bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WOOD CHARACTERISTICS OF AMAZON FOREST TYPES
Authors: Woodcock D.W. , Dos Santos G. , Reynel C.
Published: April 2013

The Tambopata region of the southern Peruvian Amazon supports a high diversity of both woody plants and forest types. Woods collected from low riverside vegetation, floodplain forest, clay-soil forest on an upper terrace, sandy-soil forest, and swamp forest provide an opportunity to test for significant differences in quantitative anatomical characters among forest types. Vessel-element length in floodplain-forest trees is significantly greater than in the other forest types. Specific gravity is lower in the two early-successional associations (low riverine forest and mature floodplain forest). Vessel diameter and density do not show significant differences among forest types and may be responding to overall climate controls. These two characters, however, show a pattern of variation within a transect extending back from the river along a gradient of increasing substrate and forest age; in addition, sites characterized by frequent flooding or presence of standing water lack vessels in the wider-diameter classes. The six characters analyzed show distributions that are, with the exception of wood specific gravity, significantly nonnormally distributed, a consideration that may be important in representing characteristics of assemblages of taxa. The degree of variability seen in some of the quantitative characters shows the importance of either basing analysis on adequate sample sizes or identifying robust indicators that can be used with small samples.
DISTRIBUTION AND VITALITY OF XYLEM RAYS IN RELATION TO TREE LEAF AREA IN DOUGLAS-FIR
Authors: Gartner Barbara L. , Baker David C. , Spicer Rachel
Published: April 2013

The factors that determine sapwood width and volume in a tree are not known. This study asked whether sapwood width is related to a need for stem storage sites. Experiments were conducted on 12 34-year-old Douglas-fir [(Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] trees with a 6-7 fold range of leaf areas and leaf area/sapwood volumes. Because of declining ray frequency but constant average ray area, ray volume declined for the first 6-10 growth rings, then remained constant, and did not vary with height (breast height vs. 10 nodes from the top). Fewer of the ray parenchyma cells had nuclei in inner than outer sapwood. Inner sapwood had ray parenchyma with smaller rounder nuclei than did outer sapwood, and there was no effect of height. There was a positive relationship between leaf area and the relative volume of ray in outer sapwood at breast height (r = 0.646, p = 0.02), supporting the hypothesis that Douglas-fir trees with larger leaf areas have higher ray volume than do trees with smaller leaf areas. However, correlations of leaf area I sapwood volume with leaf area at either height were not significant, nor were correlations of either leaf area or leaf area/sapwood volume with measures of ray vitality (nuclear frequency in outer sapwood, or the ratio of nuclear frequency in the middle I outer sapwood or in inner I outer sapwood). These latter correlations give no evidence that Douglas-fir trees determine their sapwood volume based on a need for quantity of vital xylem rays.
ANATOMICAL FEATURES OF GROWTH RINGS IN FLOOD-PRONE TREES OF THE ATLANTIC RAIN FOREST IN RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
Authors: Callado Cátia H. , da Silva Neto Sebastião J. , Scarano Fábio R. , Barros Cláudia F. , Costa Cecília G.
Published: April 2013

The anatomical features of growth rings of 13 representative species of the swamp forests within the Atlantic rain forest of the State of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, were studied. Most species showed distinct rings. The growth ring boundaries were marked by fibrous zones frequently associated with marginal parenchyma bands, and growth ring boundary features were characteristic of the particular families and genera analysed. Leaf fall can be related to the occurrence of growth rings in seven species, whereas in evergreen species growth rings can be related to flooding. In Euphorbiaceae species, flooding regime differences (periodical or permanent) are related to the shape and distribution of new cells produced by the cambium and, thus, growth ring structure.
MORE FOSSIL WOODS FROM THE PALAEOGENE OF NORTHERN KYUSHU, JAPAN
Authors: Srivastava Rashmi , Suzuki Mitsuo
Published: April 2013

This paper describes five species of dicotyledonous fossil wood from the lower Oligocene Tsuyazaki Formation in Tsuyazaki, Fukuoka Prefecture, northern Kyushu: Rhus palaeojavanica (Anacardiaceae), Alnus scalariforme (Betulaceae), Hamamelis prejaponica (Hamamelidaceae), Magnoliaceoxylon palaeogenica (Magnoliaceae) and Sonneratia kyushuensis (Sonneratiaceae). This brings the number of species described from the Tsuyazaki locality to 19. Among these 19 species modern equivalents of all species, except for Sonneratia, occur in temperate to subtropical forests. Sonneratia is found today in mangrove vegetation of tropical to subtropical regions. The presence of Sonneratia may suggest a warmer climate in Kyushu during the early Oligocene.
CELL-WALL LIGNIN CONTENT RELATED TO TRACHEID DIMENSIONS IN DROUGHT-SENSITIVE AUSTRIAN PINE (PINUS NIGRA)
Authors: Gindl Wolfgang
Published: April 2013

The intra-annual distribution of cell-wall lignin concentration was determined in Austrian pine tree rings and compared with tracheid diameter, lumen width, cell wall thickness and proportion of cell wall area. Lignin concentration was highly correlated with all tracheid dimensions, but only the proportion of cell wall area exhibited a direct statistically significant relationship. Since cell dimensions in Austrian pine are subjected to the indirect and direct influences of the water status of trees, the negative correlation between cellular lignin content and the proportion of cell wall area is attributed to an indirect effect of water stress on lignification in pine tracheids.
ANATOMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TENSION WOOD AND OPPOSITE WOOD IN YOUNG INCLINED STEMS OF POPLAR (POPULUS EURAMERICANA CV 'GHOY')
Authors: Jourez B. , Riboux A. , Leclercq A.
Published: April 2013

Young shoots from poplar cuttings (Populus euramericana cv ʻGhoyʼ) were artificially inclined to 30° from vertical to quantify the anatomical modifications induced by this gravitational stimulus. At the end of the growing season, the tension wood tissue (from the upper face of the inclined axis) was compared to the opposite wood tissue (from the lower face), with radial position taken into account. On isolated elements after maceration, fibres and vessels were significantly longer in tension wood tissue. In the cross section, the gelatinous fibres had a smaller radial diameter than normal fibres in opposite wood. Vessel frequency and porosity were significantly lower in tension wood than in opposite wood. Solitary vessels in tension wood were less circular in cross section than in opposite wood, but their surface area did not differ. Rays were more numerous in tension wood than in opposite wood but their height did not differ between the two tissue types. Finally, there was a negative correlation between the proportion of vessel lumina (lowest in tension wood) and the proportion of fibre lumina including the G layer. The very controlled nature of this experiment (greenhouse, young clonal material, detailed anatomical observations within one growth ring) and the image analysis technology (allowing a large number of observations) enabled us to draw conclusions that may not have been seen in less-controlled experiments and /or those with smaller sample sizes.
A GENERAL THEORY FOR THE ORIGIN OF GROWTH STRESSES IN REACTION WOOD: HOW TREES STAY UPRIGHT
Authors: Bamber Richard Kenneth
Published: April 2013

A general theory for the origin of growth stresses in the reaction wood of trees is presented. In both gymnosperms and arboreal dicotyledons, stress is considered to arise from the cellulosic component of the wood. It is suggested that in gymnosperms, cellulose microfibrils behave as helical springs. The helical springs are thought to be laid down in a compressed state and thus exert a compressive force which acts to right or stabilise the tree.

In arboreal dicotyledons the cellulose microfibrils are laid down as extended, longitudinally oriented springs and thus exert a tensile force tending to right or stabilise the tree.

Contrary to the prevailing view, lignin is not considered to be involved in the generation of growth stress in reaction wood. It is suggested that the sole function of lignin is to cement the cellulosic constituents into a whole, thus ensuring the transmission of stresses through the wood. The low values of lignin often reported from tension wood and especially from gelatinous fibres is seen as a mechanism to facilitate the contraction of microfibils thus maximising longitudinal tensile stress. The high values of lignin in of compression wood is seen as a mechanism to increase the compressive strength of compression wood.
WOOD ANATOMY OF SCHEFFLERA AND RELATED TAXA (ARALIACEAE). II. SYSTEMATIC WOOD ANATOMY OF NEW CALEDONIAN SCHEFFLERA
Authors: Oskolski Alexei A. , Lowry II Porter P.
Published: April 2013

The wood anatomy of 22 of the 26 species of Schefflera occurring in New Caledonia was studied. Only two features (the presence of scalariform perforation plates and scanty paratracheal axial parenchyma) appear to be constant throughout the species examined. The pattern of wood structure diversity was analyzed using PCA; the results generally agree with the current recognition of four groups of species among New Caledonian Schefflera based on macromorphology. Three of these groups (Dizygotheca, “Canacoschefflera” and “Gabriellae”) represent natural assemblages closely related to one another. The fourth group (Schefflera sect. Schefflera) is isolated from the others, as indicated by its very large rays and abundant septate fibres. The occurrence of crystals in chambered cells of axial parenchyma was observed for the first time in Araliaceae. The wood structure of Schefflera plerandroides, previously placed in the segregate genus Octotheca, shows no essential differences from that of the other members of the Dizygotheca group, supporting the hypothesis that polymerous flowers have evolved independently at least twice within the Schefflera alliance.
Technical Note: INHOMOGENEITY IN THE COMPOSITION OF VESTURE WALLS IN AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL WOOD
Authors: Singh Adya P. , Kim Yoon Soo , Wi Seung Gon
Published: April 2013

Transmission electron microscopy of Terminalia archaeological wood from an ancient Polynesian canoe showed vestures to be intact despite extensive degradation of the secondary wall by erosion bacteria. The vesture wall consisted of a lining wall resistant to degradation and an underlying wall which was partly degraded. These observations provide evidence for inhomogeneity in the composition of Terminalia vesture walls.
SEM OBSERVATIONS ON 'TAWARA-SHIBO' (A SERIES OF SWELLINGS ALONG THE AXIS) STEMS OF CHAMAECYPARIS OBTUSA
Authors: Nakada Ryogo , Kawamura Kaichiro
Published: April 2013

The anatomy of tawara-shibo stems of Chamaecyparis obtusa (Siebold & Zucc.) Endl. was observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a light microscope. Tawara-shibo is a strange stem form with a series of swellings that appear at regular intervals along the stem axis. Multiseriate rays, trabeculae and related structures, and modified tracheids were frequently observed at swollen portions. These features were less frequent at non-swollen portions.

We conclude that abnormal cambial activities, occurring at regular longitudinal intervals, cause the formation and development of these three anatomical features and higher growth rates at swollen portions. As a result of differences in growth rate between swollen and non-swollen portions, the stem form of tawara-shibo develops. It is suggested that formation of the characteristics observed in tawara-shibo stems is genetically controlled by hormonal secretion into or within the cambium.
EFFECTS OF AMBROSIA BEETLE ATTACK ON CERCIS CANADENSIS
Authors: Dute Roland R. , Miller Michael E. , Davis Micheal A. , Woods Floyd M. , McLean Kathy S.
Published: April 2013

Damage caused to Cercis canadensis by the Asian ambrosia beetle and its associated micro-organisms was investigated as was host response to infestation. Various micro-organisms were connected with beetle infestation but only filamentous fungi exhibited extensive growth. In particular, species of Ambrosiella were associated with beetle tunnels. Fungal hyphae infected all cell types by growing directly through cell walls, by penetrating pit membranes, and by traversing perforations. Colonization of parenchyma was intensive and these cells probably provided the nutrients for continued hyphal growth. Host cell response to damage included breakdown of the protective layer of some parenchyma cells and accumulation of polysaccharide gels within vessel members. Measurements showed no significant difference in ethylene production by wood samples from infected versus uninfected trees. However, established literature indicates that damage-induced ethylene production was responsible for initiating events that caused vascular blockage by carbohydrate gel.
THE BEHAVIOUR OF FIVE WOOD SPECIES IN COMPRESSION
Authors: Ellis Simon , Steiner Paul
Published: April 2013

Five wood species, Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia Benth.), Balau (Shorea spp.), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco), Western red cedar (Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don), and Trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) were loaded in compression longitudinally, radially and tangentially. The wood cubes were conditioned to one of four moisture contents prior to loading. Small cubes were loaded until no void space remained after which samples were released and soaked in water. Stress /strain curves were recorded over the whole range of strain and cube thicknesses were recorded at the end of the compression, after release from the testing apparatus, and after soaking in water. Denser woods resulted in a greater Young’s modulus, higher levels of stress and shorter time to densification than did less dense woods. Higher initial moisture contents apparently increased the plasticity of the wood leading to a lower Young’s modulus and lower levels of stress during compression, greater springback after release of stress and greater recovery after swelling in water. Differences observed in the radial and tangential behaviours were believed to be due to the supporting action of the rays when the wood was compressed in the radial direction in balau and trembling aspen and to the relative difference between the lower density earlywood and higher density latewood regions in ash, Douglas-fir and western red cedar.
A NEW METHOD FOR THE PREPARATION AND EXAMINATION OF PERFORATED RAY CELLS
Authors: Ceccantini Gregório C.T. , Iwasaki Candice
Published: April 2013

This paper describes a simple technique borrowed from paleopalynology to produce increased concentrations of perforated ray cells and to isolate them from fibers and vessel elements. The technique provides very clear slides with only parenchyma cells and perforated ray cells. The perforated ray cells are easily distinguished and occur in frequencies of up to 10 perforated cells per square centimeter. The methods described includes the maceration of wood material, separation of cells with granulometrical sieves and measurements of cell dimensions. After separation of parenchyma cells from vessels and fibers the suspension is concentrated by centrifugation. With these methods, perforated ray cells may be more easily compared among plant groups.
THE AGE AND DENSITY OF ANCIENT AND MODERN OAK WOOD IN STREAMS AND SEDIMENTS
Authors: Guyette Richard P. , Stambaugh Mike
Published: April 2013

Large wood of oak trees (Quercus spp.) has resided in the streams and sediments of north Missouri, USA for many thousands of years. This wood affords the opportunity to compare a chronosequence of differences in wood density over a very long period. We analyzed the relationship between the age (residence time) and density of heartwood from oak boles using tree-ring and 14C dating methods and discuss their implications. The residence time of large oak wood (> 25 cm diameter) sampled in the streams and sediments ranged from less than 14 years to more than 12,320 years. The oak wood ranged in density from 0.82 g cm-3 for a tree that had recently fallen into the stream to 0.14 g cm-3 for ancient oak wood. Two regression equations relate age (residence time) and density of oak wood and explain 88 percent of the variance in the dependent variables. Equation 1, heartwood density = age, can be used for studies in carbon cycling, wood as invertebrate habitat, or other questions related to the density and ecology of wood in streams such as wood retention and export. Equation 2, age = heartwood density, can be used for estimating when oak wood was formed on a very coarse scale over many thousands of years.
ANATOMICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF LARIX SIBIRICA GROWN IN SOUTH-CENTRAL SIBERIA
Authors: Koizumi Akio , Takata Katsuhiko , Yamashita Kana , Nakada Ryogo
Published: April 2013

Tracheid length, microfibril angle, spiral grain, wood density, MOE, MOR, compressive strength, modulus of rigidity and their inter-relationships were investigated for fifty Siberian larch trees (Larix sibirica) collected from five natural stands. No inter-stand variation in tracheid length, microfibril angle and spiral grain was observed. No effect of tracheid length and microfibril angle on the mechanical properties was observed. Inter-stand variation in wood density was significant, especially for mature wood. The wood from the Baikal site in the eastern range of the natural distribution had a very high density. The wood from the Altai site in the mountain range had a low density, especially within the latewood. Minimum density within a ring seemed to be the major source of variation for average density within the heartwood, whereas the effect of maximum density on average density was greater within the sapwood. Wood density, which was much higher for a given ring width than in plantation-grown Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi), had a major effect on the mechanical properties.
THE EFFECT OF TREE SHELTER ON THE STEM ANATOMY OF CORK OAK (QUERCUS SUBER) PLANTS
Authors: Quilhó T. , Lopes F. , Pereira H.
Published: April 2013

The effect of tree shelter on the growth and anatomy of bark and wood of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) seedlings was evaluated one year after planting. Stem cross sections were examined and percentage of tissues (vessels, axial parenchyma, rays and fibres) and diameter of vessels analysed. The cork oaks responded to the effect of shelter tubes with a 22% increase in apical growth and a 35% decrease in radial enlargement resulting into highly significant differences in the diameter-to-height ratio (0.099 and 0.193 respectively for sheltered and unsheltered plants). The stem anatomy showed adaptations to the protected environment of the shelter: the sheltered plants had a significantly higher percentage of parenchyma (30% vs. 19%, P < 0.001) and lower percentage of wood fibres (40% vs. 47%) compared with unsheltered plants. Annual rings were less clearly visible in the sheltered plants. These observations suggest that trees grown in protective shelters are less able to withstand the environment than those directly subjected to it.
APPLICATION OF NEAR INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY TO THE EXTRACTED WOOD OF A DIVERSE RANGE OF SPECIES
Authors: Schimleck Laurence , Evans Robert , Ilic Jugo
Published: April 2013

Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was applied to fifty-four species (59 samples in total) representing a diverse array of taxonomic affiliations, wood chemistry and physical properties. Acetone and ethanol were used to remove extractives from the wood samples used in this study. The extracted samples were characterized in terms of collapse-free density, microfibril angle and longitudinal modulus of elasticity (estimated using the collapse-free density and X-ray diffraction data obtained from Silvi- Scan-2). NIR spectra were obtained from the radial longitudinal face of each sample and used to generate calibrations for the measured physical properties. Extraction was found to improve the calibration statistics for all properties.
STEM AND ROOT WOOD ANATOMY OF THE SHRUB PHLOMIS FRUTICOSA (LABIATAE)
Authors: Psaras G.K. , Sofroniou I.
Published: April 2013

Wood from the stems and roots of the malacophyllous Mediterranean drought semi-deciduous species Phlomis fruticosa was studied. The stem is diffuse-porous with narrow vessels. Though narrow vessels impose high conducting resistance, they are less vulnerable to cavitations, thus providing safety during summer drought and winter freezing. The geographical distribution of the plant (up to 1400 m altitude) may be relevant to the occurrence of narrow stem vessels, which provide high resistance to cavitations from low temperatures during winter. Vessel grouping in the stem adds to the safety against cavitations. Root vessels are mostly solitary and have almost double the diameter of stem vessels. Diffuse-porosity, the presence of narrow vessels in stems and the values of vulnerability and mesomorphy indices, are adaptations to the two stresses imposed by the Mediterranean climate, i.e. summer drought and winter cold.
SILICA-CAST REPLICAS FOR MORPHOLOGY STUDIES ON SPRUCE AND BIRCH XYLEM
Authors: Persson Per Valdemar , Fogden Andrew , Hafrén Jonas , Daniel Geoffrey , Iversen Tommy
Published: April 2013

Sol-gel mineralization has been used and evaluated as a tool for morphological studies on Picea abies and Betula verrucosa. Wood specimens and a pulped spruce sample were impregnated with a silica sol-gel and subsequently heated (calcined) to condense the surfactant-templated polysilicic acid into structured mesoporous silica. During this calcination process, the wood substance and the surfactant were removed and a silica-cast replica of the sample was obtained. The sol-gel mineralization method produced replicas that were studied by environmental scanning and transmission electron microscopy (ESEM, TEM) without additional sample preparation. The calcination induced some shrinkage above the fiber level, but the ultrastructural dimensions were not discernibly affected. The silica-cast replica method may therefore be a useful tool for studies of the wood ultrastructure, including the cell-wall pore structure (microcavities), down to the nanometer level.
IMPACT OF AIR POLLUTION ON RING WIDTH AND TRACHEID DIMENSIONS IN ABIES RELIGIOSA IN THE MEXICO CITY BASIN
Authors: Bernal-Salazar Sergio , Terrazas Teresa , Alvarado Dionisio
Published: April 2013

Annual ring width and characteristics of latewood tracheids were characterized for the past 100 years for old trees of Abies religiosa growing in the Desierto de Los Leones within the air-polluted Mexico City basin. Sampled trees had lost nearly 50% of their branches and leaves. Radial variation in most measured characteristics followed typical trends for maturation until the 1970s, when trees were about 70 years old. From that decade onward, there was a continued reduction in annual ring width as well as a reduction in cell wall thickening and tracheid length, but an increase in lumen diameter. These xylem modifications started before the first visual symptoms of leaf damage were detected. We suggest that changes in annual ring width and tracheid size are caused by air pollution rather than by tree age.
ANATOMICAL CHARACTERISATION AND VARIABILITY OF THE THISTLE CYNARA CARDUNCULUS IN VIEW OF PULPING POTENTIAL
Authors: Quilhó Teresa , Gominho Jorge , Pereira Helena
Published: April 2013

The thistle Cynara cardunculus L. is an herbaceous perennial with high productivity that is harvested annually and is a potential fibre crop for paper pulp production. The anatomical variation within stalks was studied (base, middle and top) and compared in C. cardunculus plants at different development phases. The stalk of C. cardunculus includes an epidermis, cortex and a central cylinder with fibro-vascular bundles with phloem, xylem and a fibrous sheath that is variable in arrangement and size within and between plants.

At harvest, the pith represents 37% of the stalk transectional area and 7% of the total weight. There was a slight variation in quantitative features of, respectively, the three development groups studied; mean fibre length was 1.04 mm, 0.95 mm and 1.05 mm; mean fibre width was 15 μm, 16 μm and 21 μm; mean fibre wall thickness was 3.2 μm, 3.4 μm and 4.9 μm. Fibre length and width decreased within the stem from base to top, while fibre wall thickness increased. Mean vessel diameter was 22 μm and mean vessel element length 220–483 μm. In mature plants, parenchyma represents 39% of the total transectional area and fibres 25%. The proportion of fibres increases during plant development and in mature plants is highest at the stalk base.

As regards anatomical features, Cynara stalks compare favourably to other annual plants and fibre biometry indicates good potential for paper sheet forming and strength properties.
INFLUENCE OF PROVENANCE VARIATION ON WOOD PROPERTIES OF TEAK FROM THE WESTERN GHAT REGION IN INDIA
Authors: Bhat K.M. , Priya P.B.
Published: April 2013

The three major teak provenances of the Western Ghats in India were characterised in terms of mechanical and anatomical wood properties. Within the same age of 21-year-old plantations, teak from the North Kanara provenance, generally known to display slow growth, had the lower values of static bending (modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity) and longitudinal compressive stresses than the Malabar provenance (Nilambur). The weaker timber of North Kanara provenance was attributed to its relatively high percentage of parenchyma and low percentage of fibres in the narrower rings, probably as an adaptation to nutrient-rich soil condition. Observations of 65-year-old plantations reveal that there was a trend for bending stiffness (modulus of elasticity) and maximum stress (modulus of rupture) of the timber to be highest towards the southernmost geographic location (Konni) within the latitudinal range of 9° to15° S with a greater percentage of cell wall (with higher lignification) despite the slower growth rate and well defined ring-porosity with wider bands of earlywood parenchyma tissue. The study thus underlines the need to recognise the provenance source of variation to explain the varied growth-structure-property relationships of teak and to utilise the Indian genetic resources to the optimum in future teak improvement programmes.
HISTOCHEMICAL STUDY ON HETEROGENEITY OF LIGNIN IN EUCALYPTUS SPECIES II. THE DISTRIBUTION OF LIGNINS AND POLYPHENOLS IN THE WALLS OF VARIOUS CELL TYPES
Authors: Watanabe Yoko , Kojima Yasuo , Ona Toshihiro , Asada Takayuki , Sano Yuzou , Fukazawa Kazumi , Funada Ryo
Published: April 2013

We examined the effects of polyphenols on the analysis of lignin by histochemical methods, namely, the Mäule color reaction coupled with microspectrophotometry and ultraviolet microspectrophotometry, in wood of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and E. globulus. Thin sections and wood meals were extracted with solutions of alkali at different concentrations. The amounts of alkali-soluble extractives increased with increasing concentrations of NaOH. By contrast, there was no clear correlation between amounts of Klason lignin and the concentration of NaOH. The visible-light absorption spectra of cell walls of all woody tissues from both species changed after alkali extraction. In particular, the spectra of cell walls of vessel elements changed considerably, even when only a dilute solution of alkali was used. Ultraviolet absorption spectra did not show clear changes after extraction with alkali. These results indicate that polyphenols in cell walls affect the results of histochemical analysis. Therefore, a preliminary extraction with alkali, namely, extraction with a 1% solution of NaOH, is needed to assess the precise distribution of lignins in the cell walls of Eucalyptus wood by histochemical methods. The cell walls of wood fibers of Eucalyptus camaldulensis contained both guaiacyl and syringyl units and those of vessel walls contained mostly guaiacyl units. However, the cell walls of wood fibers in Eucalyptus globulus contained mainly syringyl units, while those of vessel elements contained both guaiacyl and syringyl units. Syringyl-type polyphenols, which have spectra similar to those of syringyl-type lignins, were found in the cell walls of wood fibers and vessel elements and in cell corners among wood fibers in both species of Eucalyptus.
GROWTH STRESSES AND RELATED ANATOMICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN COCONUT PALM TREES
Authors: Kuo-Huang Ling-Long , Huang Yan-San , Chen Shin-Shin , Huang Yi-Ru
Published: April 2013

The surface growth strains and the distribution of internal stresses in woody palms, coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), were determined by measuring the strains released by the kerf method using strain gauges. Measurements of the surface strains showed that longitudinal tensile stresses existed at the cortex, while longitudinal compressive stresses existed at the periphery of the central cylinder. These stresses may be generated from the fibers located in the scattered fiber and vascular bundles. In the central cylinder of narrow and wide trunks, both positive and negative stresses were observed, indicating the existence of some tensile and compressive stresses in the trunks. The amount of stress varied from base to top and from periphery to core because of the variation in proportion of the vascular bundles and the fibers, and the cell wall layers of fibers along these points. Furthermore, changes in the angle of vascular bundles and of the fiber microfibrils were correlated with the various tensile and compressive stresses located in the central cylinder of the trunks.
ROLES OF AUXIN AND GIBBERELLIN IN GRAVITY-INDUCED TENSION WOOD FORMATION IN AESCULUS TURBINATA SEEDLINGS
Authors: Du Sheng , Uno Hiroki , Yamamoto Fukuju
Published: April 2013

The lowest nodes of 6-week-old Aesculus turbinata seedlings were treated with uniconazole-P, an inhibitor of gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis, or a mixture of uniconazole-P and GA3 in acetone solution. To the seedling stems, an inhibitor of auxin transport (NPA) or inhibitors of auxin action (raphanusanin or MBOA) were applied in lanolin paste. The seedlings were tilted at a 45° angle and kept for 10 weeks before histological analysis. Decreases in both normal and tension wood formation followed the application of uniconazole-P. The application of GA3 together with uniconazole-P partially negated the effect of uniconazole-P alone. The application of NPA inhibited tension wood formation at, above, and below the lanolin-treated portions. The treatment of raphanusanin or MBOA also resulted in decreases in tension wood formation at the treated portions. The inhibitory effects of these chemicals applied on the upper side of tilted stems or around the entire stem were greater than on the lower side. The application of uniconazole-P in combination with raphanusanin, MBOA or NPA showed synergistic effects on the inhibition of tension wood formation. The results suggest that both auxin and GA regulate the quantitative production of tension wood fibers and are essential to tension wood formation.
MICROFIBRIL ANGLE OF THE S1 CELL WALL LAYER OF NORWAY SPRUCE COMPRESSION WOOD TRACHEIDS
Authors: Brändström Jonas
Published: April 2013

The ultrastructural organization of the outer layer of the secondary wall (i.e. S1 layer) of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) compression wood tracheids was investigated with emphasis on the microfibril angle. Light microscopy was used to study the orientation of soft rot cavities (viz. microfibril angle) in compression wood tracheids from macerated soft rot degraded wood blocks. In addition, surface and fracture characteristics of compression wood tracheids selected from a thermomechanical pulp were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed that the orientation of soft rot cavities varied little between tracheids and the angles were also consistent along the length of individual tracheids. The average S1 microfibril angle in two selected annual rings was 90.0° ± 2.7° and 88.9° ± 2.4° respectively. SEM observations of the compression wood tracheids from the pulp showed distinct fractures between S1 and S2 or within S1 and these fractures were oriented perpendicular to the tracheid axis. It was concluded that the microfibril angle of the S1 layer of compression wood tracheids is higher and less variable than normal wood tracheids. This is considered an adaptation for restraining the compressive forces that act on leaning conifer stems or branches.
BARK ANATOMY OF SOUTHERN SOUTH AMERICAN CUPRESSACEAE
Authors: De Magistris Alberto Antonio , Castro María Agueda
Published: April 2013

Anatomical and macroscopic features of the bark are described for the Cupressaceae indigenous to southern South America: Austrocedrus chilensis, Fitzroya cupressoides and Pilgerodendron uviferum. Macroscopically there are two different types: 1) with rather deep longitudinal and transverse fissures, and short ridges or scales varying in adherence (Austrocedrus); and 2) with deep fissures, and elongate and wide ridges, which contain the rhytidome accumulated over several years (Fitzroya and Pilgerodendron). The pattern of the secondary phloem of the three species studied agrees closely with that of the other genera of Cupressaceae, but there are diagnostic differences as well: arrangement of the fibre rows, fibre types, frequency of resin ducts and the ray height. Pilgerodendron uviferum shows rays with erect marginal cells, similar to Strasburger cells, whereas ray sclereids in the fibre crossing zones were only observed in Austrocedrus. Resin ducts are present in Austrocedrus and Fitzroya. The main characteristics are used for an identification key. Anatomical relations with other genera of the family are discussed.
Nannoperca pygmaea, a new species of pygmy perch (Teleostei: Percichthyidae) from Western Australia
Authors: MORGAN DAVID L. , BEATTY STEPHEN J. , ADAMS MARK
Published: April 2013

A new species of pygmy perch (Percichthyidae) from south-western Australia is described on the basis of 15 specimens collected from the Hay River system. Nannoperca pygmaea sp. nov. differs from the sympatric congener N.vittata (Castel-nau) by the absence of dark pigment on the ventral surface anterior to the anus, the possession of thin latero-ventral stripes, generally fewer dorsal rays and fewer anal rays, hind margin of scales on caudal peduncle without distinct pigment, and a more pronounced spot (ocellus) that is surrounded by a halo at the termination of the caudal peduncle. The new species is distinguished from congeners Nannoperca australis Günther, N. oxleyana Whitley and N. variegata Kuiter and Allen in possessing an exposed and serrated preorbital bone and jaws that may just reach to below the anterior margin of the eye, versus a smooth and hidden preorbital and the jaws reaching to at least below the pupil; and from the remaining congener, N. obscura (Klunzinger) in possessing a distinct haloed ocellus at base of caudal fin versus an indistinct barring, as well as a dark spot behind operculum, and the lack of dusky scale margins. It differs from the other sympatric pygmy perch found in the region, N. balstoni Regan, by the presence of an exposed rear edge of the preorbital (vs. hidden under skin), fewer transverse scale rows (13 vs. 15–16), small mouth (rarely reaching eye vs. reaching well beyond eye), ctenoid (vs. cycloid) body scales, generally fewer pectoral rays and smaller maximum size. Allozyme analyses unequivocally demon-strate that sympatric populations of N. pygmaea sp. nov. and N. vittata belong in different genetic lineages, display no genetic intermediates, and are diagnosable by fixed allozyme differences at 15 different loci. Due to its extremely restrict-ed range, where it is known from only 0.06 km2, N. pygmaea sp. nov. requires urgent legislative protection.
Correcting the nomenclature of two Helix dejecta: Helicopsis arenosa (Krynicki, 1836) (Gastropoda: Hygromiidae) from Eastern Europe and Streptartemon dejectus (Moricand, 1836) (Gastropoda: Streptaxidae) from Brazil
Authors: HAUSDORF BERNHARD
Published: April 2013

In the course of the preparation of a checklist and an atlas of the terrestrial molluscs of the Caucasus region it turned out that two species have been named Helix dejecta, one from the northern Black Sea region and one from Brazil, and need a nomenclatural clarification.
Synonyms for some species of Mexican anoles (Squamata: Dactyloidae)
Authors: DE OCA ADRIÁN NIETO MONTES , POE STEVEN , SCARPETTA SIMON , GRAY LEVI , LIEB CARL S.
Published: April 2013

We studied type material and freshly collected topotypical specimens to assess the taxonomic status of five names asso-ciated with species of Mexican Anolis. We find A. schmidti to be a junior synonym of A. nebulosus, A. breedlovei to be a junior synonym of A. cuprinus, A. polyrhachis to be a junior synonym of A. rubiginosus, A. simmonsi to be a junior syn-onym of A. nebuloides, and A. adleri to be a junior synonym of A. liogaster.
Description of a second specimen of Leptotyphlops parkeri (Squamata: Leptotyphlopidae), with comments on its generic placement
Authors: BOUNDY JEFF
Published: April 2013

All but two of the 121 species of the snake family Leptotyphlopidae are characterized by possessing 14 scale rows around the body throughout most of its length. The exceptions, both possessing 16 scale rows, are Rhinoleptus koniagui (Villiers) of the Guinean region, and Leptotyphlops parkeri Broadley, known from one specimen from Ethiopia. According to Adalsteinsson et al. (2009), some leptotyphlopids from the West Indies may possess 16 scale rows, but their statement was based on an unpublished work (Wallach, 1998) and an original source for the scale row count could not be found (B. Hedges, V. Wallach, pers. comm.). During a check of snake identifications at the Louisiana State University Museum of Natural Science (LSUMZ), I encountered a specimen of Leptotyphlops from Kenya that had 16 scale rows, and closely resembled L. parkeri in arrangement of the cephalic scales (Fig. 1). Collection data for LSUMZ 53772 are: Tsavo National Park, [most probably from Kilaguni Lodge,] Coast Province, Kenya, collected December 1972 by Harold A. Dundee. The habitat at Kilaguni Lodge is referred to Acacia–Commiphora deciduous bushland and thicket (R. Drewes, pers. comm.). The snake was collected on the ground at night (H.A. Dundee, pers. comm.).
An Example of Dehumanization as a Shield Against Our Helpless Openness to the Other
Authors: Furlong Allannah
Published: April 2013

Cultural rituals requiring covering or otherwise distancing the dead may include as unconscious motivation the protection of the departed from dangerous impulses triggered in the living by their helpless forms. A parallel is drawn between the unconscious excitation associated with exposure to the prostrate human forms of a dead body and of an infant. Both send powerful, disquieting “enigmatic messages.” As extreme avatar of the baby’s passivity and vulnerability, the human cadaver has the same capacity for soliciting the unconscious infantile sexuality of the survivor or caretaker. This ambivalent impact of the “prostrate human form” may be understood in a new interpretation of Freud’s concept of primary identification as the infant’s aspiration toward and by the other in an open-ended primary absorption of “humanness.” The unconscious belief of “belonging to the human species” has first come to us from the other and, as concentration camp literature attests, we continue to need the other to confirm it. A distinction is drawn with mourning. At issue here is the continuing enigmatic draw of any lifeless human form due to a primary and ongoing identification that creates an impossible-to-resist commiseration with the presentation of that fragile human form.
Initial SYNTAX Score Predicts Major Adverse Cardiac Events After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Brown Adam J. , McCormick Liam M. , Gajendragadkar Parag R. , Hoole Stephen P. , West Nick E.J.
Published: April 2013

We assessed whether interventional complexity in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) predicted long-term outcome. Consecutive patients undergoing PPCI for STEMI underwent SYNTAX scoring, based on angiographic images obtained at coronary intervention. Patients were classified as SYNTAX score (SS) ≤22 (low, L), 23 to 32 [intermediate (IM)], and ≥33 (high, H). The median SS for the cohort was 19 [Interquartile range (IQR), 11.0-25.5] with median tertile scores of L 14 (IQR 9.0-18.5, n = 437), IM 26 (IQR 24.0-28.5, n = 170), and H 36 (IQR 34.5-40.5, n = 67). Two-year freedom from major adverse cardiac events (MACE) was L 88.1%, IM 78.8%, and H 68.7% ( P < .001). Multivariate analysis confirmed that increasing SS tertile was an independent predictor of MACE [IM hazard ratio (HR) 1.61, confidence interval (CI) 1.05-2.47; P = .03, H HR 1.99, CI 1.16-3.41; P = .01]. The SS, when applied to patients undergoing PPCI for STEMI, provides prognostic information.
Revisiting the treatment of conduct problems in children with callous-unemotional traits
Authors: Hawes David J , Dadds Mark R , Brennan John , Rhodes Tracy , Cauchi Avril
Published: April 2013

Objective:

This study examined whether the diminished treatment response previously reported for children with conduct problems and high levels of callous-unemotional (CU) traits is evident when these traits are indexed using multi-informant data collected from mothers, fathers, and teachers. It also tested whether treatment outcomes associated with CU traits are independent of overlap between CU traits and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms.

Method:

Diagnostic data on oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) severity were collected pre-treatment (time 1) and at 6-month follow-up (time 2) in a sample of children ( N = 95; 67 boys, 28 girls) aged 3–9 years with clinic-referred conduct problems and comorbid symptoms in a range of diagnostic domains. Time 1 measures of CU traits and ASD symptoms were tested as predictors of time 2 ODD severity using structural equation modeling, with multi-informant ratings of CU traits modeled as a single latent variable.

Results:

Compared to children with low levels of CU traits, those with high levels exhibited more severe ODD symptoms at follow-up ( β = 0.33, SE = 0.08, p < 0.05), after controlling for pre-treatment severity, socio-economic status, other demographics (age, gender), and parameters of treatment (number of treatment sessions, medication status). Although CU traits and ASD symptoms were positively correlated, ASD symptoms showed no association with change in ODD severity from pre-treatment to follow-up. Likewise, the association between CU traits and ODD outcomes held when controlling for covariation between CU traits and ASD symptoms.

Conclusions:

Our findings replicate previous evidence that CU traits are uniquely associated with poor clinical outcomes among children treated for conduct problems, and show for the first time that this association is not accounted for by symptoms of ASD.
FELASA guidelines for the refinement of methods for genotyping genetically-modified rodents
Authors: Bonaparte (Convenor) Dolores , Cinelli Paolo , Douni Eleni , Hérault Yann , Maas Alex , Pakarinen Pirjo , Poutanen Matti , Lafuente Mirentxu Santos , Scavizzi Ferdinando
Published: April 2013

The use of genetically-modified (GM) animals as research models continues to grow. The completion of the mouse genome sequence, together with the high-throughput international effort to introduce mutations across the mouse genome in the embryonic stem (ES) cells ( www.knockoutmouse.org ) facilitates an efficient way to obtain mutated mouse strains as research models. The increasing number of available mutated mouse strains and their combinations, together with the increasing complexity in the targeting approaches used, reinforces the need for guidelines that will provide information about the mouse strains and the robust and reliable methods used for their genotyping. This information, however, should be obtained with a method causing minimal discomfort to the experimental animals. We have, therefore, compiled the present document which summarizes the currently available methods for obtaining genotype information. It provides updated guidelines concerning animal identification, DNA sampling and genotyping, and the information to be kept and distributed for any mutated rodent strain.
Assessment of postsurgical distress and pain in laboratory mice by nest complexity scoring
Authors: Jirkof Paulin , Fleischmann Thea , Cesarovic Nikola , Rettich Andreas , Vogel Johannes , Arras Margarete
Published: April 2013

Preliminary studies have suggested a correlation between postsurgical pain and nest building behaviour in laboratory mice. However, there is no standardized measure for estimating pain by means of nest building performance. Here, we investigated nest building under various conditions, and scored nest complexity to assess postsurgical pain. Mice of both sexes, different strains [C57BL/6J, DBA/2J, and B6D2-Tg(Pr-mSMalphaActin)V5rCLR-25], and kept under different housing conditions, showed no differences in their latency to use the offered nest material. Healthy female C57BL/6J mice were engaged 4.3% of the day with nest building and showed three peaks of this behaviour: in the beginning and middle of the light phase, and in the second half of the dark phase. For assessment of postsurgical pain, female C57BL/6J mice underwent a sham embryo transfer +/− different doses of the analgesic carprofen or control treatment. Nest complexity scoring at 9 h after the experimental treatments (i.e. at the end of the light phase) resulted in less than 10% of animals with noticeably manipulated nest material (nestlet) after surgery and more than 75% of healthy mice having built identifiable-to-complex nests or had noticeably manipulated nestlets, while animals after anaesthesia-only showed intermediate nest complexity. Carprofen analgesia resulted in no (5 mg/kg) or only slight (50 mg/kg) improvement of nest complexity after surgery. Thus, nest complexity scoring can be incorporated into daily laboratory routine and can be used in mice as a sensitive tool for detecting reduced wellbeing and general condition, but probably not for determining the efficacy of pain treatment.
Polymerizable ultraviolet stabilizers for unsaturated polyester-based bulk molding compounds
Authors: Shin Min Jae , Shin Young Jae , Moon Yong Un , Shin Jae Sup
Published: April 2013

Monomeric compounds that protect against ultraviolet (UV) exposure, e.g. 2-hydroxy-4-acryloyloxybenzophenone (HABP), 2-[3-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]ethyl methacrylate (BTEM), and 4-acryloyloxy-1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidine (APMP), were used as UV stabilizers for unsaturated polyester-based bulk molding compounds (BMCs). HABP and APMP were synthesized by reacting acryloyl chloride with 2,4-dihydro-xybenzophenone and 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidinol, respectively. The molded BMC samples were obtained using actual formulations containing these UV stabilizers, and the UV stability of the samples was estimated using a color difference meter. The results showed that HABP and BTEM afforded good protection against UV light, and these compounds showed a synergistic effect. APMP also showed a synergistic effect, but only when a small amount of the compound was used. These results were compared with the results obtained when copolymers of HABP and BTEM were used as UV stabilizers. The results showed that the polymerizable UV stabilizers demonstrated better protection against UV exposure, when they were added directly to the formulation of BMC, compared to the addition of copolymers as UV stabilizers.