bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Signal Transduction in Astrocytes during Chronic or Acute Treatment with Drugs (SSRIs, Antibipolar Drugs, GABA-ergic Drugs, and Benzodiazepines) Ameliorating Mood Disorders
Authors: Hertz Leif , Song Dan , Li Baoman , Du Ting , Xu Junnan , Gu Li , Chen Ye , Peng Liang
Published: February 2014

Chronic treatment with fluoxetine or other so-called serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitor antidepressants (SSRIs) or with a lithium salt “lithium”, carbamazepine, or valproic acid, the three classical antibipolar drugs, exerts a multitude of effects on astrocytes, which in turn modulate astrocyte-neuronal interactions and brain function. In the case of the SSRIs, they are to a large extent due to5-HT2B-mediated upregulation and editing of genes. These alterations induce alteration in effects of cPLA2, GluK2, and the5-HT2Breceptor, probably including increases in both glucose metabolism and glycogen turnover, which in combination have therapeutic effect on major depression. The ability of increased levels of extracellular K+to increase[Ca2+]iis increased as a sign of increased K+-induced excitability in astrocytes. Acute anxiolytic drug treatment with benzodiazepines orGABAAreceptor stimulation has similar glycogenolysis-enhancing effects. The antibipolar drugs induce intracellular alkalinization in astrocytes with lithium acting on one acid extruder and carbamazepine and valproic acid on a different acid extruder. They inhibit K+-induced and transmitter-induced increase of astrocytic[Ca2+]iand thereby probably excitability. In several cases, they exert different changes in gene expression than SSRIs, determined both in cultured astrocytes and in freshly isolated astrocytes from drug-treated animals.
Synthesis and Characterization of Hollow Magnetic Alloy (GdNi2, Co5Gd) Nanospheres Coated with Gd2O3
Authors: Li Wang , Li Fa-gen , Wang Jun , Zhao Guo-meng
Published: February 2014

Uniform magnetic hollow nanospheres (GdNi2, Co5Gd) coated with Gd2O3 have been successfully prepared on a large scale via a urea‐based homogeneous precipitation method using silica (SiO2) spheres as sacrificed templates, followed by subsequent heat treatment. Nitrogen sorption measurements and scanning electron microscope reveal that these hollow‐structured magnetic nanospheres have the mesoporous shells that are composed of a large amount of uniform nanoparticles. After reduction treatment, these nanoparticles exhibit superparamagnetism that might have potential applications in medicine. Furthermore, the developed synthesis route may provide an important guidance for the preparation of other multifunctional hollow spherical materials.
Effects of Sewage Discharge on Trophic State and Water Quality in a Coastal Ecosystem of the Gulf of California
Authors: Vargas-González Héctor Hugo , Arreola-Lizárraga José Alfredo , Mendoza-Salgado Renato Arturo , Méndez-Rodríguez Lía Celina , Lechuga-Deveze Carlos Hernando , Padilla-Arredondo Gustavo , Cordoba-Matson Miguel
Published: February 2014

This paper provides evidence of the effects of urban wastewater discharges on the trophic state and environmental quality of a coastal water body in a semiarid subtropical region in the Gulf of California. The concentrations of dissolved inorganic nutrients and organic matter from urban wastewater primary treatment were estimated. La Salada Cove was the receiving water body and parameters measured during an annual cycle were temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, orthophosphate, and chlorophylla. The effects of sewage inputs were determined by using Trophic State Index (TRIX) and the Arid Zone Coastal Water Quality Index (AZCI). It was observed that urban wastewater of the city of Guaymas provided 1,237 ton Nyr−1and 811 ton Pyr−1and TRIX indicated that the receiving water body showed symptoms of eutrophication from an oligotrophic state to a mesotrophic state; AZCI also indicated that the environmental quality of the water body was poor. The effects of urban wastewater supply with insufficient treatment resulted in symptoms of eutrophication and loss of ecological functions and services of the coastal ecosystem in La Salada Cove.
The Modification of Kernel Function and Its Applications
Authors: Zhao Tao
Published: February 2014

By virtue of the modified Riesz kernel introduced by Qiao (2012), we give the integral representations for solutions of the Neumann problems in a half space.
A Low-Power Scalable Stream Compute Accelerator for General Matrix Multiply (GEMM)
Authors: Savich Antony , Areibi Shawki
Published: February 2014

Many applications ranging from machine learning, image processing, and machine vision to optimization utilize matrix multiplication as a fundamental block. Matrix operations
play an important role in determining the performance of such applications. This paper proposes a novel efficient, highly scalable hardware accelerator that is of equivalent performance to a 2 GHz quad core PC but can be used in low-power applications targeting embedded systems requiring high performance computation. Power, performance, and resource consumption are demonstrated on a fully-functional prototype. The proposed hardware accelerator is 36× more energy efficient per unit of computation compared to state-of-the-art Xeon processor of equal vintage and is 14× more efficient as a stand-alone platform with equivalent performance. An important comparison between simulated system estimates and real system performance is carried out.
Multi-Step-Ahead Forecasting Model for Monthly Anchovy Catches Based on Wavelet Analysis
Authors: Rodríguez Nibaldo , Cubillos Claudio , Rubio José-Miguel
Published: February 2014

This paper presents ap-step-ahead forecasting strategy based on two stages to improve pelagic fish-catch time-series modeling by considering annual and interannual fluctuations for northern Chile (18°S–24°S). In the first stage, the stationary wavelet transform is used to separate the raw time series into an annual component and an interannual component, whereas the periodicities of each component are obtained using the Morlet wavelet power spectrum. In the second stage, a linear autoregressive model is constructed to predict each component and the unknownp-next values are forecasted by the addition of the two predicted components. We demonstrate the utility of the proposed forecasting model on monthly anchovy-catches time series for periods from January 1963 to December 2007. Empirical results obtained for 10-month-ahead forecasting showed the effectiveness of the proposed wavelet autoregressive strategy.
Moving Object Detection and Shadow Removing under Changing Illumination Condition
Authors: Xiang Jinhai , Fan Heng , Liao Honghong , Xu Jun , Sun Weiping , Yu Shengsheng
Published: February 2014

Moving object detection is a fundamental step in video surveillance system. To eliminate the influence of illumination change and shadow associated with the moving objects, we proposed a local intensity ratio model (LIRM) which is robust to illumination change. Based on the analysis of the illumination and shadow model, we discussed the distribution of local intensity ratio. And the moving objects are segmented without shadow using normalized local intensity ratio via Gaussian
mixture model (GMM). Then erosion is used to get the moving objects contours and erase the scatter shadow patches and noises.
After that, we get the enhanced moving objects contours by a new contour enhancement method, in which foreground ratio
and spatial relation are considered. At last, a new method is used to fill foreground with holes. Experimental results
demonstrate that the proposed approach can get moving objects without cast shadow and shows excellent performance under
various illumination change conditions.
Fractional Order Models of Industrial Pneumatic Controllers
Authors: Razminia Abolhassan , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: February 2014

This paper addresses a new approach for modeling of versatile controllers in industrial automation and process control systems such as pneumatic controllers. Some fractional order dynamical models are developed for pressure and pneumatic systems with bellows-nozzle-flapper configuration. In the light of fractional calculus, a fractional order derivative-derivative (FrDD) controller and integral-derivative (FrID) are remodeled. Numerical simulations illustrate the application of the obtained theoretical results in simple examples.
Channel Hopping Sequences for Rendezvous Establishment in Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks
Authors: Bekulu Tessema Widist , Kim Byeongung , Kim Junhyung , Cho Wooseong , Han Kijun
Published: February 2014

In Cognitive Radio sensor networks, a pair of Cognitive Radio (CR) users wishing to communicate should first agree on a specific channel called control channel. Communication rendezvous is used to establish a control channel between CR users. Channel Hopping (CH) protocol is a sequence-based approach that provides an effective method for implementing rendezvous without relying on a Common Control Channel (CCC). In this approach, all CR users hop to the same rendezvous channel and hence this channel will serve as a control channel between them. In this paper, we propose two Channel Hopping Sequences (CHS) to establish a link in CR sensor networks with and without the assumption of global clock synchronization. Our schemes provide successful communication rendezvous within a bounded time interval. Theoretical analysis and simulation results showed that both schemes outperform the existing schemes used for similar purpose in terms of many performance criteria.
Effect of Synthesis Temperature on the Crystallization and Growth of In Situ Prepared Nanohydroxyapatite in Chitosan Matrix
Authors: Elhendawi Habiba , Felfel R. M. , Abd El-Hady Bothaina M. , Reicha Fikry M.
Published: February 2014

Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nHA) have been used in different biomedical applications where certain particle size distribution and morphology are required. Chitosan/hydroxyapatite (CS/HA) nanocomposites were prepared using in situ coprecipitation technique and the effect of the reaction temperature on the crystallization and particle growth of the prepared nanohydroxyapatite particles was investigated. The composites were prepared at different synthesis temperatures (−10, 37, and 60°C). XRD, FTIR, thermal analysis, TEM and SEM techniques were used to characterize the prepared specimens. It was found that the increase in processing temperature had a great affect on particle size and crystal structure of nHA. The low temperature (−10°C) showed inhabitation of the HA growth in c-direction and low crystallinity which was confirmed using XRD and electron diffraction pattern of TEM. Molar ratio of the bone-like apatite layer (Ca/P) for the nanocomposite prepared at 60°C was higher was higher than the composites prepared at lower temperatures (37 and −10°C).
Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction and Anticipated Turnover among Nurses in Sidama Zone Public Health Facilities, South Ethiopia
Authors: Asegid Agezegn , Belachew Tefera , Yimam Ebrahim
Published: February 2014

Background. Workplace turnover is destructive to nursing and patient outcomes as it leads to losing competent and qualified nurses. However, developments of coping strategies demand a clear understanding of workplace variables that either motivate nurses to remain employed or lead them to leave their current jobs. Objective. This study was designed toassess factors influencing job satisfaction and intention to turnover among nurses in Sidama zone public health facilities, in Southern Ethiopia.Method. Cross-sectional study design was carried out on 278 nurses using both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods from May 12 to June 05, 2010.Result. A total of 242 nurses were interviewed giving a response rate of 87%. Nearly two-third (68.6%) of the participants were female, and the mean age was 28 (±6.27) years for both sexes. All job satisfaction subscale except benefit and salary subscale were significant predictors of overall job satisfaction. Satisfactions with work environment and group cohesion (AOR: 0.25 [95% CI: 0.12, 0.51]), single cohesion (AOR: 2.56 [95% CI: 1.27, 5.13]), and working in hospital (AOR: 2.19 [95% CI: 1.12, 4.30]) were the final significant predictors of anticipated turnover of Sidama zone nurses.Conclusions. More than any factors managers should consider the modification of working environment and group cohesions rather than trying to modify nurses to retain and maintain more experienced nurses for the organizations.
Exponential Synchronization of Stochastic Complex Dynamical Networks with Impulsive Perturbations and Markovian Switching
Authors: Zhou Wuneng , Dai Anding , Tong Dongbing , Yang Jun
Published: February 2014

This paper investigates the exponential synchronization problem of stochastic complex dynamical networks with impulsive perturbation and Markovian switching. The complex dynamical networks consist of κ modes, and the networks switch from one mode to another according to a Markovian chain with known transition probability. Based on the Lyapunov function method and stochastic analysis, by employing M‐matrix approach, some sufficient conditions are presented to ensure the exponential synchronization of stochastic complex dynamical networks with impulsive perturbation and Markovian switching, and the upper bound of impulsive gain is evaluated. At the end of this paper, two numerical examples are included to show the effectiveness of our results.
Leukocyte Production of Inflammatory Mediators Is Inhibited by the Antioxidants Phloretin, Silymarin, Hesperetin, and Resveratrol
Authors: Fordham Jezrom B. , Raza Naqvi Afsar , Nares Salvador
Published: February 2014

Antioxidants possess significant therapeutic potential for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. One such disorder is periodontitis characterised by an antimicrobial immune response, inflammation, and irreversible changes to the supporting structures of the teeth. Recognition of conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns is a crucial component of innate immunity to Gram-negative bacteria such asEscherichia coli, as well as the periodontal pathogenAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. In this study, we investigated the antioxidants Phloretin, Silymarin, Hesperetin, and Resveratrol to ascertain whether they altered the production of inflammatory mediators by innately-activated leukocytes. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide purified fromAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and the production of cytokines, chemokines, and differentiation factors was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cytometric bead array, and RT-PCR. Significant inhibition of these factors was achieved upon treatment with Phloretin, Silymarin, Hesperetin, and Resveratrol. These data further characterise the potent anti-inflammatory properties of antioxidants. Their ability to inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and differentiation factors by a heterogeneous population of leukocytes has clear implications for their therapeutic potentialin vivo.
Characterization of Metabolites of Leonurine (SCM-198) in Rats after Oral Administration by Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry and NMR Spectrometry
Authors: Zhu Qing , Zhang Jinlian , Yang Ping , Tan Bo , Liu Xinhua , Zheng Yuanting , Cai Weimin , Zhu Yizhun
Published: February 2014

Leonurine, a major bioactive component fromHerba Leonuri, shows therapeutic potential for cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention in some preclinical experiments. The aim of this study is to characterize metabolites of leonurine in rats using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS). The chromatographic separation was performed on an Agilent ZORBAX SB-C18 column using a gradient elution with acetonitrile/ammonium acetate buffer (10 mM, pH 4.0) solvent system. An information dependent acquisition (IDA) method was developed for screening and identifying metabolites of leonurine under positive ion mode. Compared with control, the interesting compound in the extracted ion chromatogram (XIC) of thein vivosamples was chosen and further identified by analyzing their retention times, changes in observed mass (Δm/z), and spectral patterns of product ion utilizing advanced software tool. For the first time, a total of three metabolites were identified, including two phase II metabolites generated by glucuronidation (M1) and sulfation (M2) and one phase I metabolite formed by O-demethylation (M3). Finally, the lead metabolite M1 was isolated from urine and its structure was characterized as leonurine-10-O-β-D-glucuronide by NMR spectroscopy (1H,13C, HMBC, and HSQC).
Association between Allergies and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Cotterchio Michelle , Lowcock Elizabeth , Hudson Thomas J. , Greenwood Celia , Gallinger Steven
Published: February 2014

Background: Less than 10% of pancreatic cancer cases survive 5 years, yet its etiology is not well understood. Studies suggest allergies are associated with reduced pancreatic cancer risk. Our study collected additional information on allergies (including skin prick test results and differentiation of allergic/nonallergic asthma), and is the first to assess possible confounding by allergy medications.

Methods: A population-based case–control study was designed to comprehensively assess the association between allergy and pancreatic cancer risk. Pancreas cancer cases were diagnosed during 2011 to 2012, and identified through the Ontario Cancer Registry (345 cases). Population-based controls were identified using random digit dialing and age/sex frequency matched to cases (1,285 controls). Questionnaires collected lifetime allergy history (type of allergy, age at onset, skin prick testing results), allergy medications, and established pancreas cancer risk factors. Logistic regression was used to estimate odd ratios and test potential confounders, including allergy medications.

Results: Hay fever was associated with a significant reduction in pancreatic cancer risk [AOR = 0.68; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.52–0.89], and reduction was greatest for those whose skin prick test was positive for hay fever allergens. No particular patterns were observed as regards age at onset and duration of allergy. Positive dust/mold allergy skin prick test and animal allergies were associated with a statistically significant reduced pancreatic cancer risk; AOR = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.31–0.78 and AOR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.46–0.99, respectively. Asthma was not associated with pancreatic cancer risk.

Conclusions/Impact: These findings support the growing body of evidence that suggests certain allergies are associated with reduced pancreatic cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(3); 469–80. ©2014 AACR.
Novel Potent and Selective Inhibitors of p90 Ribosomal S6 Kinase Reveal the Heterogeneity of RSK Function in MAPK-Driven Cancers
Authors: Aronchik Ida , Appleton Brent A. , Basham Stephen E. , Crawford Kenneth , Del Rosario Mercedita , Doyle Laura V. , Estacio William F. , Lan Jiong , Lindvall Mika K. , Luu Catherine A. , Ornelas Elizabeth , Venetsanakos Eleni , Shafer Cynthia M. , Jefferson Anne B.
Published: February 2014

The p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) family of serine/threonine kinases is expressed in a variety of cancers and its substrate phosphorylation has been implicated in direct regulation of cell survival, proliferation, and cell polarity. This study characterizes and presents the most selective and potent RSK inhibitors known to date, LJH685 and LJI308. Structural analysis confirms binding of LJH685 to the RSK2 N-terminal kinase ATP-binding site and reveals that the inhibitor adopts an unusual nonplanar conformation that explains its excellent selectivity for RSK family kinases. LJH685 and LJI308 efficiently inhibit RSK activity in vitro and in cells. Furthermore, cellular inhibition of RSK and its phosphorylation of YB1 on Ser102 correlate closely with inhibition of cell growth, but only in an anchorage-independent growth setting, and in a subset of examined cell lines. Thus, RSK inhibition reveals dynamic functional responses among the inhibitor-sensitive cell lines, underscoring the heterogeneous nature of RSK dependence in cancer.

Implications: Two novel potent and selective RSK inhibitors will now allow a full assessment of the potential of RSK as a therapeutic target for oncology. Mol Cancer Res; 12(5); 803–12. ©2014 AACR.
Come Together, Right Now: Dynamic Overwriting of an Object's History through Common Fate
Authors: Luria Roy , Vogel Edward K.
Published: February 2014

The objects around us constantly move and interact, and the perceptual system needs to monitor on-line these interactions and to update the object's status accordingly. Gestalt grouping principles, such as proximity and common fate, play a fundamental role in how we perceive and group these objects. Here, we investigated situations in which the initial object representation as a separate item was updated by a subsequent Gestalt grouping cue (i.e., proximity or common fate). We used a version of the color change detection paradigm, in which the objects started to move separately, then met and stayed stationary, or moved separately, met, and then continued to move together. We monitored the object representations on-line using the contralateral delay activity (CDA; an ERP component indicative of the number of maintained objects), during their movement, and after the objects disappeared and became working memory representations. The results demonstrated that the objects' representations (as indicated by the CDA amplitude) persisted as being separate, even after a Gestalt proximity cue (when the objects “met” and remained stationary on the same position). Only a strong common fate Gestalt cue (when the objects not just met but also moved together) was able to override the objects' initial separate status, creating an integrated representation. These results challenge the view that Gestalt principles cause reflexive grouping. Instead, the object initial representation plays an important role that can override even powerful grouping cues.
On the Occurrence of Silica Grains in Woods of Uibbertia (Dilleniaceae)
Authors: Dickison William C.
Published: February 2014

Silica grains are common in the woods of New Caledonian species of Hibbertia. The grains are generally restricted to the ray parenchyma cells with a single grain per ray cello Grain size, shape, and surface texture are quite variable. The systematic significance of silica grains in Hibbertia cannot be assessed until additional species are examined. This is the first documented report of silica grains occurring in woods of the Dilleniaceae.
Sem Observations of Perforation Plates in Sonneratia Linn. (Sonneratiaceae)
Authors: Vijendra Rao R. , Bisen S.S. , Sharma Babulal , Dayal R.
Published: February 2014

Vessels of Sonneratia belonging to the family Sonneratiaceae, have so far been shown to have only simple perforations. However, in the present study, simple, scalariform, modified scalariform and reticulate types of perforations in the vessels of four species of Sonneratia have been found for the first time. Besides scalarifonn and reticulate perforations, a variety of intermediate forms have also been observed.
Histochemical Studies of the Transition from Sapwood to Heartwood in Tectona Grandis
Authors: Datta S. K. , Kumar Anjani
Published: February 2014

Histochemistry of the wood of Tectona grandis Linn. f. (Verbenaceae) has been studied during the transition from sapwood to heartwood. Starch, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, phenolics and the enzymes peroxidase, succinate dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, adenosine triphosphatase and glucose-6-phosphatase show significant changes during the transition. Peroxidase and adenosine triphosphatase are highly active in the sapwood and moderate in the transition zone while succinate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphatase and acid phosphatase are moderate throughout the sapwood.
Nature of Vestures in the Vestured Pits of Some Caesalpiniaceae
Authors: Ranjani K. , Krishnamurthy K. V.
Published: February 2014

Histochemical studies in combination with selective extraction on the vestured pits of some Caesalpiniaceae members revealed that the vestures were free of lignin and cellulose, and were mainly composed of carboxylated polysaccharides.
Notes on Torus Development in the Wood of Osmanthus Americanus (L.) Benth. ' Hook. Ex Gray (Oleaceae)
Authors: Dute Roland R. , Rushing Ann E.
Published: February 2014

The development of the torus in the wood of Osmanthus americanus was investigated using transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Torus formation on either side of the pit membrane did not begin until after the development of the associated pit border was well underway. No plasmodesmata were encountered in the torus at any time during its ontogeny. Synthesis of torus material was correlated with a mass of randomly oriented microtubules and dictyosome vesicles. The two halves of the torus did not develop synchronously; deposits of torus material were evident first in the older of two adjacent cells. Selective hydrolysis of the matrix material of the margo also began fIrst on that side of the pit membrane associated with a mature tracheary element. Evidence is presented for a fibrillar as weIl as a matrix component in the torus.
Protein Storing Vacuoles in Ray Ceils of Willow Wood (Salix Caprea L.)
Authors: Sauter Jörg J. , Wellenkamp Silvia
Published: February 2014

Light- and electron-microscopical investigations revealed protein bodies of c. 0.5 to 2.5 µm in diameter in the ray cells of willow wood. They consist of electron-dense aggregatesofvarious structural organisation which are enclosed in small-sized vacuole-like compartrnents. In semi-thin sections these aggregates showed positive protein staining with Ponçeau Red and Coomassie Blue, and enzymatic digestibility with pepsin. Because these protein bodies are found during the dormant season but not during summer, they are believed to be specific sites of protein storage in the ray cells of the wood. This is in accordance with the biochemical protein determination which yielded 6.4 to 8.4 µg mg-1 dry weight in late fall but only 1.2 to 2.0 µg mg-1 dry weight during summer.
Vessel Occlusions in Plants: Morphological, Functional and Evolutionary Aspects
Authors: Bonsen Karel J. M. , Kučera Ladislav J.
Published: February 2014

The minimum pit aperture diameter of a vessel-parenchyma pit pair was found as the decisive wood anatomical feature for vessel occlusion by either tyloses or gums. Based on this observation, as well as on considerations and established knowledge about the functional significance of vessel occlusions, an evolutionary hypothesis is presented. In order to withstand microorganisms and embolisms, plants are able to occlude their vessels with tyloses or gums. The most primitive Angiosperms show tylosis formation. With the decreasing pit sizes in the vessel wall during plant evolution, gum formation was developed, whereas the increasing vessel sizes led in some plants to renewed tylosis formation.
Partial Cell Wall Lysis and the Resumption of Meristematic Activity in Fraxinus Excelsior Cambium
Authors: Funada Ryo , Catesson Anne-Marie
Published: February 2014

Cytochemical changes in cambia! cell walls were studied during the transition from rest to mitotic activity in spring. A partial autolysis occurred in the radial walls especially at cell junctions. The lysis was closely associated with a localised decrease in the level of calcium ions bound to the cell walls.
Variation in Wood and Tracheid Properties of Pinus Maximinoi, P. Pseudostrobus and P. Patula
Authors: Wright J. A. , Malan F. S.
Published: February 2014

Wood density, latewood percentage, ring width and the cross sectional dimensions of tracheids (wall thickness, lumen area, radial and tangential lumen diameters) were evaluated from ten-year-old trees of Pinus maximinoi H.E. Moore, P. pseudostrobus Lindley and P. patula Schiede ' Deppe grown in South Africa. The species were almost equal in terms of average volume per tree. The wood of P. patula differed from the other species in latewood percentage, tracheid wall thickness, lumen area, radial and tangential lumen diameters. Apart from ring widths, significant differences within species were found for all of the wood and tracheid properties studied. The wood of P. patula has a higher latewood percentage especially in the outer parts of the stem and smaller tracheids than the other two species. The wood densities of P. patula and P. maximinoi were similar. The tracheids of P. pseudostrobus had thinner cell walls than the other two species and wood density was also lower for this species possibly as a result of reduced volume of cell wall material. The differences between and within species for wood and tracheid properties suggest that end use products will vary according to the seed source used.
Preliminary material
Authors: Nielsen I. C.
Published: February 2014

Stern 'chips' from large-diameter stern regions of Larix laricina were produced free of contaminating organisms. These chips, consisting of dormant vascular cambium sandwiched intact between mature xylem and phloem, were grown as in vitro cultures on the surface of an agar medium that supports apparently normal cambial cell division and xylogenesis. It was determined that auxin (l-naphthaIene acetic acid) together with nutrients at low concentrations in the medium was essential for cambial growth, whether chips were grown in continuous light or darkness. Fusiform cambial cells underwent successive periclinal divisions to produce radial files of enlarged, bordered-pitted, secondary-walled, lignified and autolysed earlywood tracheids. As many as 20 new tracheids per radial file were produced, and > 95% of these were autolysed after 35 days of culture.
Occurrence of Perforated Ray Cells and Ray Splitting in Rapanea Laetevirens and R. Lorentziana (Myrsinaceae)
Authors: Otegui Marisa S.
Published: February 2014

Perforated ray cells are reported for the first time in stern and root wood of two neotropical species, Rapanea laetevirens Mez and Rapanea lorentziana Mez (Myrsinaceae). Two types of ray splitting were observed. One of them is correlated with the presence of perforated ray cells.
Vertical and Radial Variation of Nuclear Elongation Index of Living Sapwood Ray Parenchyma Cells in a Plantation Tree of Cryptomeria Japonica
Authors: Yang K.C. , Chen Y.S. , Benson C.A.
Published: February 2014

Vertical and radial variations of nuclear elongation index (NEI) of living sapwood ray parenchyrna cells were studied in a 45-year-old plantation tree of Cryptomeria japonica D. Don collected in Taiwan on February 27, 1992. Nine wood strips oriented in an E-W direction of the tree were collected starting at 0.3 m above ground level, and progressing upwards by 2.5 m intervals to the tree crown. Radial sections, 20 µm thick, were cut from the cambium toward the inner sapwood of these nine wood strips. The nuclear elongation index (NEI) was used to express the metabolic activity of the ray cells. It was found that metabolic activity of sapwood ray parenchyma was thc highest at the outer sapwood and declined gradually towards the inner sapwood. The lowest average NEI was found at the lowest stern level. The average NEI of various stern height levels increased with increasing stern height level. The average NEI of three growth rings at the outer sapwood near the cambium reached a maximum at the bottom of the live crown.
Parallelism and Reversibility in Xylem Evolution a Review
Authors: Baas Pieter , Wheeler Elisabeth A.
Published: February 2014

The irreversibility of the major trends of xylem evolution, such as the origin of vessels in primitive angiosperms with long fusiform initials, and the shifts from scalariform to simple perforations and from tracheids to libriform fibres, has long been accepted by wood anatomists. Parallel development of these and other xylem features is generally accepted, and is suggested by the distribution patterns of the fibre and perforation plate type. Some recent phylogenetic analyses of seed plants suggest that there also have been some reversals in these general trends. The likelihood and extent of parallel origins and reversions of the major trends in xylem specialization are explored here by analysing a number of published hypotheses on the phylogenetic relationships within wood anatomically diverse major clades of angiosperms, and within some individual families. On the basis of these analyses, it appears that for these major Baileyan transformation series, parallelisms were more than twice as common as reversals. Functional adaptations to increased efficiency and safety of hydraulic architecture can largely explain the high incidence of parallelisms in xylem evolution.
Formation of Robinetin Crystals in Vessels of Intsia Species
Authors: Hillis W.E.
Published: February 2014

Many samples of Intsia spp. contain a few vessels which, throughout their length, possess some elements filled with bright yellow crystals. They serve as a characteristic of the genus. An examination was undertaken to elucidate the mode of formation of these crystals, which have been identified as pure robinetin, and the factors which may control their presence. It was concluded they are formed at pit membranes inside these particular vessels. The non-structural components of fibres, parenchyma and vessels in heartwood differ from each other. Also with the possible exception of the fibres, aberrant cells of each tissue formed different compounds. Heartwood extractives are not transferred directly from the parenchyma to other tissues in all species.
Effect of Physiological Age and Site on Microfibril Angle in Pinus Radiata
Authors: Donaldson L. A.
Published: February 2014

The effect of physiological age (shoot age at propagation) and site on microfibril angle was examined for seedlings (physiological age = 0 years) and cuttings (physiological age = 5-16 years) of Pinus radiata D. Don. Two trials were examined by measuring microfibril angle in alternate growth rings on breast height discs. In the first trial, two sites were compared for ll-year-old trees propagated from seedlings, and cuttings of comparable genotype, at 0 and 5 years physiological age, respectively. In the second trial, a single site was examined comparing 25-year-old trees propagated from open pollinated seedlings, and cuttings physiologically aged by 12-16 years, originating from 10 seed-orchard clones. In each trial there was a significant effect of physiological age for microfibril angle in the first 9 growth rings with a greater effect in the trees of greater physiological age. Physiological aging produced a significant decrease in microfibril angles in the juvenile wood, on average reducing microfibril angle to values below 35° in trees aged by 12-16 years. Juvenile wood size, as indicated by the point at which microfibril angle gradient changes, was reduced by an average of two rings in both sets of aged cuttings examined. There was no effect of site in the material examined. Differences were consistent among seedling/ramet pairs of similar genotype. The use of aged cuttings rather than seedlings should result in increased stiffness of the juvenile wood and reduced longitudinal shrinkage. However, other changes associated with physiological aging, such as reduced basic density and growth rate, may affect the practicality of using highly.
Phenological Comparison of the Onset of Vessel Formation Between Ring-Porous and Diffuse-Porous Deciduous Trees in a Japanese Temperate Forest
Authors: Suzuki Mitsuo , Yoda Kiyotsugu , Suzuki Hitoshi
Published: February 2014

Initiation of vessel formation and vessel maturation indicated by secondary wall deposition have been compared in eleven deciduous broadleaved tree species. In ring-porous species the first vessel element formation in the current growth ring was initiated two to six weeks prior to the onset of leaf expansion, and secondary wall deposition on the vessel elements was completed from one week before to three weeks after leaf expansion. In diffuse-porous species, the first vessel element formation was initiated two to seven weeks after the onset of leaf expansion, and secondary wall deposition was completed four to nine weeks after leaf expansion. These results suggest that early maturation of the first vessel elements in the ring-porous species will serve for water conduction in early spring. On the contrary, the late maturation of the first vessel elements in the diffuse-porous species indicates that no new functional vessels exist at the time of the leaf expansion.
Variability of Bark Structure in Plantation-Grown Eucalyptus Globulus
Authors: Quilhó Teresa , Pereira Helena , Richter Hans Georg
Published: February 2014

The bark structure of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. grown in plantations in Central Portugal is described, based on specimens extracted at six height levels from ten 15-year-old trees. No significant variation of qualitative features between trees was observed. The non-collapsed phloem is characterised by multiseriate tangential rows of phloem parenchyma alternating with rows of phloem fibres, interspersed with large sieve tubes and their respective companion cells, and uniseriate rays . With the onset of sieve tube collapse (collapsed phloem ), some parenchyma cells expand and sclerify, the course of rays becomes irregular, and ray dilatation is initiated. The periderm is composed of a phellem of lignified cells with horseshoe thickening (phelloids), followed by a layer of cells with suberised tangential walls, and a phelloderm with a variable number of layers of thin-walled cells. Age-related secondary changes give rise to a specific within-tree pattern of axial variation. Both the intensity of sclerification of phloem parenchyma cells and the degree of ray dilatation increase with tree age.
Sequential Changes Associated with Cell Wall Formation and Fusion in the Vascular Cambium
Authors: Catesson A.M. , Roland J.C.
Published: February 2014

Cytochemical techniques and mild extractions were used at the electron microscope level for the study of the cambial zone of several hardwoods and one softwood. The maturation processes of the primary radial and tangential cell walls involve a progressive disappearance of their initial heterogeneity. The buttress-like zone joining these walls appears to be the starting point for a characteristic sequence of changes and intra-wall rearrangement. Topochemical results have suggested an alternative to the 'emboxing concept' of cell wall development.
Histochemistry of Paraquat Treated Wood in Azadirachta Indica A.Juss.
Authors: Nair M. N. B. , Shah J. J.
Published: February 2014

Paraquat (1, 1'-dimethyl-4, 4' bipyridilium salt) induced heartwood formation in Azadirachta indica. The wood at the site of treatment showed desiccation. The induced heartwood is observed even at the height of 3 to 3.5 metres from the site of the treatment. Histochemical studies showed disappearance of starch grains and accumulation of lipids, insoluble polysaccharides and phenolics in the treated wood. The axial and ray parenchyma cells at the sapwood-heartwood boundary in the treated wood showed enhanced acid phosphatase, ATPase and succinate dehydrogenase activities. Traumatic gum ducts were also observed in the treated wood.
On the identity of Lepismium lineare and L. warmingianum (Cactaceae, Rhipsalidae)
Authors: Lombardi Julio Antonio
Published: February 2014

Field surveys, cultivation tests and literature examination allowed to clarify the identity and morphological distinction of Lepismium lineare and L. warmingianum. A diagnostic key for the Lepismium species in Brazil is also provided.
Surface Pressure Observations from Smartphones: A Potential Revolution for High-Resolution Weather Prediction?
Authors: Mass Clifford F. , Madaus Luke E.
Published: February 2014

Millions of smartphones possess relatively accurate pressure sensors and the expectation is that these numbers will grow into the hundreds of millions globally during the next few years. The availability of millions of pressure observations each hour from smartphones has major implications for high-resolution numerical weather prediction. This paper reviews smartphone pressure-sensor technology, describes commercial efforts to collect the data in real time, examines the implications for mesoscale weather prediction, and provides an example of assimilating smartphone pressure observations for a strong convective event over eastern Washington State.
A Comparison of Climate Signal Trend Detection Uncertainty Analysis Methods
Authors: Phojanamongkolkij Nipa , Kato Seiji , Wielicki Bruce A. , Taylor Patrick C. , Mlynczak Martin G.
Published: February 2014

Two climate signal trend analysis methods are the focus of this paper. The uncertainty of trend estimate from these two methods is investigated using Monte Carlo simulation. Several theoretically and randomly generated series of white noise, first-order autoregressive and second-order autoregressive, are explored. The choice of method that is most appropriate for the time series of interest depends upon the autocorrelation structure of the series. If the structure has its autocorrelation coefficients decreased with increasing lags (i.e., an exponential decay pattern), then the method of Weatherhead et al. is adequate. If the structure exhibits a decreasing sinusoid pattern of coefficient with lags (or a damped sinusoid pattern) or a mixture of both exponential decay and damped sinusoid patterns, then the method of Leroy et al. is recommended. The two methods are then applied to the time series of monthly and globally averaged top-of-the-atmosphere (TOA) irradiances for the reflected solar shortwave and emitted longwave regions, using radiance observations made by Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) instruments during March 2000 through June 2011. Examination of the autocorrelation structures indicates that the reflected shortwave region has an exponential decay pattern, while the longwave region has a mixture of exponential decay and damped sinusoid patterns. Therefore, it is recommended that the method of Weatherhead et al. is used for the series of reflected shortwave irradiances and that the method of Leroy et al. is used for the series of emitted longwave irradiances.
Let Me Speak
Authors: Boateng Francis D. , Makin David A. , Yoo Jihye
Published: February 2014

Recognizing a gap in the African policing literature created due to the lack of research on police officers attitudes toward the public, the present study was conducted to bridge this gap by examining officers perceptions of the public and to determine whether such perceptions influence officers behavior on the street and their perception of effectiveness. Using a randomized sample of 145 police officers selected from five police districts in Accra, Ghana, the study found that police officers in Ghana generally hold negative views of the public they serve. Findings also revealed that officers perception of public cooperation significantly predict their behavior and perception of effectiveness in controlling crime in the community. However, officers perceptions of public recognition and compliance with the rule of law were not found to predict their behavior and perception of effectiveness. Policy implications of the findings were discussed.
Correlates of Perceived Helpfulness of Mental Health Professionals Following Disclosure of Sexual Assault
Authors: Starzynski Laura L. , Ullman Sarah E.
Published: February 2014

A diverse sample of more than 365 adult sexual assault survivors, recruited from college and community sources, was surveyed about sexual assault experiences, post-assault factors, and perceived helpfulness of and satisfaction with mental health professionals. Regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with perceived helpfulness of and satisfaction with mental health professionals. Older age, higher posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), greater control over recovery, and more emotional support reactions were associated with positive perceptions of mental health professionals. Stranger offenders, greater resistance during assault, high victim post-assault upset, and blaming social reactions from others were associated with negative perceptions of mental health professionals.
A Qualitative Exploration of Researcher Trauma and Researchers’ Responses to Investigating Sexual Violence
Authors: Coles Jan , Astbury Jill , Dartnall Elizabeth , Limjerwala Shazneen
Published: February 2014

Vicarious trauma can be a problem for those who work and research in areas where clients or participants are survivors of sexual violence. The aim of this study was to explore the trauma experiences of sexual violence researchers from different countries, identifying the issues that traumatized them and the protective strategies they found effective. This article reports on a moderated electronic discussion board run for 4 weeks from September to October 2009 and four purposeful interviews. A total of 15 researchers participated, 4 males and 11 females. Institutions and organizations researching in this area should consider researcher safety in project design.
Crouching in fear: Terms of engagement for funerary remains The recording example can be found at http://jsa.sagepub.com/
Authors: Knüsel Christopher J.
Published: February 2014

At present, there is no accepted standardised lexicon in English to describe burials and the position of buried human remains. Terms have tended to vary with the investigator and rely on loose, but often ill-defined systems of previous use. As a consequence, there are myriad terms used to describe the same phenomena or, as the case may be, no single well-defined term to do so. This means that new terms are continually invented – and sometimes re-invented bearing different nuances – that hinder use of published work and make comparisons across works difficult. In France for the last 40 years, Duday, his colleagues and students have published a series of papers employing a standard burial terminology that, until recently, was only available in French and in French language publications. Due to limited language competency of English-language scholars and a desire of French scholars to publish in their own (very precise) native language, these seminal works have not influenced English-language use. They clearly lead the way to the development of a standard vocabulary. What follows is a critique of previous non-standard terminological use and a series of suggestions to remedy this situation. This contribution’s debt to French language scholarship is clear, but it does not reproduce a mere translation of terms. Rather, it tries to synthesise French use with English-language scholarship. Its weakest point is that it does not integrate terms from other European languages that also have a long legacy of regional and time-specific application, nor can it claim to do so in other world languages. This is work for the future. This treatment concentrates on adult remains, with archaeothantological study of infant and children’s remains being at only a very anecdotal level to date.