudinal section, average number of bars per perforation plate, and contents of axial parenchyma cells. In addition to these species, two commercially important European species (B. pendula and B. pubescens) and two additional North American tree species (B. occidentalis and B. populijolia) were studied. A dichotomous key to all eight species is presented.