bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strong Armies, Slow Adaptation: Civil-Military Relations and the Diffusion of Military Power
Authors: Kadercan Burak
Published: February 2014

Why are some states more willing to adopt military innovations than others? Why, for example, were the great powers of Europe able to successfully reform their military practices to better adapt to and participate in the so-called military revolution of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries while their most important extra-European competitor, the Ottoman Empire, failed to do so? This puzzle is best explained by two factors: civil-military relations and historical timing. In the Ottoman Empire, the emergence of an institutionally strong and internally cohesive army during the early stages of state formation—in the late fourteenth century—equipped the military with substantial bargaining powers. In contrast, the great powers of Europe drew heavily on private providers of military power during the military revolution and developed similar armies only by the second half of the seventeenth century, limiting the bargaining leverage of European militaries over their rulers. In essence, the Ottoman standing army was able to block reform efforts that it believed challenged its parochial interests. Absent a similar institutional challenge, European rulers initiated military reforms and motivated officers and military entrepreneurs to participate in the ongoing military revolution.
Grounds for War: The Evolution of Territorial Conflict
Authors: Johnson Dominic D.P. , Toft Monica Duffy
Published: February 2014

In international relations, unlike the natural sciences, there are few fundamental principles or laws. The world map, however, reveals at least one iron law of global politics: human territoriality. Almost every inch of the globe is partitioned into exclusive and bounded spaces that “belong” to specific groups of humans. Any that is not—such as Kashmir, Jerusalem, and the South China Sea—remains hotly contested. Throughout history, territory has led to recurrent and severe conflict. States are prepared to go to war, and individuals are prepared to die, even over land with little intrinsic value. While such behavior presents a puzzle for international relations theory, a broader evolutionary perspective reveals that territorial behavior has the following three characteristics: (1) it is common across the animal kingdom, suggesting a convergent solution to a common strategic problem; (2) it is a dominant strategy in the “hawk-dove” game of evolutionary game theory (under certain well-defined conditions); and (3) it follows a strategic logic, but one calibrated to cost-benefit ratios that prevailed in our evolutionary past, not those of the present. These insights generate novel predictions about when territorial conflict is more or less likely to occur in international relations.
Sample Skewness as a Statistical Measurement of Neuronal Tuning Sharpness
Authors: Samonds Jason M. , Potetz Brian R. , Lee Tai Sing
Published: February 2014

We propose using the statistical measurement of the sample skewness of the distribution of mean firing rates of a tuning curve to quantify sharpness of tuning. For some features, like binocular disparity, tuning curves are best described by relatively complex and sometimes diverse functions, making it difficult to quantify sharpness with a single function and parameter. Skewness provides a robust nonparametric measure of tuning curve sharpness that is invariant with respect to the mean and variance of the tuning curve and is straightforward to apply to a wide range of tuning, including simple orientation tuning curves and complex object tuning curves that often cannot even be described parametrically. Because skewness does not depend on a specific model or function of tuning, it is especially appealing to cases of sharpening where recurrent interactions among neurons produce sharper tuning curves that deviate in a complex manner from the feedforward function of tuning. Since tuning curves for all neurons are not typically well described by a single parametric function, this model independence additionally allows skewness to be applied to all recorded neurons, maximizing the statistical power of a set of data. We also compare skewness with other nonparametric measures of tuning curve sharpness and selectivity. Compared to these other nonparametric measures tested, skewness is best used for capturing the sharpness of multimodal tuning curves defined by narrow peaks (maximum) and broad valleys (minima). Finally, we provide a more formal definition of sharpness using a shape-based information gain measure and derive and show that skewness is correlated with this definition.
The Significance of the Accessory Tissues of the Hydrosystem for Osmotic Water Shifting as the Second Principle of Water Ascent, With Some Thoughts Concerning the Evolution of Trees
Authors: Braun H.J.
Published: February 2014

The accessory tissues of the hydrosystem consist of the parenchymatic contact tissue of the xylem rays, as weIl as the paratracheidal parenchyma in gymnosperms, and the paratracheal contact-parenchyma in angiosperms.
Storied Structure of the Secondary Phloem
Authors: den Outer R. W.
Published: February 2014

The anatomy of the secondary phloem with a storied structure of 49 species of woody dicotyledons from the Ivory Coast, West Africa, has been studied. They belong to the families Bixaceae (1 species), Bombacaceae (3 species), Caesalpiniaceae (4 species), Papilionaceae (18 species), Sterculiaceae (16 species), and Tiliaceae (7 species). In the Bixaceae and Sterculiaceae only the axial system is storied whereas in the four other families usually both the ray and axial systems are storied.
Histological Studies of Pinus Halepensis Stem Xylem Affected by Matsucoccus Josephi (Homoptera: Margarodidae)
Authors: Liphschitz Nili , Mendel Zvi
Published: February 2014

The injury caused by Matsucoccus josephi Bodenheimer ' Harpaz to naturally and artificially infested Pinus halepensis Mill. was studied with special emphasis on the reaction of the cambium to the insect attack and the subsequent changes in the xylem. Scars from stem injury were easily detected macroscopically due to discoloration on the stem cross section and involve narrowing of annual rings at the injury site for several years. Microscopic sections reveal production of abnormal xylem in the injured zone, i. e., lignified parenchyma cells instead of tracheids, curved tracheids and lignified resin ducts. Histological disorganisation is compared with mechanical injuries. Changes in the orientation of cells in the xylem suggest that the effect of infestation is not only mechanical; interrupted polar auxin transport into loops is probably responsible for abnormal xylem formation.
Structure and Chemical Composition of Cork from Calotropis Procera (AIT.) R. BR.
Authors: Pereira Helena
Published: February 2014

The structure and chernical composition of the cork of Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br. were studied and comparison was made with composition and properties of cork from Quercus suber. The cells are approximately prismatic, thin-walled, and show appreciable cell wall wrinkling. Average dimensions are 100 µm in radiallength and 20 x 10-6 cm2 in tangential surface area, but considerable dimensional variability was found. Calotropis cork contains a large amount of inorganic material: 21.5 % of ash. Extractives' content is 11.1 %, of suberin 5.3 %, of lignin 40% and of polysaccharides 25.7%. Arabinans are the main hemicelluloses. The chemical composition of Calotropis cork significantly differs from Quercus suber cork, and this fact may partl y explain the different properties of these two materials.
Growth Rings, Increment and Age of Trees in Inundation Forests, Savannas and a Mountain Forest in the Neotropics
Authors: Worbes Martin
Published: February 2014

Investigations on growth zones of tropical trees were carried out and published since the beginning of our century.

In tropical regions with severe annual dry seasons or inundation phases trees form annual rings. This is demonstrated for trees from Central Amazonian inundation forests and the Gran Sabana in Venezuela using a combination of several dendrochronological methods (wood anatomy, radiocarbon dating, ring width measurements).

The occurrence of annual rings allows the determination of age and growth rate of trees. The growth rate depends on the growth strategy of the species and the growth conditions. At a given site growth rate shows a weak negative correlation with the specific gravity of the wood of trees from the upper story. Several reported ring width patterns are explained by the vegetation history of different forest stands.
Wood Anatomical Variation of Acacia Melanoxylon in Relation to Latitude
Authors: Wilkins A. P. , Papassotiriou Sabine
Published: February 2014

The wood anatomy of Acacia melanoxylon samples from various locations in eastern Australia was examined and a number of characteristics were found to be significantly related to latitude. Vessel member length, proportion of fibres and proportion of multiseriate rays were positively related to latitude. Vessel frequency, vessel diameter and the abundance of crystals were negatively related to latitude as were the proportion of: uniseriate rays, vessels and axial parenchyma. Total proportion of ray tissue and basic density was not found to be associated with latitude.

Anatomical features associated with lower transpirational demand appeared to be correlated with the cooler, more xeric environmental conditions accompanying increasing latitude.
Trabeculae in the Cork Cells of Quercus Suber L.
Authors: Pereira Helena
Published: February 2014

Trabeculae were observed in the cork tissue of Quercus suber L. They extended radially between tangential walls across a few cells, with a rod-like fonn, and were found to follow the undulation of the radial walls of the cork cells.
Survey and Discussion of the Terminology Used in Bark Anatomy
Authors: Trockenbrodt Michael
Published: February 2014

A critical review of bark anatomical terms is undertaken to stimulate the discussion on bark terminology. Suggestions are made for a standardised usage of the corresponding terms for facilitating the communication between people working on bark anatomy. A tentative glossary of terms is given at the end of the paper.
Comparative Wood Anatomy of Afromontane and Bushveld Species from Swaziland, Southern Africa
Authors: Prior J. A. B. , Gasson P. E.
Published: February 2014

The habit, specific gravity and wood anatomy of 43 Afromontane and 50 Bushveld species from Swaziland are compared, using qualitative features from SEM photographs of charred samples. Woods with solitary vessels, scalariform perforation plates and fibres with distinctly bordered pits are more common in the Afromontane species, whereas homocellular rays and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate are more common in woods from the Bushveld.
Structure of Wood and Cambial Variant in the Stem of Dalbergia Paniculata Roxb.
Authors: Nair M. N. B. , Mohan Ram H. Y.
Published: February 2014

The wood of Dalbergia paniculata is unique as it consists of concentric layers of broad xylem, alternating with bands of narrow phloem. This anomaly results from the periodic formation of successive cambia in the secondary phloem. Some phloem parenchyma cells dedifferentiate to form a discontinuous ring of cambium. Such parenchyma cells have higher succinate dehydrogenase activity than the neighbouring cells of secondary phloem. The newly differentiated cambial layer functions bidirectionally, and its products give rise to xylem internally and phloem externally. The phloem along with cambium present internal to the newly formed xylem becomes included.

The wood is diffuse-porous and the intervessel pits are vestured. The phloem has welldifferentiated sieve tube members and companion cells.
Wood Anatomy of the Bignoniaceae, with a Comparison of Trees and Lianas
Authors: Gasson Peter , Dobbins David R.
Published: February 2014

The secondary xylem anatomy of trees and lianas was compared in the family Bignoniaceae. General descriptions of the family and the six woody tribes are provided. Lianas belong to the tribes Bignonieae, Tecomeae and Schlegelieae, and most have ve.ssels of two distinct diameters, many vessels per unit area, large intervascular pits, septate fibres, large heterocellular rays often of two distinct sizes, scanty paratracheal and vasicentric axial parenchyma and anomalous growth. Conversely, trees, which belong to the tribes Coleeae, Crescentieae, Oroxyleae and Tecomeae generally have narrower vessels in one diameter class, fewer vessels per unit area, smaller intervascular pits, non-septate fibres, small homocellular rays, scanty paratracheal, aliform or confluent parenchyma, and none exhibits anomalous growth. The majority of both trees and Hanas possess growth rings, are diffuse-porous, have non-solitary vessels which lack helical thickenings, and few have apotracheal parenchyma or storied structure. All species have alternate intervascular pitting and simple perforation plates.
Fe-Sem Observations on the Microfibrillar Orientation in the Secondary Wall of Tracheids
Authors: Abe Hisashi , Ohtani Jun , Fukazawa Kazumi
Published: February 2014

Field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the inner surfaces of the developing secondary walls of earlywood tracheids of Abies sachalinensis Masters. Microfibrillar orientation in the secondary wall, as seen from the lumen side, changed in a clockwise direction from the outermost S1 to the middle of the S2 and from there counter-clockwise to the innermost S3. Sometimes microfibrils oriented in a steep S-helix were observed in the S3 layer. Lamellae showing different microfibrillar orientations in wall layers other than the S2 were observed beneath newly deposited microfibrils on the inner surface of the developing wall. Furthermore, on the inner surface of the wall forming the S12, S23 and S3, lamellae with microfibrils closely aligned at the same angle as one another and lacking spaces were not observed. These observations suggest that in layers other than the S2 most lamellae are not composed of closely spaced microfibrils.
Ring Width, Density and Wood Anatomy of Douglas Fir with Different Crown Vitality
Authors: Kort Ingrid de , Loeffen Veronique , Baas Pieter
Published: February 2014

The correlations of density, cell wall percentage, number of cells per cross sectional surface area, latewood percentage and ring width are analysed within growth rings, among rings of different widths, and among six Douglas fir trees of different vitality classes. There is a consistent, positive correlation between density, cell wall percentage and latewood percentage. Correlations of ring width with latewood percentage and density vary from tree to tree. For practical purposes latewood percentage can be used to explain c. 60% of the density variation. This parameter is recommended for rapid assessment of the impact of crown vitality on wood quality.
Reinvestigation of the Wood Structure of Thottea Siliquosa (Aristolochiaceae)
Authors: Vijendra Rao R. , Dayal R. , Sharma B.L. , Chauhan Luxmi
Published: February 2014

An accurate deseription of the wood structure of Thottea siliquosa is presented for the first time. Earlier deseriptions for this species were based on ineorreetly identified sampies. Wood is diffuse-porous with distinet growth rings. Vessels are small , solitary, in radial multiples and also in clusters, forming a distinet radial pattern. Perforations are simple, intervessel pits small, alternate without vestures. Vaseular traehe ids are present. Axial parenehyma is diffuse and diffuse-in-aggregates. Rays are very high and broad, heterogeneous. Fibres thick-walled and non-septate. Oil eells are absent.
Generic Identification Key to Rattan Palms Based on Stem Anatomical Characters
Authors: Weiner Gudrun , Liese Walter
Published: February 2014

The rattan palms consist of 13 genera which present distinct anatomical differences. Of special significance are the number of phloem fields and vessels per vascular bundie, type of ground parenchyma, occurrence of fibre rows in the cortex, 'yellow cap', raphide sacs, arrangement of sieve tubes and size of the fibre sheath of the outer vascular bundles. On the basis of these features a dichotomous key for the identification of the rattan genera has been developed. Since the technological properties of the c. 650 species differ considerably, this means of identification at least at the generic level is of practical value.
Extinct Juglandaceous Wood from the Eocene of Oregon and Its Implications for Xylem Evolution in the Juglandaceae
Authors: Manchester Steven R. , Wheeler E.A.
Published: February 2014

Clarnoxylon blanchardii gen. et sp. nov. is a new taxon for fossil wood with a suite of features diagnostic of the Juglandaceae. It occurs at two Middle Eocene (c. 43-44 million years b.p.) localities in the Clarno Fonnation of central Oregon, USA. Clarnoxylon resembles the Platycaryeae and the Hicorieae in having exclusively simple perforation plates and solid pith. However, the common occurrence of crystalliferous idioblasts in the rays, but not in the axial parenchyma, and the cooccurrence at Clarno of platycaryoid fmits and pollen unaccompanied by hicorioid fmits indicate that Clarnoxylon has affinities with the Platycaryeae. Differences between Clarnoxylon and Platycarya support previous suggestions that short vessel elements, helical thickenings, and vascular tracheids are derived characters of Platycarya. These differences are also in accord with the ecological adaptation of the extant genus Platycarya to a temperate climate contrasting with the tropical Middle Ebcene setting of Clarnoxylon.
Wood Structure and Generic Status of Some Southern African Cassinoideae (Celastraceae)
Authors: Archer Robert H. , van Wyk Abraham E.
Published: February 2014

Opinions differ on whether to treat Cassine in southern Africa in a wide sense, or to recognise several segregate genera, such as Elaeodendron, Crocoxylon, Lauridia, Mystroxylon and Cassine s. str. A comparative anatomical study was made of mature wood representing 17 southern African species of Cassine s.l., Pleurostylia and the three monotypic genera, Allocassine, Hartogiella and Maurocenia (all members of the subfamily Cassinoideae). The wood structure is described with emphasis on the taxonomic value of quantitative and qualitative characters. Various features were found to be diagnostic at supraspecific level. The presence or absence of scalariform perforation plates, septate fibres, various ray types, and additional quantitative characters could be useful for taxonomic application, especially for generic delimitation. Three principal wood types, of which one encompasses three subtypes, are recognised among the species examined. Wood anatomical evidence tells against a wide generic concept for Cassine, and favours the recognition of segregate genera.
Sem Observations on Perforated Ray Cells
Authors: Nagai Satoshi , Ohtani Jun , Fukazawa Kazumi , Wu Jing
Published: February 2014

The occurrence and morphology of perforated ray cells in eight Yunnan hardwoods were investigated using SEM, and the micromorphology of their perforation plates compared with those in the vessel member end walls. In most cases the perforation plates were dimorphic with the total area of the openings in the perforated ray cells sm aller than the perforation plates in the vessel member ends.
Influence of Age on Selected Anatomical Properties of Populus Clones
Authors: Peszlen Ilona
Published: February 2014

Anatomieal properties of three Euramerican hybrid poplar [Populus × euramericana (Dode) Guinier] clones, the Italian 'I-214' and the Hungarian 'Kopecky' and 'Koltay', were investigated. Six trees from each clone were sampled from plantations (aged 15 and 10 years) at two sites in Hungary. Disks were removed at breast height from each tree to study the effect of age on variation of anatomical properties. Along the eastern radius, vesscl and fibre parameters were measured for each growth ring using an image analyser.
Longitudinal Variation in Selected Wood Properties of Naturally and Plantation Grown Light Red Meranti (Shorea Leprosula and S. Parvifolia, Dipterocarpaceae)
Authors: Bosman Monique T. M.
Published: February 2014

Longitudinal variation in fibre wall percentage, area percentage of vesse ls and resin canals and specific gravity was studied at three to five height levels in three naturally and five plantation grown trees of Light Red Meranti (Shorea leprosula and S. parvifolia).
Circular Vessels in the Secondary Xylem of Arabidopsis Thaliana (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Lev-Yadun Simcha
Published: February 2014

Circular vessels differentiate in the secondary xylem of the short stem of Arabidopsis thaliana at the rosette level, where many inflorescence s grow following the repeated cutting of developing inflorescences over several weeks. The circular vessels differentiate adjacent to developing buds, but are not found in branching regions of the inflore scence s.
Vestured Pits in Some Woody Gentianaceae
Authors: Jansen Steven , Smets Erik
Published: February 2014

Vestured pits are reported for the first time in representatives of four genera of Gentianaceae, namely Lisianthius, Macrocarpaea, Symbolanthus and Tachiadenus. All vestures observed were small to very small and occur at the roof of the pit chamber near the outer pit aperture. Some species also show sparsely vestured inner pit apertures. The loganiaceous genera Anthocleista and Fagraea, often included in Gentianaceae, were also investigated.
Ultrastructure of the Epithelial Cells and Oleogumresin Secretion in Boswellia Serrata (Burseraceae)
Authors: Nair M.N.B. , Subrahmanyam S.V.
Published: February 2014

The ultrastructure of epithelial cells of oleo-gumresin ducts in Boswellia serrata, the source of Indian olibanum, is described. Oleo-gumresin ducts are present in primary and secondary phloem. The duct lumen forms an enlarged apoplastic space surrounded by epithelial cells. The epithelial cells are rich in dictyosomes, lipid bodies, mitochondria with dilated cristae, multivesicular bodies, osmiophilic materials, plastids and vesicIes. Plastids have poorly developed internal membranes. Dictyosomes and plastids are possible sites of resin synthesis. The gum component of the exudate is formed in dictyosomes and from the outer layers of the inner tangential wall (wall facing the duct lumen). This wall is replenished from inside by the activity of dictyosomes. The secretory materials are transported to the apoplast by granulocrine and eccrine secretion. They migrate through the loose microfibrils of the inner tangential wall into the duct lumen. Rarely, epithelial cells of young ducts have rudimentary plasmodesmata on the inner tangential wall which may be channels for passage of secretory materials into the duct lumen.
Development and Structure of Pit Membranes in the Rhizome of the Woody Fern Botrychium Dissectum
Authors: Morrow Angela C. , Dute Roland R.
Published: February 2014

Botrychium dissectum Sprengel rhizomes were examined at monthly intervals from February 1993 through December 1994. Sampies taken ranged from those with an inactive cambium and only mature tracheids to those having an active cambium and immature tracheids. The vascular cambium became activated in the early fall prior to maturation of the leaf and fertile spike complex. Intertracheid pit membranes with tori were present in all sampies, although the morphology of the torus varied. The presence of tori was first observed in a tracheid that had just initiated its secondary wall formation. As the pit membrane matured, matrix material was hydrolyzed first from the margo area, then from the torus, and eventually the pit membrane was represented only by a very thin network of microfibrils. In addition, studies confirmed that tracheids bordering parenchyma cells developed a torus thickening, aIthough no thickening of the parenchyma cell wall occurred. Torus ontogeny in B. dissectum combined features previously described for angiosperms and gymnosperms.
Wood Anatomy of Selected West African Species of Caesalpinioideae and Mimosoideae (Leguminosae): A Comparative Study
Authors: Höhn Alexa
Published: February 2014

Leguminosae constitute an important proportion of the charcoal sampIes recovered at archaeological sites in the West African savannas. Identification of these fragments to a level below family or subfamily was problematic, because a comparative survey was missing. Therefore, the wood anatomy of 31 species (23 genera) of Mimosoideae and Caesalpinioideae growing in the Sudanian savannas of West Africa was examined. The species were grouped into 18 types according to wood anatomical structure. The types represent single species or genera (fourteen types), two genera (three types) or three genera (one type) . The following features are regarded as suitable for a reliable delimitation and identification . Heterocellular rays and storied structure allow for a first differentiation. Enlarged, non-bordered vessel-ray pitting , nonvestured vessel-pits, silica, axial canals, septate fibres and crystals in non-eharnbered ray cells are additional features characterizing few or single types. Types without these features are delimited less easily. Parenchyma distribution and ray width are, due to variability, not as reliable , but remain necessary features for identification. Types characterized by these features only may not always be recognized correctly. Quantitative features of the vessels are not regarded as helpful for the differentiation within the set of examined species. A table (Table 1) summarizes the results for easy reference.
Climatic Periodicity, Phenology, and Cambium Activity in Tropical Dry Forest Trees
Authors: Borchert Rolf
Published: February 2014

The seasonal time course of vegetative phenology and cambium growth is compared for tree species from Central America and Asia growing in tropical climates with a long, severe dry season. Although the inhibition of plant growth by water stress is weH established, responses to seasonal drought vary widely among such trees, and their annual development is not weH synchronized by climatic seasonality. In deciduous trees growing at microsites with low soil moisture storage, phenology and cambium growth are weH correlated with each other and with seasonal rainfall, and most trees have distinct annual rings. Phenology and cambium growth are progressively uncoupled from climatic seasonality in brevideciduous and evergreen trees growing at microsites with large soil water reserves which buffer trees against seasonal drought and thus may prevent the formation of distinct annual rings. There is some experimental evidence conceming the control of growth initiation in apical meristems and the cambium, but little is known about the mechanisms which arrest growth and deterrnine qualitative changes in organ development and cambium cell differentiation.
Useful Strategies for the Development of Tropical Tree-Ring Chronologies
Authors: Stahle David W.
Published: February 2014

This paper outlines efficient strategies for the development of long, climatically sensitive tree-ring chronologies in the tropics. Effective strategies include sampling useful temperate or subtropical species that extend naturally into the tropics; sampling species in botanical families that have already provided examples useful for dendrochronology (e. g., Pinaceae, Taxodiaceae, Verbenaceae); targeting deciduous species in seasonally dry forests; and sampling species described in the literature or found in xylaria that have promising anatomical features such as ring porosity and marginal parenchyma. Dendrochronology can also be used to test the annual nature of growth banding in tropical species. The cross-dating oflong ring-width time series between individual trees and between multiple sites in a region is strong evidence that the growth rings are indeed synchronized with the annual calendar. This can be confirmed if the ring-width data are also strongly correlated with long annual or seasonalized records of climate variability. Blind cross-dating tests to identify the cutting dates of known-age timbers can provide a final proof that a species produces reliable annual growth rings.
Review of Radiocarbon Data from Atmospheric and Tree Ring Samples for the Period 1945-1997 Ad
Authors: Hua Quan , Barbetti Mike , Worbes Martin , Head John , Levchenko Vladimir A.
Published: February 2014

A summary of 14C data from atmospheric sampling and measurements on wood from annual tree rings for the period 1945-1997 AD is presented and evaluated. Atmospheric records are characterized by different distributions of bomb-test 14C between the Northem and Southem Hemispheres, latitude dependence, and seasonal fluctuations. Radiocarbon data from tree rings are summarised and plotted against atmospheric records from similar latitudes. In some cases, discrepancies are found. Possible reasons for this include: 1) the use of stored carbohydrate from the previous year, 2) different 14C levels in the air around subcanopy trees due to respiration of CO2, 3) regional and local effects of anthropogenic CO2 and 14C sources, 4) sampling of wood material too close to ring boundaries, and 5) insufficient pretreatment of tree ring sampies for dating. But in cases where trees were carefully selected and the sampies adequately pretreated, radiocarbon data from tree rings show excellent agreement with direct atmospheric sampling records.
Climatic Reconstructions Using Tree-Ring Data from Tropical and Temperate Regions of India - A Review
Authors: Bhattacharyya Amalava , Yadav Ram R.
Published: February 2014

There are several reports which indicate that the c1imate over the Himalayan region is linked both with the monsoon variation on the Indian subcontinent and in the whole of South-East Asia as well as with the El-Niño/Southem Oscillation. To understand the behaviour ofthese c1imatic phenomena we need long-term high-resolution c1imatic records which are in generallacking in this part of the globe. Tree-ring studies have therefore been taken up in the tropical and Himalayan region in India to develop millennium-long c1imatic reconstructions.
Temperature and Precipitation in Mongolla Based on Dendroclimatic Investigations
Authors: Jacoby Gordon , D' Arrigo Rosanne , Pederson Neil , Buckley Brendan , Dugarjav Chultamiin , Mijiddorj R.
Published: February 2014

Recent tree-ring studies in Mongolia provide evidence of unusual warming that is in agreement with large-scale reconstructed and recorded temperatures for the Northem Hemisphere and the Arctic. The Mongolian proxy record for temperature extends back over 450 years and is an important addition to the global tree-ring database. Precipitation reconstructions based on tree rings reflect recent increases but show that the increases are within the long-term range of variations. There is evidence for quasi-solar periodicity in long-term reconstructed precipitation variation, also shown by previous studies. Mongolia has excellent sampling resources for future studies.
Intervascular Pit Plugs in the Transition Zone Between Sapwood and Wetwood of Ulmus Americana L.
Authors: Thompson Tambra , Jagels Richard
Published: February 2014

Scanning electron microscoPlc analysis of freeze-dried American elm wood revealed the presence of unique plugs in bordered pit chambers of vascular elements. Non-dispersive X-ray analysis of these plugs demonstrated the presence of high levels of calcium and potassium. Some pits contained only fragmentary deposits or bacteria. An hypo thesis is proposed to account for the precipitation of CaCO3 in the bordered pit chambers of vascular elements at the sapwood-wetwood boundary, resulting in the formation of amorphous plugs that fil! the pit chamber.
Observation of Cell Inclusions in Papua New Guinea Woods by Means of Sem/Edxa
Authors: Furuno Takeshi , Côté Wilfred A.
Published: February 2014

The presence of silica, crystals and other mineral inclusions found in the cell cavities of many wood species, especially in tropical woods, frequently appears as a characteristic anatomical feature and in many cases is of diagnostie value. For detecting these inclusions and identifying their elements, the SEM and EDXA (energy dispersive X-ray analysis) combination is now considered to be a very useful analytical tool.
Do you know Cyathea divergens (Cyatheaceae-Polypodiopsida)?
Authors: Lehnert Marcus
Published: February 2014

The Neotropical scaly tree fern Cyathea divergens is a paradigm of a variable species with a wide geographical range. Studies in herbaria and in the field reveal that C. divergens is less frequently collected and less variable than previously thought. A lot of records are based on fragmentary collections of similar species that have the characteristically long-stalked, triangular, pinnatisect pinnules and sparse to absent laminar indument in common, but differ in other characters. Their separation from C. divergens is easy if petiolar characters are considered and even possible if microscopic remnants of the fine scurf on the pinnules are studied. Cyathea tuerckheimii is given here species status, eliminating one variety of C. divergens, whereas C. divergens var. sipaliwiniana is newly described. Cyathea convergens, here newly described, also belongs to this group. The identification of Cyathea ×jurgensenii as a sterile hybrid between C. tuerckheimii and C. fulva reduces the confusion that exists in the separation of C. tuerckheimii from C. divergens and C. fulva. The typification of Cyathea kalbreyeri is corrected here. The type specimen of that species represents a previously unrecognized species, while the specimens known under that name are similar to the type of Cyathea gibbosa, which in turn currently denominates a species that has to be referred to as Cyathea farinosa. One synonym of C. gibbosa, C. surukunensis, may represent a hybrid.
The association between material living standard and psychological distress: Results from a New Zealand population survey
Authors: Foulds James , Wells J Elisabeth , Mulder Roger
Published: February 2014

Background:

People with a low material living standard experience more psychological distress than those with a high living standard, but previous studies suggest the size of this difference is modest.

Aim:

To measure the association between living standard and psychological distress using a multidimensional measure of living standard, the Economic Living Standard Index (ELSI).

Methods:

Adults aged 25–64 years ( n = 8,465) were selected from a New Zealand community survey. Logistic regression models were used to compare household income and ELSI scores as risk factors for high psychological distress, defined as a K10 score of 12 or over.

Results:

In the population, the prevalence of high psychological distress was 5.8%. The prevalence of high distress increased steeply with decreasing living standard. In the most deprived decile according to ELSI score, 24.3% had high distress, compared to 0.8% in the least deprived decile. For household income, high distress was present in 15.9% of people in the lowest decile and 2.2% of the highest decile. In fully adjusted models, ELSI score remained significantly associated with high distress but household income was not.

Conclusion:

The mental health disparity between those at opposite ends of the social spectrum is very large. Comprehensive measures such as the ELSI give a more accurate estimate of this disparity than household income.
Identification of Genetic Risk Factors for Maxillary Lateral Incisor Agenesis
Authors: Alves-Ferreira M. , Pinho T. , Sousa A. , Sequeiros J. , Lemos C. , Alonso I.
Published: February 2014

Tooth agenesis affects 20% of the world population, and maxillary lateral incisors agenesis (MLIA) is one of the most frequent subtypes, characterized by the absence of formation of deciduous or permanent lateral incisors. Odontogenesis is a complex mechanism regulated by sequential and reciprocal epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, controlled by activators and inhibitors involved in several pathways. Disturbances in these signaling cascades can lead to abnormalities in odontogenesis, resulting in alterations in the formation of the normal teeth number. Our aim was to study a large number of genes encoding either transcription factors or key components in signaling pathways shown to be involved in tooth odontogenesis. We selected 8 genes— MSX1, PAX9, AXIN2, EDA, SPRY2, TGFA, SPRY4, and WNT10A—and performed one of the largest case-control studies taking into account the number of genes and variants assessed, aiming at the identification of MLIA susceptibility factors. We show the involvement of PAX9, EDA, SPRY2, SPRY4, and WNT10A as risk factors for MLIA. Additionally, we uncovered 3 strong synergistic interactions between MLIA liability and MSX1- TGFA, AXIN2- TGFA, and SPRY2- SPRY4 gene pairs. We report the first evidence of the involvement of sprouty genes in MLIA susceptibility. This large study results in a better understanding of the genetic components and mechanisms underlying this trait.
Conserved Odontogenic Potential in Embryonic Dental Tissues
Authors: Hu X. , Lin C. , Shen B. , Ruan N. , Guan Z. , Chen Y. , Zhang Y.
Published: February 2014

Classic tissue recombination studies have demonstrated that, in the early developing mouse tooth germ, the odontogenic potential, known as the tooth-inductive capability, resides initially in the dental epithelium and then shifts to the dental mesenchyme. However, it remains unknown if human embryonic dental tissues also acquire such odontogenic potential. Here we present evidence that human embryonic dental tissues indeed possess similar tooth-inductive capability. We found that human dental epithelium from the cap stage but not the bell stage was able to induce tooth formation when confronted with human embryonic lip mesenchyme. In contrast, human dental mesenchyme from the bell stage but not the cap stage could induce mouse embryonic second-arch epithelium as well as human keratinocyte stem cells, to become enamel-secreting ameloblasts. We showed that neither post-natal human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) nor stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) possess odontogenic potential or are odontogenic-competent. Our results demonstrate a conservation of odontogenic potential in mouse and human dental tissues during early tooth development, and will have an implication in the future generation of stem-cell-based bioengineered human replacement teeth.
Influences of HR Practices, Social Exchange, and Trust on Turnover Intentions of Public IT Professionals
Authors: Ertürk Alper
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this study is to explore the role of high-involvement human resource (HR) practices, perceived organizational support (POS), leader-member exchange (LMX), and organizational trust in lessening turnover intentions of information technology (IT) professionals working in Turkish public organizations. A total of 197 IT professionals participated in the study. The results indicate that POS fully mediates the relationships from (a) participation in decision making, (b) information sharing, and (c) fair rewards to turnover intentions; and partially mediates the relationship between recognition and turnover intentions. Moreover, it is also found that LMX fully mediates the association between information sharing and turnover intentions; and partially mediates the relationship between recognition and turnover intentions. In addition, it is yielded that trust in organization moderates the relationship between POS and turnover intentions, whereas trust in supervisor moderates the relationship between LMX and turnover intentions.
When CSR Is a Social Norm
Authors: Shen Jie , Benson John
Published: February 2014

Socially responsible human resource management (SRHRM), defined as corporate social responsibility (CSR) directed at employees, underpins the successful implementation of CSR. While its relationship with employee social behavior has been conceptualized and received some empirical support, its effect on employee work behaviors has not been explored. In this article we develop and test a meso-mediated moderation model that explains the underlying mechanisms through which SRHRM affects employee task performance and extra-role helping behavior. The results of multilevel analysis show that organization-level SRHRM is an indirect predictor of individual task performance and extra-role helping behavior through the mediation of individual-level organizational identification. In addition, the mediation model is moderated by employee-level perceived organizational support and the relationship between organizational identification and extra-role helping behavior is moderated by organization-level cooperative norms. These findings provide important insights into why and when SRHRM influences employee work behaviors.
The microstructure of Australian takeover announcements
Authors: Bugeja Martin , Patel Vinay , Walter Terry
Published: February 2014

Using several microstructure variables, this study provides an intra-day examination of aggressive trading around Australian takeover announcements. We conduct this analysis for both target and bidding firms. We examine aggressive trading (i.e. by those who initiate the trade) using the abnormal behaviour of returns, trading volume, volatility and time-weighted spreads and depth. In addition, we develop a novel profit/loss measure (PLM) based on trade initiation and provide new evidence using the recently developed volume-synchronised probability of informed trading (VPIN) metric. In a univariate setting, these measures provide evidence of increased aggressive trading in Australian target firms. Further, after controlling for several microstructure variables, multivariate analysis reveals the presence of abnormally elevated time-weighted spreads prior to the announcement date for target firms. We show that VPIN is significantly elevated for target firms, especially in the four days prior to the takeover announcement.
The Impact of Family Visitation on Feeding Assistance Quality in Nursing Homes
Authors: Durkin Daniel W. , Shotwell Matthew S. , Simmons Sandra F.
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine: (a) the frequency of family visitation during mealtime and (b) whether the presence of family during meals had an impact on the quality of feeding assistance care and resident intake. Participants included 74 nursing home residents from two Veterans Affairs (VA) and four community facilities in one geographic region. Mealtime periods in which family was present were compared with mealtime periods when family was not present for the same resident. Results showed that family visitation was infrequent during mealtime; however, feeding assistance time was significantly higher when visitors were present. Despite the increase in assistance time, there was not a significant difference in intake. Strategies that encourage the involvement of family in mealtime assistance may have additional benefits not directly associated with meal consumption, including providing family members with meaningful activity during a visit and enhancing residents’ quality of life and well-being.
Slope stability of bioreactor landfills during leachate injection: Effects of heterogeneous and anisotropic municipal solid waste conditions
Authors: Giri Rajiv K , Reddy Krishna R
Published: February 2014

In bioreactor landfills, leachate recirculation can significantly affect the stability of landfill slope due to generation and distribution of excessive pore fluid pressures near side slope. The current design and operation of leachate recirculation systems do not consider the effects of heterogeneous and anisotropic nature of municipal solid waste (MSW) and the increased pore gas pressures in landfilled waste caused due to leachate recirculation on the physical stability of landfill slope. In this study, a numerical two-phase flow model (landfill leachate and gas as immiscible phases) was used to investigate the effects of heterogeneous and anisotropic nature of MSW on moisture distribution and pore-water and capillary pressures and their resulting impacts on the stability of a simplified bioreactor landfill during leachate recirculation using horizontal trench system. The unsaturated hydraulic properties of MSW were considered based on the van Genuchten model. The strength reduction technique was used for slope stability analyses as it takes into account of the transient and spatially varying pore-water and gas pressures. It was concluded that heterogeneous and anisotropic MSW with varied unit weight and saturated hydraulic conductivity significantly influenced the moisture distribution and generation and distribution of pore fluid pressures in landfill and considerably reduced the stability of bioreactor landfill slope. It is recommended that heterogeneous and anisotropic MSW must be considered as it provides a more reliable approach for the design and leachate operations in bioreactor landfills.
Copolymer formation of 4-vinylbenzyl-9H-carbazole-9-carbodithioate and ethylenedioxythiophene and capacitive behavior
Authors: Ates Murat , Uludag Nesimi , Arican Fatih
Published: February 2014

In this study, first, a new monomer of 4-vinylbenzyl 9 H-carbazole-9-carbodithioate (VBzCzCT) was chemically synthesized and characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) reflectance, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) spectroscopies. Second, VBzCzCT and 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) monomers were electrocopolymerized (VBzCzCT- co-EDOT) in 0.1 M sodium perchlorate (NaClO4)/acetonitrile (CH3CN) on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) using cyclic voltammetry (CV). Third, the best deposition conditions on the electroactivity of the modified homopolymers and copolymer were studied and characterized using different techniques such as CV, FTIR-attenuated total reflectance, scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersion x-ray analysis, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis. The specific capacitance ( Csp) of poly(VBzCzCT) (P(VBzCzCT)) was obtained as 20.5 mF cm−2. However, the Csp of P(VBzCzCT- co-EDOT)/GCE was obtained as 45.5 mF cm−2. There is an important improvement in the capacitance value of copolymer formation. The Csp value increases more than twice from P(VBzCzCT) to copolymer. The highest double layer capacitance ( Cdl = approximately 27.5 mF cm−2) was obtained for P(VBzCzCT- co-EDOT) and P(EDOT) compared with P(VBzCzCT) ( Cdl = approximately 8.28 mF cm−2. Finally, simulation graphs of Nyquist, Bode-magnitude, and Bode-phase plots were given for homopolymers and copolymer for the electrical equivalent circuit model of Rs( Q1( R1( C1( R2( C2( R3· W))))))( C3 R4). The EIS results of P(VBzCzCT), P(EDOT), and P(VBzCzCT- co-EDOT) might be studied as promising active electrode materials for (super)capacitor evaluations.