bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Transition to Sharp Timing in Stochastic Leaky Integrate-and-Fire Neurons Driven by Frozen Noisy Input
Authors: Taillefumier Thibaud , Magnasco Marcelo
Published: February 2014

The firing activity of intracellularly stimulated neurons in cortical slices has been demonstrated to be profoundly affected by the temporal structure of the injected current (Mainen & Sejnowski, 1995 ). This suggests that the timing features of the neural response may be controlled as much by its own biophysical characteristics as by how a neuron is wired within a circuit. Modeling studies have shown that the interplay between internal noise and the fluctuations of the driving input controls the reliability and the precision of neuronal spiking (Cecchi et al., 2000 ; Tiesinga, 2002 ; Fellous, Rudolph, Destexhe, & Sejnowski, 2003 ). In order to investigate this interplay, we focus on the stochastic leaky integrate-and-fire neuron and identify the Hölder exponent H of the integrated input as the key mathematical property dictating the regime of firing of a single-unit neuron. We have recently provided numerical evidence (Taillefumier & Magnasco, 2013 ) for the existence of a phase transition when [Formula: see text] becomes less than the statistical Hölder exponent associated with internal gaussian white noise (H=1/2). Here we describe the theoretical and numerical framework devised for the study of a neuron that is periodically driven by frozen noisy inputs with exponent H>0. In doing so, we account for the existence of a transition between two regimes of firing when H=1/2, and we show that spiking times have a continuous density when the Hölder exponent satisfies H>1/2. The transition at H=1/2 formally separates rate codes, for which the neural firing probability varies smoothly, from temporal codes, for which the neuron fires at sharply defined times regardless of the intensity of internal noise.
On Some Classes of Sequential Spiking Neural P Systems
Authors: Zhang Xingyi , Zeng Xiangxiang , Luo Bin , Pan Linqiang
Published: February 2014

Spiking neural P systems (SN P systems) are a class of distributed parallel computing devices inspired by the way neurons communicate by means of spikes; neurons work in parallel in the sense that each neuron that can fire should fire, but the work in each neuron is sequential in the sense that at most one rule can be applied at each computation step. In this work, with biological inspiration, we consider SN P systems with the restriction that at each step, one of the neurons (i.e., sequential mode) or all neurons (i.e., pseudo-sequential mode) with the maximum (or minimum) number of spikes among the neurons that are active (can spike) will fire. If an active neuron has more than one enabled rule, it nondeterministically chooses one of the enabled rules to be applied, and the chosen rule is applied in an exhaustive manner (a kind of local parallelism): the rule is used as many times as possible. This strategy makes the system sequential or pseudo-sequential from the global view of the whole network and locally parallel at the level of neurons. We obtain four types of SN P systems: maximum/minimum spike number induced sequential/pseudo-sequential SN P systems with exhaustive use of rules. We prove that SN P systems of these four types are all Turing universal as number-generating computation devices. These results illustrate that the restriction of sequentiality may have little effect on the computation power of SN P systems.
Signal-Tuned Gabor Functions as Models for Stimulus-Dependent Cortical Receptive Fields
Authors: Torreão José R. A. , Victer Silvia M. C. , Amaral Marcos S.
Published: February 2014

We propose and analyze a model, based on signal-tuned Gabor functions, for the receptive fields and responses of V1 cells. Signal-tuned Gabor functions are gaussian-modulated sinusoids whose parameters are obtained from a given, spatial, or spectral “tuning” signal. These functions can be proven to yield exact representations of their tuning signals and have recently been proposed as the kernels of a variant Gabor transform—the signal-tuned Gabor transform (STGT)—which allows the accurate detection of spatial and spectral events. Here we show that by modeling the receptive fields of simple and complex cells as signal-tuned Gabor functions and expressing their responses as STGTs, we are able to replicate the properties of these cells when tested with standard grating and slit inputs, at the same time emulating their stimulus-dependent character as revealed by recent neurophysiological studies.
Current Developments∵The Recast Brussels I Regulation
Authors: Nielsen Peter Arnt
Published: February 2014

The most important amendments to the Brussels I Regulation as adopted during the recast negotiations are presented and discussed. The author focuses on four subjects: first, the application of Brussels I to cases where the defendant is domiciled outside the EU; second, the abolition of exequatur; third, the improved efficiency of exclusive choice-of-court agreements; and, fourth, the relationship between litigation and arbitration.
The European Court of Human Rights on the UN Individual Counter-Terrorist Sanctions Regime: Safeguarding Convention Rights and Harmonising Conflicting Norms in Nada v. Switzerland
Authors: Willems Auke
Published: February 2014

This article analyses the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Nada v. Switzerland from the perspective of individual due process rights and the wider constitutional implications. In Nada v. Switzerland, the Strasbourg Court was asked to rule on the conformity of a State Party to the European Convention on Human Rights in its implementation of the United Nations individual counter-terrorist sanctions regime. The Court found violations of an applicant’s right to respect for private and family life and right to an effective remedy. What the Court did not do was rule on the wider questions of hierarchy, i.e. the relationship between the Convention and binding resolutions by the United Nations Security Council that have precedence over any other international agreement by virtue of Article 103 UN Charter. By choosing to harmonise norms originating in different legal contexts, the Court avoided this fundamental question. However, elements of pluralism and constitutionalism can be found in the judgment. By not giving precedence to the United Nations sanctions regime, the Court has implicitly made a statement about the question of hierarchy, while at the same time managing to uphold its primary task of safeguarding States Parties’ compliance with the Convention.
Advance of the Primary-Secondary Vascular Transition Zone During Dormancy Induction of Populus Deltoides
Authors: Larson Philip. R. , Goffmet Martin C.
Published: February 2014

During dormancy induction of Populus deltoides plants, the primary-secondary vascular transition zone advances only in those internodes subtending leaves that expanded prior to bud set. Therefore, most of the vascular cylinder remains primary in the final 2–3 very short internodes beneath the bud. Transitional xylem elements, resembling vascular tracheids, frequently occur in these internodes.
Data for a Computer-Assisted Wood Identification System I. Commercial Legumes of Tropical Asia and Australia
Authors: Quirk J.T.
Published: February 2014

A wood anatomical key based on macroscopic and microscopic features has been developed for identification of the commercial Leguminosae of southeast Asia and Australia. All anatomical details are in accord with the standard list of characters suitable for computerised hardwood identification. Data on 39 species of 13 genera are included, which have been entered into the computer data base housed at the Forest Products Laboratory. On the basis of anatomical features, all genera are separable but some species are not.
Developmental Changes in the Wood of Bocconia Vulcanica Donn. Smith
Authors: Cumbie Billy G.
Published: February 2014

Developmental changes in the xylem were studied in a stem of Bocconia vulcanica Donn. Smith with a xylem radius of 3.0–4.5 cm. Growth rings are absent. The vascular cambium is nonstoried with fusiform initials averaging 282 µm long. The specialised vessel members are short, with oblique to transverse end walls, simple perforations, and alternate intervascular pitting. Vessels are relatively uniform in diameter and arrangement throughout the wood. Fibres have moderately thin walls and do not increase in length from the primary xylem to the cambium. Axial parenchyma is paratracheal, scanty to vasicentric. Rays are exclusively multiseriate, tall, and heterocellular with a predominance of erect and square cells. Sheath cells occur along the sides. There are no fibres in the secondary phloem and a periderm is not present. The xylem and bark are similar in many respects to that formed in some groups of dicotyledons that are basically herbaceous with evolution toward woodiness.
Anatomical Changes Associated With Interlocked Grain in Anacardium Occidentale L.
Authors: Bhat K. V. , Bhat K. M.
Published: February 2014

Structural changes accompanying the reversal of spirality in interlocked grain were studied in Anacardium occidentale L. The reversal of spirality sometimes occurs within a narrow zone comprising a few cell layers of the growth increment. This zone is distinguishable by numerous small vessels occurring in groups and clusters, shorter and thin-walled fibres, abundant parenchyma and wider rays densely filled with extractives. The course of vessels is irregular and their anastomosis is frequent in this zone, while adjacent to it, a tendency towards left or right spirality is evident. This tendency is more pronounced in the vessels.
A Note on Aggregate Rays of Betula Species
Authors: Bhat K.M.
Published: February 2014

Observations were made on the presence of aggregate rays in four birch species: Betula pendula Roth, B. pubescens Ehrh., B. tortuosa Ledeb. and B. nana L. Aggregate rays rarely occur in Betula; however, when present, their occurrence is probably due to insect injuries (pith flecks) and branch traces.
Origin of Tyloses in Melon (Cucumis Melo L.) in Response to a Vascular Fusarium
Authors: El Mahjoub M. , Le Picard D. , Moreau M.
Published: February 2014

The cells abutting the vessels in the primary xylem of healthy melon exhibit the characteristics of contact cells. These cells also produce a protective layer and transfer-cell-like thickenings. The primary wall is partially if not totally hydrolysed at the level of the pits. After infection by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis Sn. ' H., the contact cells of resistant plants show a strong cytoplasmic activity leading to the growth of tyloses into the lumen of abutting vessels. Such tylosis formation occurs rapidly and is helped by the material stored in the ingrowths of the protective layer which is reorganised into the single wall of the tylosis. The primary wall bursts and disappears during tylosis formation.
Pan-American Regional Wood Anatomy Conference
Authors: IAWA Journal Editors
Published: February 2014

At the time this IAWA Bulletin went to the press, many more papers had been announced than abstracts received. It is certain that at the meeting there will be presentations on various aspects of comparative functional, ecological and systematic wood anatomy by i.a., H.J. Braun (Freiburg, FRG), S. Fink (Freiburg, FRG), R. Schmid (Munieh, FRG), B.J.H. ter Welle (Utrecht, the Netherlands), and many participants from South America. Extensive addenda to this set of abstracts will be published in the next issue(s) of the IAWA Bulletin.
Anatomy of Zones of Ring Shake in Eucalyptus Maculata
Authors: Wilkes John
Published: February 2014

Zones of ring shake and the tangential surfaces of such fractures were examined using light microscopy. The shakes occurred predominantly in bands containing abnormally large amounts of axial parenchyma, traumatic parenchyma and/or vessels. These cells, of low Runkel ratio, usually separated by some form of transwall failure, exposing the cell lumen. The failure thus followed a path entailing minimal fracture of actual cell wall substance. The zones of abnormal tissue are probably formed in response to cambial injury and/or environmental stress.
Water Uptake in Deciduous Trees During Winter and the Role of Conducting Tissues in Spring Reactivation
Authors: Essiamah Sam , Eschrich Walter
Published: February 2014

In winter, deciduous trees lack any means for transpiration, nevertheless their buds swell and increase in weight. It is known that vessels play an important role in spring reactivation and that phloem may be involved since buds fail to break when twigs are ringed. This study investigates water/nutrient translocation from winter until reactivation in spring for five North European species: maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.), birch (Betula pendula Roth), alder (Alnus glutinosa Gaertn.), beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), and ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.). Accordingly emphasis is laid on the relative timing of onset of water conduction among the species.
A Contribution to the Taxonomy of the Genus Inga Scop. (Mimosaceae) Based on the Anatomy of the Secondary Phloem
Authors: Trockenbrodt M. , Parameswaran N.
Published: February 2014

With the help of bark anatomical criteria the systematic position of 24 species of the genus Inga from Surinam was compared with existing subdivisions of the genus. Characters for the grouping of species into sections are the ratio of uniseriate to multiseriate phloem rays, the presence of secretory cells, crystals and thickened inner tangential walls of the phellem cells. However, the systematic value of some of these characters is low. In spite of the limited materials studied, it appears possible to support a few of the existing assignments of species into sections or series. However, the observed bark anatomical character associations of the majority of the investigated species run counter to the subdivisions of the species of Inga derived from flower morphological and wood anatomical data.
The Ecological Wood Anatomy of the Lilacs (Syringa Oblata Var. GlraldII) on Mount Taibei in Northwestern China
Authors: Xinying Zhang , Liang Deng , Baas Pieter
Published: February 2014

The wood structure of Syringa oblata var. giraldii growing on the northem slope of Mount Taibei varies with increasing altitude, rainfall and to some extent with plant size and stern diameter. On Mount Taibei rainfall increases with altitude from 1000-1800 m. Average growth ring width, vessel member length, vessel diameter, fibre-tracheid length and diameter, and ray height increase with altitude and rainfall; vessel frequency, ray frequency, and percentage of solitary vessels decrease along the same ecological gradient. These results are discussed against the background of general ecological trends: the unusual reversal of the altitudinal trends can be accounted for by the rainfall pattern associated with plant size variation on the northern slope of Mount Taibei.
Wood Structural Anisotropy Estimated by Acoustic Invariants
Authors: Bucur Voichita
Published: February 2014

Wood anisotropy is induced by the specific deposition of anatomical elements during the life of the tree. The anisotropy becomes evident when acoustical properties are measured in the different main symmetry directions.

The first approach for the estimation of wood anisotropy was to calculate the ratios of longitudinal and shear velocities in natural symmetry directions. The modeling of wood structure is required in order to relate the anatomical structure to the acoustical behaviour of wood.

The second approach for wood anisotropy interpretation was to compute acoustic invariants and to average them. Considering that those quantities are insensitive to the direction of propagation, they can act as references for anisotropy investigation. Combining the values of invariants in the three main symmetry planes yields a single global value that characterises each species.

Values of invariants for 15 species (conifers and broadleaves) are given.
A Method to Measure Radial Incremenf in Tropical Trees
Authors: Shiokura Takayoshi
Published: February 2014

Radial increment was studied in natural forest trees in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, and in mangrove trees in Thailand and on Iriomote Island (Japan). Nails were driven into the trunk at breast height. Barrier zones fonned in response were located after felling of the tree, and the amount of wood fonned subsequent to nailing was measured. Thanks to the distinctness of the cambial response to nailing, this method appears very effective for measuring radial increment in tropical trees. The following results were obtained:
Regeneration of Vascular Tissues in Broussonetia Papyrifera Stems After Removal of the Xylem
Authors: Keming Cui , Pengzhe Lu , Qinghua Liu , Zhengli Li
Published: February 2014

The central cylinder of xylem plus pith was removed from the main stem of 1- to 2- year-old Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) Vent. treelets, leaving only the bark, cambial zone cells and a few immature xylem cells. The immature phloem and xylem cells and original cambium zone cells rapidly produced callus, then the original cambial zone started to produce xylem and phloem. A flat meristem was initiated intermittently inside the callus. Eventually, these islands connected laterally to form a ring of new cambium that began to produce normal xylem inward and phloem outward. About one month later, a concave oblate trunk had formed, which connected distally and proximally with the original trunk.
Ultrastructure of Terminalia Wood from an Ancient Polynesian Canoe
Authors: Donaldson L. A. , Singh A. P.
Published: February 2014

A sample of Terminalia wood recovered from an ancient Polynesian canoe thought to be approximately 1000 years old, was examined by light and electron microscopy to determine the extent and pattern of degradation. A chemical analysis was also carried out. The secondary walls of fibres, vessels and parenchyma cells were extensively degraded but the compound middle lamella remained relatively intact. Vestures in intervascular pits were preserved, presumably by virtue of their high lignin concentration. Plasmodesmata were also preserved by infiltration with extractives thought to be tannins.
An Experimental Method of inducing 'hazel' Wood in Pinus Halepensis (Pinaceae)
Authors: Lev-Yadun Simcha , Aloni Roni
Published: February 2014

'Hazel' wood was induced experimentally in Pinus halepensis Mill. by parallellongitudinal scratches. Two years after treatment, the growth rings showed indentations where the cambium had been scratched. Tissues formed following wounding had many very large resin ducts in addition to the normalsized ones, irregularly shaped tracheids and ray cells, more rays, spiral orientation and narrower tracheids. We suggest that the wounding disturbed the normal hormonal balance, and that disturbances in hormonal balance probably are the physiological basis for other cases of hazel growth.
Effects of Depth of Flooding on Growth and Anatomy of Stems and Knee Roots of Taxodium Distichum
Authors: Yamamoto Fukuju
Published: February 2014

Depth of flooding of Taxodium distichum trees influeneedin height and diametergrowth, formation of knee roots , and anatomy of sterns and knee roots. Height growth was progressively redueed and diameter growth was inereased as the level of the flood water was inereased. Formation of knee roots deereased as the depth of flooding inereased. Traeheids in the submerged portions of sterns of deeply flooded trees were shorter, slightly wider, and had thinner walls than traeheids of shallowly flooded trees. The inner bark of the submerged sterns of deeply flooded trees had wider phloemrays and more intercellular space than the bark of shallowly flooded trees. The xylem anatomy of knee roots resembled that of the xylem in the submerged portions of sterns of deeply flooded trees. Flooding stimulated ethylene produetion by stern bark and apieal portions of knee roots. An interaetive role of ethylene and auxin in anatomical responses of Taxodium to the flooding is postulated.
Survey of Intervessel Pit Membrane Structure in Daphne Species
Authors: Dute Roland R. , Rushing Ann E. , Freeman John D.
Published: February 2014

Of 22 species of Daphne surveyed, 19 possessed tori in their intervessel pit membranes. The torus has a circular shape and is centrally-located on the pit membrane. The fibrils of the surrounding margo show a random arrangement. In some specimens, the fibrils are obscured by material that impregnates the margo, coats the torus, and lines the cell lumens. The margo has small pores. In those species without tori, the intervessel pit membranes, when intact, show randomlywoven fibrils and small pores. Air-dried membranes of these speeies tend to separate into two layers along the line of the middle lamella The presence of a torus is not correlated with evergreen or deciduous habit, but absence of a torus seems to be limited to species of the section Mezereum within the genus Daphne.
The Formation of Callus at the Graft Interface in Sitka Spruce
Authors: Miller Helen , Barnett J.R.
Published: February 2014

The early stages of graft union formation in Sitka spruce [Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr] have been examined using light microscopy in order to determine the origin of callus between the scion and rootstock. All living, undamaged cells exposed to the environment by the process of stern preparation for grafting have been found to be capable of producing callus. The first cells to respond in this way, within two days of grafting, were the epithelial cells of severed resin canals and ray parenchyma exposed where the phloem and xylem of the seion and rootstock were cut through. Fusiform cambium cells near to the graft interface dedifferentiated into callus much later (12-15 days after grafting) by becoming rounded in transverse seetion, and by dividing horizontally to produce a large number of smaller callus cells. Most callus was produced by cells external to the cambium by dedifferentiation and proliferation of ray cells, and of parenchyma associated with severed needle traces.
Brown Stain in Pacific Coast Hemlock
Authors: Ellis Simon , Avramidis Stavros
Published: February 2014

The microscopic appearance of brown stain occurring in specimens of Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg. and Abies amabilis (Dougl.) Forbes after kiln-drying was investigated. Stain was most evident in the sapwood, particularly in the earlywood. The majority of the stain was in longitudinal tracheids, either filling the cell lumen or lining the inner cell wall. However, some stain occurred in the rays. Little or no stain was observed within the cell walls.
Wood and Bark Anatomy of Argemone (Papaveraceae)
Authors: Carlquist S. , Schneider E.L. , Miller R.B.
Published: February 2014

Wood anatomy of Argemone fruticosa, sole shrubby species of the genus, is distinctive in having growth rings, thick-walled libriform fibres, thick-walled ray cells with large intercellular spaces, vessels with grooves interconnecting pit apertures, and restriction of vessels to central portions of fascicular areas. Most of these features are related to the xeric ecology of this species. Argemone turnerae is an herbaceous perennial with large roots and sterns, the wood of which exhibits features distinctively related to this habit, including succulence (axial parenchyma substitutes for libriform fibres). Both species of Argemone share such features as storied wood structure and absence of uniseriate rays, which are infrequent in dicotyledons at large but common in other Papaveraceae. Wood data are not decisive in indicating whether the ancestors of Argemone or Papaveraceae were woody or herbaceous, but several features indicative of paedomorphosis can be found in the wood. Bark of Argemone is briefly described.
Morphology of Warts in the Tracheids of Cypress Pine (Callitris Vent.)
Authors: Heady R.D. , Cunningham R.B. , Donnelly C.F. , Evans P.D.
Published: February 2014

A high-resolution SEM examination of the warty layer in tracheids of the Australasian softwood genus Callitris Vent. has revea1ed that warts in 12 of the 16 species have variable, complex morphology and nodule-like projections, giving them a 'nodulated' or 'branched' appearance similar to those described for certain hardwoods. Pairs of warts were occasionally anastomosed. Warts could be categorised into two types; large and no dulated, or small and hemispherical. In the four Callitris species native to high rainfall environments, warts were invariably of the latter type and were morphologically distinct from the mixed populations of small hemispherical and large nodulated warts found in species from dry habitats. This suggests that large nodulated warts are of adaptive value in waterstress conditions. Wart morphology was useful as an indicator of Callitris species although intra-specific variation limited the accuracy of diagnosis.
Structural Variations and Secondary Changes in Pit Membranes in Fraxinus Mandshurica Var. Japonica
Authors: Sano Yuzou , Fukuzawa Kazumi
Published: February 2014

Structural variations and secondary changes in intervascular, interfibre, interparenchyma, vessel-parenchyma, and fibre-parenchyma pit membranes, from the outermost sapwood to the inner heartwood of Fraxinus mandshurica var.japonica, were studied by uitraviolet light microscopy, and by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. In the sapwood, none of the pit membranes appeared lignified and pit membranes were seldorn incrusted. In the heartwood, material that strongly absorbed ultraviolet light was heavily deposited on intervascular, interparenchyma, vessel-parenchyma, and fibre-parenchyma pit membranes. Secondary changes in the interfibre pit pairs were not so pronounced. Interfibre pit membranes were often absent in both the sapwood and the heartwood.
Perforated Ray Cells in Korean Caprifoliaceae
Authors: Geun Eom Young , Jib Chung Youn
Published: February 2014

Perforated ray cells are recorded for the first time in species of Lonicera, Sambucus, Viburnum, and Weigela (Caprifoliaceae) that grow in Korea, These ray cells have simple perforations in Lonicera and Sambucus which have vessel elements with simple perforations, and have scalariform perforation s or variant types of scalariform perforations in Viburnum and Weigela which have vessel elements with scalariform perforations. In Korean Caprifoliaceae the perforations of ray cells are similar to the types of perforation plates in the vessel elements of the same wood.
Systematic Wood Anatomy of Cornaceae and Allies
Authors: Noshiro S. , Baas P.
Published: February 2014

The wood anatomy of Comaceae, Alangiaceae, Garryaceae, and Nyssaceae constituting the Comales in the sense of Cronquist (1981, 1988) is described in great detail and subjected to a cladistic analysis. A microscopic identification key to the woods studied is given. The alliance includes seventeen genera, mostly of trees and shrubs, very rarely herbs. Although wood anatomically fairly homogeneous, variation exists in both qualitative and quantitative characters. Some of the latter show distinct latitudinal trends within individual genera, and character states have only been recognised taking their latitudinal dependencies into account. The character states ultimately recognised in these continuously varying quantitative characters coincide with intergeneric or intersectional gaps. The cladistic analysis based on a datamatrix with twentyone characters (Table 3) and using Cereidiphyllum, Daphniphyllum, and Hamamelis as outgroups yielded a strict consensus tree with a quadrichotomy with two monophyletic clades, Hydrangea panieulata (a representative of the closely allied Hydrangeaceae) and Daphniphyllum (Fig. 81). One weakly supported clade includes Alangium, Camptotheea, Cornus, Curtisia, Davidia, Diplopanax, Mastixia, and Nyssa without any robust lineages among them. The other genera, Aralidium, Aueuba, Corokia, Garrya, Griselinia, Helwingia, Melanophylla and Toricellia, constitute a second, well-supported clade. Two Hydrangea taxa included in the analysis nest in the second clade and a basal branching respectively. The wood anatomical diversity pattern thus supports a family concept of Comaceae including Cornus, Curtisia, Diplopanax, Mastixia, Alangiaceae, and Nyssaceae, and exclusion of the genera in the other clade. There is remarkable agreement between some of these wood anatomical r~sults and recent cladistic analyses of rbcL sequences by Xiang and co-workers. The infrageneric classification of Cornus, Alangium and Nyssa is also discussed.
Influence of Rainfall, Irrigation and Age on the Growth Periodicity and Wood Structure in Teak (Tectona Grandis)
Authors: Priya P.B. , Bhat K.M.
Published: February 2014

Growth periodicity was followed for two consecutive annual cycles to reveal the pattern of wood fonnation in plantation-grown teak at three different localities in India. Rainfall and age were the two important factors that influenced cambial activity. Cambial reactivation occurred during March-April in both years. The pre-monsoon showers broke the cambial donnancy at all three localities. Almost a month's interval was observed between bud break and initiation of radial growth . Irrespective of age and locality, a peak period of cambial activity occurred during June-July. Dormancy began during October-December, depending on the age of the trees and locality. Juvenile trees and those grown in relatively high rainfall areas had a prolonged cambial activity and retained foliage throughout the year. They produced wider rings with higher proportions of latewood. Irrigation of 5-year-old trees led to the loss of typical ring porosity of teak wood; their first three growth rings were more or less diffuse-porous. This is attributed to uninterrupted cambial activity resulting in production of rather uniform-sized vessels.
Relationship Between Ultrastructural Topochemistry of Lignin and Wood Properties
Authors: Ruel Katia , Burlat Vincent , Joseleau Jean-Paul
Published: February 2014

The main subunits of lignin could be visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with antibodies raised against synthetic lignin model polymers. Thus, immunological probes against p-hydroxyphenyl propane, guaiacyl and mixed guaiacyl-syringyl units allowed to specifically localize the qualitative distribution of lignins in plant cell tissues . Depending on the mode of preparation of the synthetic lignin antigens , the corresponding antibodies showed specificity for condensed or noncondensed interunits linkages . This specificity is illustrated with the different labellings provided by the antibodies when applied to various wood and nonwoody materials . The results c1early show the heterogeneity of lignification between tissues but also demonstrate the microheterogeneity of lignin deposition within a a single wood cell wall. Our immunological markers were successfully applied to transgenic plants in which lignin synthesis pathways had been modified, to tissues from reaction wood, as well as to materials degraded by ligninolytic fungi.
Interannual Variability of Asian Monsoon Precipitation, 1953-1982, Using Instrumental Records
Authors: Garfin-Woll Gregg M.
Published: February 2014

Instrumental records were used to assess the interannual variability of precipitation for the greater Asian monsoon region (50°N-15°S, 60°E-150°E). Correlation analysis shows intriguing teleconnections between subtropical and midlatitude precipitation regions. Principal components analyses show that ENSO (EI Niño-Southern Oscillation) is the dominant factor associated with recent interannual variation of precipitation in the region. The strongest relationships between ENSO and boreal summer precipitation were found in subtropical regions, as weIl as North Central China and southeastern Kazakhstan; boreal winter precipitation in the tropics and subtropics also exhibited strong relationships with ENSO. Scenarios for reconstructing spatial and temporal patterns of Asian monsoon precipitation variation were generated by selecting individual records based on 1) correlation with regional time series and 2) length of record. Spatial patterns were highly dependent on the type of record selected; however, temporal patterns were reasonably weIl reproduced regardless of station selection criteria. The implication of the latter result is that the dominant modes of boreal summer and winter precipitation for East Asia might be reconstructed using relatively few sites.
How Old are Tropical Trees? the Persistence of a Myth
Authors: Worbes Martin , Johannes Junk Wolfgang
Published: February 2014

The recent report of ancient trees in the Amazon region (Chambers et al. 1998) with a maximum radiocarbon dated age of about 1400 years for the long-living pioneer species Cariniana micrantha is discussed in the light of dendrochronological age determinations from Africa and South America together with the results of indirect age estimations from other sources. There is a tendency in the literature to considerably overestimate the maximum ages of tropical trees. Age determination by the direct counting of annual rings and making estimations for hollow trees by measuring growth rates and diameters result in ages between 400 and 500 years for the largest trunk dimensions, e.g. in Cariniana legalis.
Tree-Ring Chronologies from Western Himalaya and Their Dendroclimatic Potential
Authors: Borgaonkar Hemant P. , Pant Govind B. , Kumar Kolli Rupa
Published: February 2014

Tree-ring chronologies of Himalayan conifers (viz. Pinus, Picea, Abies, Cedrus, etc.) were compiled from more than 300 tree core sampIes from 11 different sites covering a wide area of the Western Himalaya. Distinct annual growth and little occurrence of double or missing rings are characteristic features of Himalayan conifers. Dating of individual sampIes was achieved for all sites except for a few from a high elevation glacier which exhibited patches of very narrow rings and a high frequency of resin canals. Moderately high values of common variance and signal-to-noise ratio indicate their usefulness for dendroclimatic studies. Significant improvement of statistical performance is observed for all sites after removing the auto-correlation structure in the series by auto-regressive modeling. A quantitative evaluation of the growth-climate relationships based on response function analysis on a monthly and seasonal scale indicates a similar pattern across several regions of the Western Himalaya. March-April-May (pre-monsoon) climate (temperature and precipitation) is an important limiting parameter for tree growth and can be successfully reconstructed for the past few centuries.
Tree-Ring Studies in the Eastern Himalayan Region: Prospects and Problems
Authors: Chaudhary Vandana , Bhattacharyya Amalava , Yadav Ram R.
Published: February 2014

Tree-ring sampies of different conifer species in various ecological settings from subtropical to temperate regions of the Eastern Himalayan region have been evaluated for their potential for dendroc1imatic reconstructions. Most of these tree species have cross-datable growth rings except Taxus baccata and Tsuga dumosa where series of micro-rings and lack of variation in these suppressed zones make cross-dating difficult. Tree-ring chronologies have been established from Abies densa and Larix griffithiana, the only deciduous conifer species in the Himalayas. Tree growth-climate relationships reveal that temperature is a determinant factor for the growth of trees at high elevations. Abies densa in the western part of Arunachal Pradesh shows a negative response to the July-September temperature whereas Larix griffithiana shows a positive response to the May temperature.
A Comparison Between Ladell's Wood Section Method and the Macerated Wood Method for Tracheid Length Determination
Authors: Wilkins A. P. , Bamber R. K.
Published: February 2014

A comparison has been made between the method of Ladell, in which tangential longitudinal sections are used for the determination of mean tracheid length and the traditional method using macerated wood. The two methods produced identical results. Ladell's method was quicker, enabled precise location of measured cells and required less sample preparation.
Isolated Sieve Tube(S)/Elements in the Barks of Some Angiosperms
Authors: Chavan R.R. , Shah J.J. , Patel K.R.
Published: February 2014

The occurrence of solitary or groups of isolated tube element(s) in the interfascicular region of Aristolochia indica L., Datura innoxia Mill., Lecanthus wightii Wedd. and Xanthium strumarium L. and in the secondary phloem rays of Strychnos nux-vomica L., Boehmeria nivea Gaudieh., Leucosceptrum cannum Sm., Dahlia imperialis Roezl., Gynura angulosa DC., Vernonia divergens (Roxb.) Edgew. and Vernonia volkameriaefolia De., encountered during an investigation of the barks of 125 dicotyledons belonging to 43 families, has been recorded. The salient developmental features of isolated sieve tube elements in the last three taxa are described involving histochemical tests and their dimensional details. A comparative analysis of secondary phloem of members of Compositae with and without isolated sieve tube elements indicates that taxa with a high frequency of isolated sieve tube elements show a high incidence of compound sieve plates on predominantly very oblique end walls and also possess a system of broad rays. The possible significance of isolated sieve tube elements is discussed.
Nomenclatural corrections in vascular plants, 1. Valid publication of Allium savranicum “Besser”
Authors: Sennikov Alexander , Seregin Alexei
Published: February 2014

This paper opens a series of short notes dealing with critical cases in nomenclature of vascular plants. References to the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants (abbreviated as ICN) are provided according to its Melbourne edition (McNeill et al. 2012).
The Reliability of Computed Tomography-Derived SYNTAX Score Measurement
Authors: Ugur Murat , Uluganyan Mahmut , Cicek Gokhan , Bozbay Mehmet , Ekmekci Ahmet , Koroglu Bayram , Karaca Gurkan , Murat Ahmet , Tusun Eyyup , Kalaycioglu Ezgi , Uyarel Hüseyin , Eren Mehmet
Published: February 2014

The Synergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score (SS) was developed for evaluation of coronary artery disease complexity. We aimed to compare the SS calculated by conventional coronary angiography (CAG) and computed tomography angiography (CTA). Retrospectively, 107 patients were recruited (mean age 55.9 ± 12.4 years). The SS measured by conventional CAG was divided into 3 groups (group 1 SS ≤ 22, group 2 SS > 22 to <32, and group 3 SS ≥ 32). The SS calculated by both methods has a high correlation ( r = .972 and P < .001). The κ analysis showed a substantial agreement between both imaging modalities. Computed tomography angiography highly predicted conventional CAG lesions (area under curve 0.96, 95% confidence interval 0.92-0.99, and P < .001). The SS measured by CTA is highly correlated with conventional CAG. Therefore, we propose that prior to coronary revascularization, CTA-derived SS could be used for risk stratification.
Relationship of Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio With the Presence, Severity, and Extent of Coronary Atherosclerosis Detected by Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography
Authors: Açar Göksel , Fidan Serdar , Uslu Zulal Alnur , Turkday Sevim , Avci Anıl , Alizade Elnur , Kalkan Mehmet Emin , Tabakci Omer Naci , Tanboğa Ibrahim Halil , Esen Ali Metin
Published: February 2014

We evaluated whether the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was associated with the presence, severity, and extent of coronary atherosclerotic plaques detected by computed tomography angiography (CTA). We studied 238 patients who underwent dual-source 64-slice CTA for the assessment of coronary artery disease. Coronary arteries were evaluated on 16-segment basis and critical plaque was described as luminal narrowing >50%. In regression analysis, being in the third NLR tertile increased the risk of coronary atherosclerosis (odds ratio [OR], 2.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-4.43; P = .023). When the severity of coronary atherosclerosis was assessed, being in the third NLR tertile increased the risk of critical luminal stenosis (OR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.19-5.69; P = .017). Although plaque morphology was not associated with NLR, the extent of coronary atherosclerosis was increased with higher NLR tertiles ( P = .001). Our results suggest that a higher NLR may be a useful additional measure to assess cardiovascular risk in clinical practice.
Sublingual Vaccine with GroEL Attenuates Atherosclerosis
Authors: Hagiwara M. , Kurita-Ochiai T. , Kobayashi R. , Hashizume-Takizawa T. , Yamazaki K. , Yamamoto M.
Published: February 2014

Autoimmune responses to heat-shock protein 60 (HSP60) contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis, whereas immunization with HSP60 may induce atheroprotective responses. We assessed the capacity of an atheroprotective vaccine that targeted a recombinant HSP60 from Porphyromonas gingivalis (rGroEL) to induce a protective mucosal immune response. Female apolipoprotein E-deficient spontaneously hyperlipidemic (Apoeshl) mice received sublingual delivery of rGroEL prior to P. gingivalis 381 injection. The animals were euthanized 16 weeks later. Sublingual immunization with rGroEL induced significant rGroEL-specific serum IgG responses. Antigen-specific cells isolated from spleen produced significantly high levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ after antigen re-stimulation in vitro. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that the frequencies of both IL-10+ and IFN-γ+ CD4+ Foxp3+ cells increased significantly in submandibular glands (SMG). Furthermore, sublingual immunization with rGroEL significantly reduced atherosclerosis lesion formation in the aortic sinus and decreased serum CRP, MCP-1, and ox-LDL levels. These findings suggest that sublingual immunization with rGroEL is associated with the increase of IFNγ+ or IL-10+ Foxp3+ cells in SMG and a systemic humoral response, which could be an effective strategy for the prevention of naturally occurring or P. gingivalis-accelerated atherosclerosis.
The [Limited] Impact of Weather on Tourist Behavior in an Urban Destination
Authors: McKercher Bob , Shoval Noam , Park Eerang , Kahani Alon
Published: February 2014

This study evaluated the impact of actual weather encountered and perceptions of the comfort of the weather on tourist movements in Hong Kong. Data were collected using both questionnaire surveys and Global Positioning System tracking devises. Prior research conducted in nonurban areas suggests that weather has a significant impact on tourist behavior. This study determined that urban tourists are more weather resilient, as neither actual nor perceived weather affected behavior to any great extent. Perceived comfort levels did affect satisfaction for a small minority of visitors.
Keeping track of characters: Factors affecting referential adequacy in children’s narratives
Authors: Colozzo Paola , Whitely Cristy
Published: February 2014

This study considered the adequacy of references used by children to introduce, maintain, and reintroduce characters in complex narratives involving multiple characters. Sixty-three English-speaking Canadian children from kindergarten to second grade ( M age 7.0 years) told two multi-episode stories from wordless picture books. Analyses considered differences in referential adequacy both within-children and between grades. There was an unexpectedly large difference in adequacy levels across stories, mostly because of an overuse of pronouns in one story. Maintenance was the easiest referential function, whereas reintroduction proved more difficult than introduction only for the story with consistently lower adequacy levels. Participants across grades were affected by referential function and by story in analogous ways. The kindergartners did nonetheless obtain lower adequacy levels than the two higher grades due to a higher use of pronouns and because they were less able to clearly refer to characters even when they were using the same linguistic forms. Participants in the three grades successfully used a diversity of linguistic forms for their character references across referential functions. Together, these findings have important implications for referential cohesion in young school-aged children. First, they invite caution when drawing conclusions regarding developmental changes based on a single story. Second, they suggest that reintroduction may be particularly sensitive to story features that make referencing more demanding. Finally, they underscore the importance of considering reference within the broader textual context in order to produce a detailed account of referential abilities.
Four challenges in the field of alternative, radical and citizens’ media research
Authors: Rodríguez Clemencia , Ferron Benjamin , Shamas Kristin
Published: February 2014

In January 1994 the Zapatista movement in southern Mexico inaugurated a new era of media use for dissent. Since that time, an array of dissenting collectives and individuals have appropriated media technologies in order to make their voices heard or to articulate alternative identities. From Zapatista media to the Arab Spring, social movements throughout the world are taking over, hybridizing, recycling, and adapting media technologies. This new era poses a new set of challenges for academics and researchers in the field of Communication for Social Change (CfSC). Based on examples from Mexico, Lebanon, and Colombia, this article highlights and discusses four such research challenges: accounting for historical context; acknowledging the complexity of communication processes; anchoring analysis in a political economy of information and communication technologies; and positioning new research in relation to existing knowledge and literature within the field of communication and social change.
A Multilevel Analysis of the Impacts of Services Provided by the U.K. Employment Retention and Advancement Demonstration
Authors: Dorsett Richard , Robins Philip K.
Published: February 2014

Background:

The United Kingdom Employment Retention and Advancement (U.K. ERA) demonstration was the largest and most comprehensive social experiment ever conducted in the United Kingdom. It examined the extent to which a combination of postemployment advisory support and financial incentives could help lone parents on welfare to find sustained employment with prospects for advancement. ERA was experimentally tested across more than 50 public employment service offices and, within each office, individuals were randomly assigned to either a program (or treatment) group (eligible for ERA) or a control group (not eligible).

Method:

This article presents the results of a multilevel nonexperimental analysis that examines the variation in office-level impacts and attempts to understand what services provided in the offices tend to be associated with impacts.

Result:

The analysis suggests that impacts were greater in offices that emphasized in-work advancement, support while working and financial bonuses for sustained employment, and also in those offices that assigned more caseworkers to ERA participants. Offices that encouraged further education had smaller employment impacts.

Conclusion:

Plausible results are obtained identifying those particular implementation features that tended to be linked to stronger impacts of ERA. The methodology employed also allows the identification of which services are associated with employment and welfare receipt of control families receiving benefits under the traditional New Deal for Lone Parent program.