bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relative Importance of Step Count, Intensity, and Duration on Physical Activity's Impact on Vascular Structure and Function in Previously Sedentary Older Adults
Authors: Suboc Tisha B. , Strath Scott J. , Dharmashankar Kodlipet , Coulliard Allison , Miller Nora , Wang Jingli , Tanner Michael J. , Widlansky Michael E.
Published: February 2014

Background

Age‐related endothelial dysfunction and vascular stiffening are associated with increased cardiovascular (
CV
) risk. Many groups have encouraged goals of ≥10 000 steps/day or ≥30 min/day of moderate intensity physical activity (
MPA
) to reduce age‐related
CV
risk. The impact of
MPA
on the vasculature of older adults remains unclear.

Methods and Results

We randomized 114 sedentary older adults ages ≥50 to 12 weeks of either no intervention (group 1), a pedometer‐only intervention (group 2), or a pedometer with an interactive website employing strategies to increase the adoption of habitual physical activity (
PA
, group 3). Endothelial function by brachial flow‐mediated dilation (
FMD
%), vascular stiffness by tonometry, step‐count by pedometer, and
PA
intensity/distribution by accelerometer were measured. Step‐count increased in groups 2 (5136±1554 to 9596±3907,
P
<0.001) and 3 (5474±1512 to 8167±3111,
P
<0.001) but not in group 1 (4931±1667 to 5410±2410). Both groups 2 and 3 increased
MPA
≥30 min/day. Only group 3 increased
MPA
in continuous bouts of ≥10 minutes (
P
<0.001) and improved
FMD
% (
P
=0.001). Neither achievement of ≥10 000 steps/day nor ≥30 min/day of
MPA
resulted in improved
FMD
%. However, achieving ≥20 min/day in
MPA
bouts resulted in improved
FMD
%. No changes in vascular stiffness were observed.

Conclusions

MPA
reverses age‐related endothelial dysfunction, but may require
MPA
to be performed in bouts of ≥10 minutes duration for ≥20 min/day to be effective. Commonly encouraged
PA
goals do not guarantee improved endothelial function and may not be as effective in reducing
CV
risk.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL: Clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT‐01212978.
Monoamine Oxidase is a Major Determinant of Redox Balance in Human Atrial Myocardium and is Associated With Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Anderson Ethan J. , Efird Jimmy T. , Davies Stephen W. , O'Neal Wesley T. , Darden Timothy M. , Thayne Kathleen A. , Katunga Lalage A. , Kindell Linda C. , Ferguson T. Bruce , Anderson Curtis A. , Chitwood W. Randolph , Koutlas Theodore C. , Williams J. Mark , Rodriguez Evelio , Kypson Alan P.
Published: February 2014

Background

Onset of postoperative atrial fibrillation (
POAF
) is a common and costly complication of heart surgery despite major improvements in surgical technique and quality of patient care. The etiology of
POAF
, and the ability of clinicians to identify and therapeutically target high‐risk patients, remains elusive.

Methods and Results

Myocardial tissue dissected from right atrial appendage (
RAA
) was obtained from 244 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Reactive oxygen species (
ROS
) generation from multiple sources was assessed in this tissue, along with total glutathione (
GSH
t) and its related enzymes
GSH
‐peroxidase (
GP
x) and
GSH
‐reductase (
GR
). Monoamine oxidase (
MAO
) and
NADPH
oxidase were observed to generate
ROS
at rates 10‐fold greater than intact, coupled mitochondria.
POAF
risk was significantly associated with
MAO
activity (Quartile 1 [Q1]: adjusted relative risk [
ARR
]=1.0; Q2:
ARR
=1.8, 95% confidence interval [
CI
]=0.84 to 4.0; Q3:
ARR
=2.1, 95%
CI
=0.99 to 4.3; Q4:
ARR
=3.8, 95%
CI
=1.9 to 7.5; adjusted
P
trend
=0.009). In contrast, myocardial
GSH
t was inversely associated with
POAF
(Quartile 1 [Q1]: adjusted relative risk [
ARR
]=1.0; Q2:
ARR
=0.93, 95% confidence interval [
CI
]=0.60 to 1.4; Q3:
ARR
=0.62, 95%
CI
=0.36 to 1.1; Q4:
ARR
=0.56, 95%
CI
=0.34 to 0.93; adjusted
P
trend
=0.014).
GP
x also was significantly associated with
POAF
; however, a linear trend for risk was not observed across increasing levels of the enzyme.
GR
was not associated with
POAF
risk.

Conclusions

Our results show that
MAO
is an important determinant of redox balance in human atrial myocardium, and that this enzyme, in addition to
GSH
t and
GP
x, is associated with an increased risk for
POAF
. Further investigation is needed to validate
MAO
as a predictive biomarker for
POAF
, and to explore this enzyme's potential role in arrhythmogenesis.
The Mesopotamian Background of the Enochic Giants and Evil Spirits
Authors: Drawnel Henryk
Published: February 2014

Abstract

In the myth of the fallen Watchers (1 En. 6–11) the giants, illegitimate offspring of the fallen angels, are depicted as exceedingly violent beings that consume the labour of all the sons of men. They also kill men, devour them, and drink blood. Finally, they sin against all the animals of the earth. The violent behaviour of the giants in 1 En. 7:2–5 continues in 1 En. 15:11 where the spirits of the giants attack humanity, thus it appears that the spirits behave in a manner similar to that of the giants. The present article argues that the description of the giants in 1 En. 7:2–5 and their spirits in 15:11 is modeled after the violent behaviour of the demons found in the Mesopotamian bilingual series Utukkū Lemnūtu. The giants, therefore, are not to be identified with the Mesopotamian warrior-kings, but their behaviour rather indicates that they actually are violent and evil demons.
Overt Acknowledgement of Practical Considerations in Legal Texts from Qumran
Authors: Novick Tzvi
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Scholars typically suppose that legal texts from Qumran do not distinguish between principle and practice. The law does not legitimate lenient accommodations to reality, nor does it explicitly implement stringencies merely as precautions. While this view is no doubt largely correct, there are notable exceptions. This article collects and analyzes these exceptions, and weighs their significance.
When Visa-free Travel Becomes Difficult to Achieve and Easy to Lose: The EU Visa Free Dialogues after the EU’s Experience with the Western Balkans
Authors: Trauner Florian , Manigrassi Emanuele
Published: February 2014

Abstract

In the wake of the visa liberalisation for Western Balkan states, the sudden increase of Balkan asylum seekers has become a salient issue in the eu. This article elaborates on how this issue has made the eu alter its instruments of visa-free travel. With regard to the pre-visa liberalisation phase, the eu now places more emphasis on issues relating to the fundamental rights and social inclusion of marginalised groups, in particular Roma. Also, the ongoing Visa Free Dialogues with countries such as Ukraine and Russia have become more political and include more instances of decision-making where member states can slow down the process. The most significant modification to the EU’s approach is probably the fact that the eu has developed a structured post-visa liberalisation phase. With its post-visa liberalisation monitoring and the visa safeguard clause, the EU has established new (lower level) instruments to keep track of and push for further reforms post-visa liberalisation. The incentive of visa-free travel has turned into a moving target not only used as a source of external eu influence on domestic policy-making pre-visa liberalisation but also post-visa liberalisation.
The Targum Vorlage of the 1525 Rabbinic Bible
Authors: van Nes Hans
Published: February 2014

‭This article investigates possible sources behind the Targum in Jacob ben Hayyim’s Rabbinic Bible (Venice 1525), which served as the authoritative text for centuries. The previous edition of the Rabbinic Bible (Venice 1517) already received much attention in this regard and this inquiry builds on those findings. It focuses on the Targum of 1Samuel and compares Ben Hayyim’s deviations from the former Rabbinic Bible with various manuscripts. It allows for a tentative conclusion regarding Ben Hayyim’s Targum Vorlage.‬
The Translation of Biblical Hebrew Clauses with ‮בְּ‬ / ‮כְּ‬ + Construct Infinitive in Targum Onqelos
Authors: Folmer Margaretha
Published: February 2014

‭The following article discusses Jewish Aramaic translations of the typical Biblical Hebrew constructions ‮‮בְּ‬‬ / ‮‮כְּ‬‬ + construct infinitive, which are usually translated with temporal clauses in English. In the Aramaic translations a variety of possible translations is attested. This study uncovers some of the principles which guided the translator(s) of Targum Onqelos in their choices. The discussion will be narrowed down to the representative examples of Genesis, since the evidence in Exod.–Deut. largely agrees with that found in Genesis. Finally, I will briefly refer to Targum Jonathan and the Palestinian Targumim.‬
Juvenile Wood of Hardwoods Judged by Density Variation
Authors: Fukazawa Kazumi
Published: February 2014

In the ring-porous hardwoods the changes of basic density are influenced by ring width, while basic density of diffuse-porous hardwoods is almost independent of ring width. The radial variations of basic density in each ring width class are useful for distinguishing between age and growth effects. In three species of ring-porous hardwoods and four of diffuse-porous hardwoods grown in Hokkaido, Japan, these effects were investigated. The age effects on density were quite clear in all hardwoods, so juvenile wood could be defined as the region around the pith without growth effects on density and showing a decrease or increase in density outward. The growth effects on density were significant in mature wood of all ring-porous hardwoods and in the diffuse-porous Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum), while in the other diffuse- porous hardwoods there was no growth effect on density. The change of basic density was also affected by the height level in the tree. Age and growth effects should be considered separately for lower, medium and upper height levels in the tree. Anatomical features were studied in some hardwoods in relation to age, growth and height effects on density variation. Age effects on density are due to the proportion of late wood in oak, to differences in vessel frequency and diameter in Katsura, and to relative fibre wall thickness in birch.
Perforated Ray Cells in Hyptis Hagel - A New Record for Labiatae
Authors: Rudall P.J.
Published: February 2014

Perforated ray cells are recorded for the first time in wood of Labiatae, in Hyptis hagei, a Brazilian species of small trees. It is noted that this phenomenon is often correlated with the presence of heterocellular rays.
Xylem Embolism in the Palm Rhapis Excelsa
Authors: Sperry John S.
Published: February 2014

Xylem failure via gas embolism (cavitation) was investigated in Rhapis excelsa (Palmae). Embolism was detected using measurements of xylem flow resistance in excised stems and petioles: a decrease in resistance after the removal of flow-impeding embolisms by a pressure treatment indicated their previous presence in the axis. Results suggested that Rhapis avoids serious damage from embolism in at least four ways. 1) Xylem pressure potentials reached embolism-inducing levels (c. -2.90 MPa) only during prolonged drought. 2) When embolism did occur, it was confined to leaf xylem; stem xylem, most critical to shoot survival, remained fully functional. This is due in part to hydraulic architecture: 70 to 85% of shoot xylem resistance is in the leaf, and thus xylem pressures are much lower in leaves than stems. 3) Even during prolonged drought, the amount of embolism is probably limited by complete stomatal closure, which occurred at xylem pressure potentials of -3.20 ± 0.18 MPa. 4) Embolism is potentially reversible during prolonged rains, since embolism dissolved within 5 h at zero pressure (atmospheric), and xylem pressure potential can reach zero during extended rain.
Hydraulic Conductance and Xylem Structure in Tracheid-Bearing Plants
Authors: Gibson Arthur C. , Calkin Howard W. , Nobel Park S.
Published: February 2014

To understand water flow in tracheary elements, hydraulic conductances per unit length were measured and then compared with theoretical values calculated from xylem anatomical measurements using the Hagen -Poiseuille relation for nine species of pteridophytes, including Psilotum and eight species of ferns. In ferns the water potential gradients were essentially constant from the root tips to the distal portion of the leaf rachises, although somewhat larger gradients were found from the petiolule onward. Although tracheid number and diameter apparently controlled water flow in xylem, estimates of hydraulic conductance per unit length predicted from tracheid numbers and diameters were generally twice those actually measured from plants under steady-state conditions. A model was developed to account for this discrepancy for Pteris vittata, indicating that pit membrane resistances may contribute 70% of the total resistance to water flow in this fern. This may account for the generally observed deviation of tracheid performance from that predicted for ideal capillaries of uniform diameter.
Wood Structural Differences between Trees of Two Tropical Forests in Mexico
Authors: Barajas-Morales Josefina
Published: February 2014

A comparison was made of the wood structure of trees from a tropical rainforest and a tropical deciduous forest. Qualitative as well as quantitative differences were found. In the species from the tropical deciduous forest the wood is darker, harder and inclusions like crystals and resin are more abundant than in the rainforest species. Species from the deciduous forest have generally shorter and narrower vessel elements, shorter fibres and rays, greater pore abundance, greater specific gravity, and greater vessel wall thickness than the species from the rainforest.
The Systematic Wood Anatomy Of The Moraceae (Urticales) IV. Genera of the Tribe Moreae With Urticaceous Stamens
Authors: ter Welle B. J. H. , Koek-Noorman J. , Topper S. M. C.
Published: February 2014

The wood anatomy of the genera of the tribe Moreae with urticaceous stamens, viz. Broussonetia, Maclura s.l. (inc1uding Cardiogyne, Chlorophora, and Cudrania), Malaisia, Milicia, Morus, Olmedia, Pachytrophe, Plecospermum, Sloetiopsis, Streblus s.1. (inc1uding Paratrophis, Phyllochlamys, Pseudostreblus, and Sloetia), and Trophis s.1. (inc1uding Calpidochlamys and Maillardia), is described in detail. Separate descriptions have been made for sections and/or subgenera to facilitate the discussion about the generic delimitations made by several taxonomists. The following generic combinations previously proposed by taxonomists are supported by wood anatomical features: Broussonetia + Allaeanthus; Maclura + Chlorophora + Cardiogyne + Cudrania + Plecospermum. The segregation of the African species of Chlorophora in a separate genus Milicia is supported by wood anatomical evidence. The broad genus concept of Streblus and Trophis is not supported by wood anatomy. Several seetions of these genera should be reinstated as genera. The correlations between wood anatomy, latitude, habit and habitat are discussed as far as allowed by the material studied. Characters useful for the delimitation of the genera proved to be the size of the intervascular pits, the parenchyma distribution, and the lengths of fibres and vessel elements. Rhombic crystals, vitreous silica and radial latex tubes usually are useful additional characters.
The Wood of Adesmia Horrida and its Modifications by Climatic Conditions
Authors: Roig J. Fidel A.
Published: February 2014

The wood anatomy of Adesmia horrida Hook. ' Arn. (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) is described, using sam pies taken from both slopes of the Sierra de Uspallata in Mendoza, Argentina. Different rainfall values at the eastern and western slopes of the Sierra de Uspallata determine the type of porosity distribution: ringporous in dry environments and semi-ring-porous in more humid locations.
The Systematic Wood Anatomy of the Moraceae (Urticales) V. Genera of the Tribe Moreae Without Urticaceous Stamens
Authors: ter Welle B.J. H. , Koek-Noorman J. , Topper S. M. C.
Published: February 2014

The wood anatomy of the Moreae without urticaceous stamens is described in detail. Generic descriptions of the following genera are provided: Antiaropsis, Artocarpus, Bagassa, Batocarpus, Clarisia, Parartocarpus, Poulsenia, Prainea, Sorocea, Sparattosyce, and Treculia. Wood anatomical variation below the genus level is very limited, except in the genus Clarisia. Intergeneric variation, however, is much more evident. Most genera can be recognised by the presence or absence of septate fibres, and of radial latex tubes, the size of the intervascular pits, the parenchyma distribution, and crystal distribution. The diagnostic and taxonomic value of several characters is discussed.
The Anatomy of the Bark of Agathis in New Zealand
Authors: Chan Lek-Lim
Published: February 2014

The anatomy of the bark of Agathis australis, which is indigenous to New Zealand, is described. The phloem cell types include sieve cells, axial and ray parenchyma, fibres and sclereids. Resin canals are found in the primary cortex, phloem and phelloderm. Large crystals are found in the lumina of some sieve cells and axial parenchyma cells, while minute crystals (crystal sand) are observed in the walls of phe1- loderm cells and complementary tissue cells. The primary cortex persists on the stem for a long time. The shape of phellem and phelloderm cells cut off by phellogen derived from cortical cells are different from those cut off by phellogen derived from phloem parenchyma cells. A trabecula was observed in a radial row of phellem cells.
Vessel-Parenchyma Pit Membranes in Cucurbita Maxima Duch.
Authors: Castro María Agueda
Published: February 2014

The structure of the vessel-parenchyma pit membranes of Cucurbita maxima Duch. (Lauraceae) was studied with the scanning electron microscope. The main character of these membranes is the presence of numerous pectocellulosic and non-lignified excrescences, which are considered as part of the protective layer.
Wood Structure and Growth Ring Width of Vital and Non-Vital Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga Menziesii) from a Single Stand in the Netherlands
Authors: de Kort Ingrid
Published: February 2014

A comparison was made of diameter growth and wood structure in 26 trees of Douglas fir of different vitality cJasses in a decJining, c. 50- years old stand in De Peel (southeastern Netherlands). Ring width patterns agree cJosely but not perfectly with vitality cJasses as estimated by external appearance of the crown. The 'diseased' vitality cJasses all show growth reductions over the last 20 to 30 years. In the most diseased cJass no wood had been formed at all at the stern base over the last 4 to 10 years. The onset of growth reduction may be connected with the effect of air pollution in the last 40 to 50 years. The most striking result was the inverse relationship between growth rate in the first 10 to 15 years of growth, and growth rate in the last decades: all trees which are healthy at present showed slow radial growth when young, and all diseased to dead trees exhibited fast growth in their youth.
On the Occurrence of Trabeculae With Special Consideration of Diseased Trees
Authors: Grosser Dietger
Published: February 2014

Comprehensive investigations on trabeculae in softwoods have shown that they occur much more frequently than has hitherto generally been assumed. A systematic study oflarge series of microtome sections, i.e., transverse sections and particularly radial sections of extended annual ring sequences will, as a rule, give sufficient evidence for the occurrence of trabeculae and related structures. Apart from this phenomenon an increased occurrence of trabeculae was often found in the annual rings of healthy and diseased trees from forest decline areas from the middle of the 1970's onwards. Moreover, trabeculae occur with particularly great frequency and in significantly larger numbers than in nonnal wood in association with wound tissue fonnation as a consequence of injuries, in spruce with hazel growth, or in cedars with traumatic resin ducts. Also, in compression wood trabeculae are fonned much more often than in normal wood. A detailed survey of trabeculae structure and possible patterns of trabeculae arrangement is also given.
Microscopical Investigations on Wood Formation and Function in Dlseased Trees
Authors: Fink Siegfried
Published: February 2014

Histologieal and histochemical investigations were performed on the xylem, cambium, and phloem of Abies alba and Picea abies affected by forest decline ('Waldsterben', 'Neuartige Waldschäden'). In comparison to healthy trees the annual inerement was reduced and correspondingly the active cambial zone was sm aller. No differenees were found in the peroxidase activities in the differentiating tracheids undergoing lignification, and no change in lignin content eould be deteeted UV-photometrieally in the walls of the traeheids of affeeted trees. In general, mueh less starch reserves in the parenchymatous elements of the diseased trees were observed during autumn and spring. Correspondingly, the aetivities of enzymes involved in the mobilisation and transport of these earbohydrates were lower in spring. With the use of fluorescent markers it eould be demonstrated that apparently some areas of the sapwood do not take part any longer in the water conduetion in diseased trees. In most eases differenees between healthy and diseased trees were much more pronounced in fir than in spruce. Furthermore, diseased firs showed a special pathological reaetion with the formation of large mueilage cells in the non-funetional phloem and of oecasional traumatie resin canal barriers in the xylem.
The Effect of Industrial Emission on Wood Quality in Norway Spruce (Picea Abies)
Authors: Evertsen J. A. , Mac Siurtain M. P. , Gardiner J. J.
Published: February 2014

In this preliminary study, the influence of industrial emission on the wood quality of Norway spruce was evaluated. Intrinsie wood quality determining properties: ring width (RW), mean annual density, percentage annual 1atewood and the product of (RW × (maximumminimum density)) appear to be affected by the emissions of a fertiliser factory adjoining the stands studied. Fluctuations in the performance of these intrinsic wood properties coincide with the start of production by the factory and a change in the manufacturing process.
A Study of Lumen Diameter Variation along the Longitudinal Axis of Wood Vessels in Quercus Rubra Using Cinematography
Authors: Akachuku A. E.
Published: February 2014

The variation in lumen diameter along individual vessels of Quercus rubra was determined from einernatographie analysis of the wood. The between-ring differences in vessel diameter were very highly significant but they were not related to the age of the cambium. The mean lumen diameter values of earlywood vessels for rings ranged from 234 to 254 µm. The differences in the diameters of vessels within rings were also very highly signifieant. The variation in diameter along the longitudinal axis of vessels was very highly significant but it was not closely related to distance along the vessels (r2 = 15 %). However, the diameter variation along this axis differed in (a) rings and (b) vessels within rings.
Vestures in Septate Wood Fibres
Authors: Ohtani Jun
Published: February 2014

Septate wood fibres with vestures were found in the secondary xylem of Damnacanthus indicus Gaertn. fil. (Rubiaceae). The vestures were always associated with newly deposited thickenings. Their morphology is illustrated by SEM micrographs.
Sem Observations on Indented Rings
Authors: Ohtani Jun , Fukazawa Kazumi , Fukumorita Tomonori
Published: February 2014

The anatomy of indented rings in Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis Carr.) was examined using SEM. The tracheids and rays in these rings differed from those in nonnal wood in both morphology and arrangement. Moreover, trabeculae were commonly found to occur in their tracheids. These anatomical features are illustrated by SEM micrographs.
The Development of Fibre-Tracueid Pit Membranes in Pyrus Communis L.
Authors: Barnett J.R.
Published: February 2014

The development of fibre-tracheid pit membranes in Pyrus communis L. has been studied using transmission electron microscopy. Pit fields in the radial walls of cambial cells in transverse section contain isolated plasmodesmata. As cell enlargement proceeds, groups of plasmodesmata develop within thickenings of the future pit membrane. These thickenings are covered by amorphous, secondary-wall-like material (the torus-like structures found in mature pits by Parameswaran ' Liese, 1981) just prior to the end of differentiation and cytoplasmic autolysis. It is suggested that this cap of material acts as aseal, preventing passage of autolytic enzymes from a dying cell to its living neighbour via the perforations occupied by plasmodesmata.
Wood Specific Gravity in Species from Two Tropical Forests in Mexico
Authors: Barajas-Morales Josefina
Published: February 2014

The specific gravity of 220 woody species, half of them from a tropical rainforest, half from a tropical deciduous forest was measured. The two groups were compared using a Student t-test. The results show highly significant differences in specific gravity between the species from the two areas: woods from the dry deciduous forest tend to be much heavier than those from the rainforest.
Some Implications of Anatomical Variations in the Wood of Pedunculate Oak (Quercus Robur L.), Including Comparisons with Common Beech (Fagus Sylvatica L.)
Authors: Gasson Peter
Published: February 2014

Several aspects of the secondary xylem anatomy of oak (Quercus robur L.) branches, trunks and roots are investigated. These are. growth ring width and definition, vessel size (diameter), shape (eccentricity) and distribution, fihre type (ge1atinous or normal), and fibre, axial parenchyma and ray distribution. These observations are put in perspective by comparison with beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), and discussed in relation to their implications in wood identification, archaeology, dendrochronology and water relations of the tree.
Pit Pairs With Tori in the Wood of Osmanthus Americanus (Oleaceae)
Authors: Dute Roland R. , Rushing Ann E.
Published: February 2014

Bordered pit pairs connecting tracheary elements in the wood of Osmanthus americanus (L.) Benth. ' Hook. ex Gray contained a torus in the pit membrane. This structure is approximately 2.5 μm in diameter, and is located at or near the centre of the pit membrane. The encrusting material of the torus could be removed by treatment with sodium chlorite. Thin seetions through theJorus showed it to consist of a pad of wall material appressed to either side of the compound middle lamella. The membrane surrounding the torus (the margo) consisted of fibrils and a variable amount of enc10sing matrix. The fibrils were generally c1oseIy packed and randomly oriented, although occasionally a radial component was also present. Aspiration of the pit membrane in air-dried material caused the torus to seal off one of the pit apertures. During this process the torus probably prevented rupture of the pit membrane at that site.
The Metabolic Status of Traumatic Gum Ducts in Moringa Oleifera Lam.
Authors: Subrahmanyam S.V. , Shah J.J.
Published: February 2014

Traumatic gum ducts develop lysigenously in the bark of Moringa oleifera Lam. as a result of injury. The phloem parenchyma cells at the locus of gum duct formation enlarge and are enriched with cytoplasm and nucleoplasm. These duct initials show higher succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) and acid phosphatase (ACPase) activities compared to the neighbouring cells. The duct initials undergo autolysis to form the duct lumen. The epithelial cells of a gum duct have various shapes and show intense staining for nucleic acids, proteins and insoluble polysaccharides as compared to the neighbouring cells. The epithelial cells are also rich in enzymes viz. SDH, ACPase and lipase. Epithelial cells show labyrinthine wall deposition. These deposits are more towards the duct lumen side than the radial wall side. The inner tangential wall of the epithelial cells facing the duct lumen appears swollen. The degenerating epithelial cells show diffuse reaction products of SDH and ACPase. Some epithelial cells accumulate phenolics and by autolysis of such cells their phenolic contents are released into the gum duct.
Variation in Fibre and Parenchyma Wall Thickness in Culms of the Bamboo Sinobambusa Tootsik
Authors: Alvin K. L. , Murphy R. J.
Published: February 2014

The mid-internodal anatomy of three culms estimated to be less than one, one to two and more than two years old respectively, has been investigated revealing significant increases in average cell wall thickness of the fibres and ground tissue parenchyma. The basic density of the culm also increases. Cortical parenchyma, in contrast, shows no obvious change. Both fibres and parenchyma appear to retain living protoplasts . Progressive thickening of the cell walls over a period of perhaps several years would have important implications for harvesting and utilisation of bamboo culms and would explain reported changes in certain mechanical properties with ageing.
Differentiation of Secondary Xylem After Girdling
Authors: Zhengli Li , Keming Cui
Published: February 2014

Under favourable growth season and by suitable technical means, regeneration and continuous growth of new bark after girdling has been observed in many trees. Differentiation of the secondary xylem varies after arteficial treatment. Thus , the authors consider that (1) under appropriate conditions most trees could be girdled on a large scale with subsequent new bark regeneration and continued growth, (2) after removal of the phloem the living cells of the secondary xylem, i.e., wood parenchyma cells, may function in transporting nutrients from the treecrown downwards, and (3) finally, after girdling or when cultured in vitro, both immature xylem and phloem can dedifferentiate into meristematic tissue that further develops vascular tissue.
Anatomy of Aerial RootWood of Sonneratia Caseolaris (L.) Engler (Sonneratioideae)
Authors: Rao R. Vijendra , Sharma Babulal , Dayal R.
Published: February 2014

The anatomy of the aerial rootwood of Sonneratia caseolaris (L.) Engler showed distinct growth rings demarcated by fibres, vessels occurring in very high frequency, with simple and multiperforate plates containing druses and stellate crystals, different types of intervessel pits with vestures, absence of axial parenchyma, presence of very fine homogeneous rays, septate fibres and intercellular spaces between fibres. A comparison of aerial rootwood and stemwood revealed many quantitative differences between these two parts of the plant body.
Certain Aspects of Bacterial Degradation of Pinus Radiata Wood
Authors: Singh Adya P.
Published: February 2014

Bacterial degradation of tracheid walls of Pinus radiata wood was examined by transmission electron microscopy. The wall degradation appeared to be of two different forms, one where bacteria were present within tracheid walls forming tunnels as they moved - tunnelling type of degradation, and the other where bacteria degraded the wall from the lumen outwards - erosion type of degradation. The residual material arising from bacterial erosion of the tracheid wall spread to various extents into the lumen and contained mixed bacterial populations of varied forms. Microscopic details of these two degradation forms which involved adjoining wall areas of the same tracheid are described.
Components of the Variability of Radial Cell Size in Tree Rings of Conifers
Authors: Vysotskaya L.G. , Vaganov E.A.
Published: February 2014

Radial cell size of conifers of three speeies: Pinus sylvestris, Larix sibirica, and Larix gmelinii from natural stands in the south of the Krasnoyarsk region (USSR) have been measured with a semi-automated device. The main factors responsible for cell size variation have been determined. These are: age, growth rate, soil moisture, climatic changes and endogenous rhythm of cell growth. Age greatly affects the radial cell size in trees up to 30 years old. Growth rate only affects radial tracheid diameter in narrow rings of 0 to 0.5 mm. The main components of variation: soil moisture, climatic factors and a cyclic component have been estimated for pines from three different conditions of moisture: moist, moderately moist and dry. It was shown, that under optimal growth conditions the contribution of the endogenous component was more or less equal to that of the climatic component.
Ratians - Stem Anatomy and Taxonomic Implications
Authors: Weiner Gudrun , Liese Walter
Published: February 2014

The stem anatomy of 114 species of the 13 rattan genera of the subfamily Calamoideae has been examined and described. Characters of taxonomic and diagnostic significance are the number of metaxylem vessels and phloem fields in the vascular bundles, the type of ground parenchyma, and the tissue arrangement in the cortex. The 13 rattan genera can be distinguished on the basis of these features.
Wood and Bark Anatomy of Buchenavia Eichl. (Combretaceae)1
Authors: Alfonso Veronica Angyallossy , Richter Hans Georg
Published: February 2014

Wood and bark structure of Buchenavia (Combretaceae) was studied for infrageneric variation and taxonomic utility. Despite its wide neotropical distribution Buchenavia has a homogeneous wood anatomy, axial parenchyma distribution being the most variable feature. The presence or absence of septate fibres and presence and location of silica grains in ray and/or axial parenchyma might eventually allow recognition of individual species or species groups. Bark anatomy offers no diagnostic features for species differentiation. Wood and bark structure of Buchenavia (15 species studied) intergrades fully with that of neotropical Terminalia (5 species studied), thus corroborating results of studies on morphology (Exell ' Stace 1963) and leaf anatomy (Stace, personal communication, 1989) which postulate a very close relationship between the two genera.
Impact of Seasonal Variation on the Structure and Activity of vascular Cambium in ficus Religiosa1
Authors: Siddiqi T. O.
Published: February 2014

In Ficus religiosa (Moraceae) extension and radial growth occurs in late July and early August, respectively, under the local climate of Aligarh. The derivative tissue differentiates into xylem and phloem simultaneously in August. The phloem production stops late in August, restarts early October and then continues up to November. The xylogenesis continues up to November without interruption. Formation of the precursor phloem is observed in March. Cell size and the relative proportion of fusiform and ray initials vary with season.
Marginal Parenchyma Bands and Crystalliferous Chains as Indicators of Age in African Acacia Species
Authors: Gourlay Ian D. , Kanowski Peter J.
Published: February 2014

The radial cross sections of wood samples from individuals of known age in six African Acacia species were examined for growth rings, which were apparent in most species as narrow bands of marginal parenchyma filled with long crystal chains. The number of bands formed annually corresponded to the number of peaks in rainfall distribution. Samples from specimens of African Acacia species from the Oxford Forestry Institute's xylarium (FHOw) were also examined for similar crystalliferous chains, which were generally present. These results suggest that marginal parenchyma bands and crystalliferous chains define growth phases in African Acacia species, and may therefore be useful for age determination.
Seasonal Changes in Callose Levels and Fluorescein Translocation in the Phloem of Vitis Vinifera L.
Authors: Aloni Roni , Peterson Carol A.
Published: February 2014

The secondary phloem of Vitis vinifera L. is characterised by a radial gradient of sieve tube diameters. Sieve tubes maturing early in the growing season have the largest diameters; those maturing late in the season have the smallest. In early spring, masses of winter dormancy callose are gradually digested in a polar radial pattern, proceeding outwards from the cambium. The fluorescent dye, fluorescein, was used to detect translocation in sieve tubes. During spring, dye translocation was first observed in the wider sieve tubes produced near the end of the previous year and wh ich had reduced amounts of callose. But translocation was not observed in the very narrow sieve tubes formed at the end of the year although they were the first to be callose free. The reactivated sieve tubes functioned for about one month. New sieve tubes differentiated three weeks after dormancy callose breakdown and started to function about one week later, so that the transition of translocation activity from the sieve tubes of the previous year to those of the current year is relatively rapid. The sieve tubes formed toward the end of the growing season (but not the narrowest ones formed at the very end of the season) function during parts of two successive seasons, while the sieve tubes forrned early in the season usually function during the first year only. Callose amounts increase gradually during summer in both the old and new sieve tubes and become relatively heavy in the old ones. At this developmental stage, translocation occurs through young sieve plates with relatively high callose deposits.
The Effect of Adelgid-Altered Wood On Sapwood Conductance of Fraser Fir Christmas Trees
Authors: Hollingsworth Robert G. , Blum Udo , Hain Fred P.
Published: February 2014

Potential sapwood flow rates were measured for Fraser fir sterns that previously had been infested by the balsam woolly adelgid. The amount of abnormal wood produced during infestation was inversely related to the flow rate and linearly related to the amount of heartwood area. These results support the hypothesis that abnormal wood production associated with adelgid infestation can lead to water stress in the crowns of infested trees. The data also suggest that adelgid infestation accelerates the formation of heartwood.
Wood Anatomy of the Baphia Group (Leguminosae)
Authors: den Outer R.W. , van Veenendaal W.L.H.
Published: February 2014

The secondary xylem of 5 of the 6 genera belonging to the Baphia-group (viz. Airyantha, Baphiastrum, Leucomphalos, Dalhousiea and Baphia) and Ormosia (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae- Sophoreae) was studied, in order to aid generic delimitation in the Baphia-group.
Comparative Wood Anatomy of Southern South American Cupressaceae
Authors: Roig Fidel A.
Published: February 2014

The wood anatomy is described for the Cupressaceae indigenous to southem South America: Austrocedrus chilensis, Pilgerodendron uviferum and Fitzroya cupressoides. The abundance and distributional pattern of axial parenchyma within each annual ring, height, and the presence or absence of nodules in the end walls of ray parenchyma are all useful anatomical features for distinguishing between the three species. Physical characteristics such as odour and heartwood colour also can be used to separate these species. Axial parenchyma cell length and tracheid length show considerable interspecific variation. Tracheid lengths of Pilgerodendron, but not of Austrocedrus and Fitzroya, decrease with increasing latitude.
Distribution and Possible Morphogenetic Role of the Xylans Within the Secondary Vessel Wall of Linden Wood
Authors: Vian Brigitte , Roland Jean-Claude , Reis Danièle , Mosiniak Michèle
Published: February 2014

The topochemistry of xylans was studied at the ultrastructural level in vessels of the wood of linden (Tilia plaryphyllos Scop.), by using an affinodetection method (xylan asegold labelling) and the cationic gold labelling for acidic charges.
Perforation Plates in Knema Furfuracea (Myristicaceae)
Authors: Ohtani Jun , Saitoh Yutaka , Wu Jing , Fukazawa Kazumi , qun Xiao Shao
Published: February 2014

Various fonns of perforation plates were found in Knema furfuracea (Hook. f. et Th.) Warb.: scalariform perforation plates, reticulate perforation plates, intermediates between scalariform and reticulate, and other multiperforate plates. These plates were paired in various combinations. Scalariform perforation plates and pairs of such plates were predominant and the remaining plate pairs were of lower occurrence and irregularly distributed in the xylem. Their morphology is illustrated by SEM micrographs.
Wood Structure of the Rosaceae in Relation to Ecology, Habit and Phenology
Authors: Zhang Shu-Yin , Baas Pieter , Zandee Marinus
Published: February 2014

Twelve wood anatornical characters, together with broad parameters from ecology, habit and phenology were subjected to simple correlation analysis, path analysis and principal component analysis, in a total sampie of over 470 specimens belonging to 271 species of the Rosaceae from the entire distribution area of the farnily. The functional, developmental and systematic implications of the resulting relations are discussed. Based on the present analysis of ecological trends and previous phylogenetic analysis, a tentative scenario for the evolution of the Rosaceae is offered.
Bark Structure and Preferential Bark Utilisation by the African Elephant
Authors: Malan John W. , van Wyk Abraham E.
Published: February 2014

Bark fracture properties are thought to influence the debarking of selected trees by the African elephant. This hypo thesis was tested for large riverine tree species in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Botswana. An index of bark breakage strength and pliability of secondary phloem tissue was compiled for 11 common riverine species, and the bark anatomy of these species was investigated to determine relative fibrosity. The majority of species preferred by elephants have strong and pliable barks, associated with a high proportion of fibres. However, not all preferred species have these characteristics, which indicates that factors other than bark fracture properties affect species preference. Bark structure influences the way pieces of bark are stripped from a tree trunk during debarking. It is hoped that this paper will stimulate further studies on the effects of bark structure on the preferential feeding behaviour of the African elephant.
Perforated Ray Cells and Primary Wall Remnants in Vessel Element Perfortations of Symplocos Uniflora
Authors: Alejandro Norverto Carlos
Published: February 2014

The presence of perforated ray cells and remnant strands of primary wall material in perforations of scalariform perforation plate is described in Symplocaceae for the first time.
Survey of English Macroscopic Bark Terminology
Authors: Junikka Leo
Published: February 2014

Tenns of outer and inner bark characteristics are critically surveyed. Different macroscopical tenns with their synonyms are listed for a comparison of bark features. Suggestions are given for a standardised usage of the tenns to stimulate a practice of pertinent field notes and facilitate understanding of descriptions. Preferred tenns are printed in bold face and preferred definitions in italics.
Notes on South American Cedar (Cedrela Fissilis) in The Sacred Art of Brazil
Authors: Lisboa Pedro L. B.
Published: February 2014

The use of cedar (most probably Cedrela fissilis Vell.) in Brazilian sacred art is discussed. A wood anatomical description and an account of wood properties that make this now almost depeleted tropical heartwood so suitable for wood carving, are given.
Pit Membrane Structure and Development in Ginkgo Biloba
Authors: Dute Roland R.
Published: February 2014

Pit membrane ontogeny in radial walls of Ginkgo biloba tracheids was followed using transmission electron microscopy. Torus initiation occurs prior to initiation of the pit border and without benefit of a microtubule plexus. The developing pit membrane is associated with masses of wall material located within plasmalemma invaginations. Wall material is added in such a manner as to form a torus with highly irregular surfaces. Margo and torus are traversed by plasmodesmata, whose channels are connected by extcnsive median cavities. Matrix material is removed from both margo and torus shortly after hydrolysis of the adjacent cytoplasms. Matrix removal begins at the pit membrane surface and is not preferentially associated with the plasmodesmata. Tori in aspirated pit membranes have compacted fibrils, and their fibrillar compaction might reduce permeability to air embolisms.
Biochemical and Cytochemical Cell Wall Changes Across the Cambial Zone
Authors: Catesson A.M. , Funada R. , Robert-Baby D. , Quinet-Szély M. , Chu-Bâ J. , Goldberg R.
Published: February 2014

Parallel biochemical and cytochemical investigations on several hardwoods disclosed progressive changes in radial cell wall composition and structure across the cambial zone. Phloem derivatives were characterised by the early deposition of a microfibrillar skeleton and a low amount of xylans. In the radial walls of xylem derivatives, cellulose micro fibrils were few and, at least in some species, xylans were rather abundant. The content in acidic pectins and calcium ions increased from the phloem to the xylem side. The presence of cellulose microfibrils, the activity of enzymes such as xylan synthases or pectin methylesterases might be useful clues to recognise early stages of xylem or phloem determination in the first cambial derivatives.
Osmium Staining Fails to Detect Early Cell Wall Damage in Brown Rot Wood Decay
Authors: Wayne Wilcox W.
Published: February 2014

Loss of cell wall birefringence under polarised light in the light microscope is an important diagnostic characteristic for early stages of brown rot wood decay not available with the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Osmium tetroxide staining was explored as a means of visualising this early manifestation of decay in the SEM, but proved unsuccessful as X-ray spectroscopy indicated that osmium was evenly distributed across both distorted and non-distorted cell walls.
Bark Structure of the Southern African Icacinaceae
Authors: Potgieter M.J. , van Wyk A.E.
Published: February 2014

A description of the bark structure of southern African species of Apodytes and Cassinopsis is presented for the first time. Bark anatomy was found useful in distinguishing between species, especially in the genus Apodytes. Fibres, associated with sclereids, are found exclusively in Apodytes spec. nov. B, whereas A. dimidiata subsp. dimidiata and Apodytes spec. nov. A contain only sclereids. Fibres are abundant in Cassinopsis tinifolia, but sparse in C. ilicifolia. Wreathing of the sclerenchyma by calcium oxalate crystals occurs in all three species of Apodytes, but not in Cassinopsis. Apodytes contains prismatic crystals as opposed to druses in Cassinopsis. Apodytes dimidiata subsp. dimidiata and Apodytes spec. nov. A show a prismatic crystal arrangement, consisting of crystalliferous cells with a large centralised prismatic crystal surrounded by numerous small peripheral crystals. Chambered cystalliferous strands occur in Cassinopsis, but not in Apodytes. Bark anatomically Apodytes spec. nov. A shows a closer correlation with A. dimidiata than with the other species.
Confirmation and Significance of Bartholin's Method for the Identification of the Wood of Picea and Larix
Authors: Anagnost Susan E. , Meyer Robert W. , de Zeeuw Carl
Published: February 2014

Eighty-seven Picea and Larix samples from thirty-nine species were examined microscopically to confirm an accurate method of genus separation. The proportions and type of ray tracheid bordered pits as described by Bartholin (1979) were the only wood anatomical feature to correctly identify all specimens.
A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of Changes in Microtubule Distributions During Secondary Wall Formation in Tracheids
Authors: Abe Hisashi , Ohtani Jun , Fukazawa Kazumi
Published: February 2014

A quantitative scanning electron microscopic (SEM) study of the changes in microtubule orientations and arrays during secondary wall formation has been done on conifer (Abies sachalinensis Masters) tracheids. Microtubules have similar orientations as the microfibrils being deposited in the various wall layers. The density of microtubules is different in different stages of secondary cell wall formation. Microtubules are more closely arrayed in the tracheids forming the S2 than the S12 and S3. During S3 formation, sometimes 2-7 microtubules are closely arrayed, and form bundles about 80-350 nm wide. Bundles of microfibrils of similar width were also observed during S3 formation.