Suppressive effects of dichloromethane fraction from the Areca catechu nut on naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal in mice

In the present study, we investigated the effect of the dichloromethane fraction from Areca catechu nut on the severity of naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal in morphine-dependent mice. A single intraperitoneal injection of dichloromethane fraction at dose of 125 and 175 mg/kg significantly delayed the onset of withdrawal jumping behavior in a concentration-dependent manner compared to that of saline controls. The dichloromethane fractions also significantly decreased jumping numbers and faecal and urinary excretions during the withdrawal period.     

Differentiation and functional connection of vascular elements in compatible and incompatible pear/quince internode micrografts

Micrografts of internodes excised from in vitro grown pear plants (Pyrus communis L. cv. 'Bosc' (B) and cv. 'Butirra Hardy' (BH)) and quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill. East Malling clone C (EMC)), were cultured aseptically to test the effectiveness of their functional vascular reconnection in relation to incompatibility-compatibility relationships that these genotypes exhibit in the field. The incompatible heterograft (B/EMC) showed a marked delay in internode cohesion compared with the autografts (both B/B and BH/BH) and the compatible heterograft (BH/EMC). Even when fused, the translocation of [14C]-sorbitol from upper to lower internode was lower in B/EMC micrografts than in the other combinations. Epifluorescence studies performed with carboxyfluorescin, a specific phloem probe, indicated that the limited translocation was caused by a delay in the establishment of functional phloem continuity between the two internodes. In the B/EMC combination, new differentiated tracheary elements (TE) in the parenchyma tissue at the graft interface between the two internodes were not detected until 30 days after grafting, whereas in the BH/EMC heterograft and both autografts, new xylem connections appeared to cross the interface 20 days after grafting. Immunohistochemical detection (terminal nick-end labeling assay) of the number of cells undergoing nuclear DNA fragmentation at the graft interface confirmed that the limited and delayed TE differentiation in B/EMC heterografts was associated with a decrease in the activity of programmed cell death processes involved in the differentiation of TE.     

Changes in ultrastructure of Picea abies needles following severe long‐term winter frost

An uncommonly harsh winter occurred in Finland in 1986/1987, when the minimum monthly temperatures were lower than ‐30°C in December, January and February. This study reports the development of visible symptoms, changes in electrolyte leakage and ultrastructure in Picea abies needles from a rural and an industrial area during this period. The first frost‐induced visible symptoms, entirely or partially greyish needles, appeared in late February following a mild spell. Gradually the discoloured needles turned reddish‐brown and most of the injured needles were shed before the onset of the new season growth. Electrolyte leakage, measured as relative conductivity (RC %), showed substantially higher wintertime values (RC ca 75%) in greyish needles compared with healthy looking green needles (RC ca 30%). Light microscopy showed contracted protoplasts and collapsed cell walls in the greyish part of the needle. The main ultrastructural symptoms in all the samples were the withdrawal of plasma membrane from the cell wall, darkening of the cytoplasm, disappearance of the tonoplast (and central vacuole), contraction of the protoplast and finally collapse of the cell walls and total disintegration of the protoplast. There were no qualitative differences in the frost‐induced visible or structural symptoms between the rural and industrial area.     

Densification,screw holding strength,and Brinell hardness of European beech and poplar oriented strand boards

In this study, selected mechanical properties of beech and poplar oriented strand board such as screw holding strength (SH) and Brinell hardness (BH) as well as the relationship of stress and strain under compression for both species under two temperatures (180°C and 220°C) were examined. Poly methylene diphenyl diisocyanate resinated laboratory-scale boards in different design and density of both species (650 and 720?kg/m³) were prepared. The results showed that density has a positive effect on SH and BH of panels. It was also observed that wood species (beech or poplar) and size of strands (normal or fine size) also effect on SH. Both species showed a specific behavior regarding the lapse of stress and strain during compression.     

Does growing on a slope affect tree xylem structure and water relations?

Variations in slope, exposure, relief and substrate over a short distance and their influences on plant function are poorly understood. We investigated the influences of soil hydrological characteristics on internal stem structure and hydraulic properties of downy oak (Quercus pubescens Willd.) growing along a hill slope. Increment wood cores were extracted from the base and at breast height (BH) of tree stems. Relative wood water content (W(c)) and wood density (D(w)) were measured in the sapwood. Wood compression strength (delta) in the longitudinal direction was measured with a fractometer. Thin sections were cut from the transversal face of each core and vessel lumen area (V(A)) was measured and xylem theoretical hydraulic conductivity (L(th)) estimated over the sapwood. Topsoil volumetric water content (theta(v)) was determined around trees and the hydrological behavior of the slope was studied through field surveys. Data were used as input to a hydrological model to simulate topsoil water distribution along the slope. Results showed that theta(v) tends to decrease with increasing altitude. Groundwater levels were lower upslope than downslope, and results from the hydrological model confirmed these trends. Mean W(c) at the base of each tree decreased significantly with increasing altitude, whereas at BH, no differences were found along the slope. There was a significant positive relationship between W(c) measured at the tree base and theta(v) along the hill slope, but not for W(c) measured at BH. Values of D(w) and delta measured at both stem positions increased significantly with increasing altitude and decreasing theta(v). Significant negative relationships were found between delta and theta(v) measured at the stem base and at BH. At both stem positions, delta was closely related to D(w) and L(th). Vessel lumen areas at BH and the stem base were significantly regressed with altitude, theta(v), D(w) and delta. Xylem theoretical hydraulic conductivity at both stem positions was negatively related to altitude and soil theta(v), but only L(th) measured at the stem base was negatively regressed with D(w). The results are discussed in the context of how tree position along a hill slope influences water uptake and internal xylem structure.     

Mechanical and physical screw withdrawal properties behavior of agglomerated panels reinforced with coir and pejibaye fibers

The screw withdrawal resistance and the mechanical behavior of agglomerated panels reinforced with coir and pejibaye fibers were evaluated using through and non-through screw withdrawal tests. Widespread commercially materials, such as Pinus solid wood, Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) and plywood, were also tested in order to compare the behavior and results obtained with the lignocellulosic-reinforced agglomerated panels. Among the conventional materials tested, the highest maximum withdrawal load/thickness ratio was measured in solid wood. Panels reinforced with natural fibers showed lower withdrawal resistance than conventional materials. However, panels reinforced with coir fibers reached about 74% of the maximum strength achieved by MDF samples. Panels reinforced with pejibaye showed the worst mechanical performance. Hybridization between pejibaye and coir fibers resulted, however, in a performance improvement of approximately 50% in the maximum withdrawal load comparing with panels reinforced only with pejibaye fibers. The behavior along screw withdrawal was analyzed and could be split into four different steps. Each of these steps was correlated to the screw withdrawal rate, and also with the interactions between the material and the screw. The mechanisms involved in each step are presented and discussed.     

Withdrawal strength of nailed joints with decay degradation of wood and nail corrosion

Nailed timber joints are widely used in timber structures, and their deterioration may cause significant damage. We investigated the withdrawal strength of joints using steel wire nails in specimens exposed to a brown-rot fungus. We also examined the effects of nail corrosion on withdrawal strength, because high humidity conditions accelerate not only wood decay but also the corrosion of nails. We found that nail corrosion increased the withdrawal strength. The ratios of withdrawal strength of nailed joints with rusted nails to that of joints with a minimally rusted nails were 1.47 and 1.56 in joints nailed in radial and tangential directions to annual rings, respectively. Withdrawal strength, excluding the effects of nail corrosion, had a negative correlation with mass loss and Pilodyn-pin-penetration-depth-ratio. We estimated the withdrawal strength of the nailed joint with decayed wood and rusted nails by multiplying the values from the empirical formula (obtained from mass loss and Pilodyn-pin-penetration-depth-ratio) by 1.47 and 1.56 for joints nailed in radial and tangential direction to annual rings, respectively.     

尾叶桉家系子代测定及育种值的估算

对尾叶桉36个家系子代生长性状、形质性状进行差异分析和遗传分析，结果表明：各性状在家系子代间差异均极显著，家系遗传力大于单株遗传力，生长性状相互间表型及遗传相关紧密，但与形质性状相关不显著，而形质性状相互间表型相关紧密。3年生时生长最好的No．11号家系子代的单株材积达0．04604m^3，是最差子代No．12号的2．68倍，是群体均值的1．52倍。运用指数选择法对家系进行多性状综合选择，选出4个优良家系和6个生长慢、形质差的家系。并估算了家系子代各性状的育种值。     

Screw withdrawal capacity used in the eccentric joints of cabinet furniture connectors in particleboard and MDF

Eccentric joints are commonly used to join particleboard and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) in cabinet furniture construction. Screws and screws with plastic sockets are offered by many manufacturers for these kinds of joints, yet little information is available concerning their withdrawal capacity in these materials. Research reported here indicates that face withdrawal strengths of the screws differ slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer in particleboard and MDF, whereas withdrawal strengths of screws with plastic sockets differ greatly from one manufacturer to another. Furthermore, the withdrawal capacity of the screws was found to correlate with the density of both particleboard and MDF.     

Screw-nail withdrawal and bonding strength of paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa Steud.) wood

The effects of screw type, moisture content, and grain direction on the screw and nail withdrawal strength and bonding strength were investigated for paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa Steud.) wood grown in Turkey. The withdrawal strength was carried out according to the ASTM-D 143 and ASTM-D 1761 and Turkish Standard 6094 in three directions (tangential, radial, and longitudinal) on 60 samples. The moisture content of half of the samples was 12 % and that of the other half 28 %.The experiment of bonding strength (BS EN 205) was applied to both sanded surfaces jointed by poly-vinly acetate and Desmodur-VTKA adhesives. Results of the tests indicate that, the withdrawal strength values at 12 % moisture content were higher than the 28 % for screws whereas the withdrawal strength for 28 % moisture content was higher than 12 % for nails. The maximum withdrawal strength value was found in the chipboard screw. In the case of directions, the withdrawal strength values of radial direction were found to be higher than the others for all parameters. The lowest withdrawal strength values were found in the longitudinal directions for both nails and screws. For adhesive types, the highest bonding strength of D-VTKA was found to be 5.64 N mm^?2 and it was higher than the bonding strength with PVAc (5.33 N mm^?2). However, there were no significant statistical differences between the two adhesive types. The results show that paulownia wood can be used for different purposes such as house construction, roof systems, and box cases as it possesses enough strength.     

树木注射伤害成因与控制研究

树木注射伤害分入针、注射及退针时的物理损伤,由药物—树木本身的生物化学反应造成的伤害、注射技术使用不当所引发的伤害5种类型。树木注射伤害是可以控制的,防止发生树木注射伤害必须选用正确的树木注射技术路线、合理控制高压注射的速度,需特别注意高压注射装置的针头密封以及进退针的方式,并选用安全、有效的药物。     

High stability of nuclear microsatellite loci during the early stages of somatic embryogenesis in Norway spruce

Somatic embryos of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) differentiate from proembryogenic masses (PEMs), which are subject to autodestruction through programmed cell death. In PEMs, somatic embryo formation and activation of programmed cell death are interrelated processes. We sought to determine if activation of programmed cell death in PEMs is caused by genetic aberrations during somatic embryogenesis. Based on the finding that withdrawal of auxin and cytokinin induces programmed cell death in PEMs, 1-week-old cell suspensions were cultured in medium either with or without auxin and cytokinin and then transferred to maturation medium containing abscisic acid. We analyzed the stability of three nuclear simple sequence repeat (SSR) microsatellite markers at successive stages of somatic embryogenesis in two cell lines. There were no mutations at the SSR loci at any of the successive developmental stages from PEMs to cotyledonary embryos, irrespective of whether or not the proliferation medium in which cell suspensions had been cultured contained auxin or cytokinin. The morphologies of plants regenerated from the cultures were similar, although withdrawal of auxin and cytokinin significantly stimulated the yield of both embryos and plants. We conclude, therefore, that the high genetic stability of somatic embryos in Norway spruce is unaffected by the induction of programmed cell death caused by withdrawal of auxin and cytokinin.     

Potential effects of climate change on the growth of lodgepole pine across diameter size classes and ecological regions

We examined 65 lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. var. latifolia Engelm.) sites in Alberta using a dendrochronological approach in order to examine the relationships between climate and growth of lodgepole pine across elevational ecoregions and diameter size classes. The 4 elevational ecoregions sampled included the Boreal Highlands (BH: 13 sites); the Foothills (FH: 36 sites); a grouping of the montane and subalpine zones of the southern Rocky Mountains (RM: 12 sites); and the montane zone of the Cypress Hills (CH: 4 sites). The first diameter size class was comprised of the three largest (top) diameter trees at each site. The tree list of each plot was ranked, then divided into three groups of equal basal area and the tree at the midpoint of each group (small, medium, and large) was selected for the other three size classes. Annual growth in basal area of lodgepole pine was generally sensitive to heat and moisture stress in late summer of the previous year, the degree of winter harshness, and the timing of the start of the growing season. Growth was inhibited by low temperature in all winter months at the most northern BH sites which had the coldest winters, but this effect was interrupted in some of the midwinter months in the more southerly sites in the RM, and we postulated this was due to the damaging influences of Chinook winds. Interannual growth patterns were strongly correlated between top diameter trees and the other classes, and trees of all diameter classes generally responded to climate in the same way, which indicated that it is sufficient to sample only the largest diameter trees in a stand to provide insight into growth–climate relationships. The forecasted growth estimates indicate that future climate warming will negatively impact the productivity of lodgepole pine in the FH, the heart of lodgepole distribution and productivity in Alberta.     

A comparison of the withdrawal resistance load of nails using experimental and interference approaches

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine and predict the withdrawal resistance or pull-out load of common wire nails embedded in radial, tangential and cross-sectional grain orientation of Douglas fir (Presudotsuga menziesii) and sugar maple (Acer sacharum) samples. Four lead-hole diameters of 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 mm were used to create various interference fits. Nails with a diameter of 3.38 mm were driven into the samples to a depth of 10 mm for the experiments. The overall withdrawal resistance of Douglas fir samples was found to be lower than that of maple samples. Strength values of each sample increased with decreasing lead-hole diameters. No significant difference was found between withdrawal resistance values from radial and tangential sections in either species. However, significantly lower values were obtained for the cross-sections of the samples than for the two other sections. Ratios between predicted pull-out load values of the nails from both species based on the finite element numerical interference approach were very close to experimental measurements, with ratios ranging from 0.93 to 1.09. The results provide better understanding of the behaviour and performance of pull-out resistance for building systems.     

Protective role of Bacopa monniera on morphine-induced brain mitochondrial enzyme activity in rats

Alcoholic extract of Bacopa monniera was tested for its protective role on morphine-induced brain mitochondrial enzyme status in rats. The level of the brain mitochondrial enzymes was significantly lower in the morphine-treated group when compared with control animals. These enzymes were maintained at normal level when Bacopa extract was administered orally at a dose of 40 mg/kg, 2 h before the administration of morphine.     

Root distribution ofDactyladenia (Acioa) barteri andSenna (Cassia) Siamea in alley cropping on Ultisol. II. Impact on water regime and consequences for experimental design

Tensiometer measurements were carried out on a typic Paleudult in the humid forest zone of south eastern Nigeria in an alley cropping trial using fertilized and unfertilizedDactyladenia (Acioa) barteri andSenna (Cassia) siamea as hedgerow trees and a no-tree control. The interrow space of alley cropped and no-tree control plots were planted to maize/cassava intercrop. Water withdrawal during short dry spells and the dry season occurred fastest in the no-tree control plot and resembled the pattern in the adjacentS. siamea alley cropping. Previous root investigations showed that the whole no-tree control plot was within the range of root propagation of the adjacent hedgerow trees. Installation of a 70 cm deep root barrier led to a retarded water withdrawal in unfertilized no-tree control plots to a depth of 150 cm. In fertilized no-tree control this retardation occurred to a depth of 110 cm, while at 130 and 150 cm water withdrawal with root barriers was faster than without barriers. Results indicate thatS. siamea depleted water resources in the no-tree control plot and shortened the growing season of cassava. Restricting roots to the assigned plot size can reduce competition for water in adjacent plots even in layers below the depth of the barrier but can also induce compensative water withdrawal from layers which were not necessarily affected by the barrier. It appears that currently no standard methodology is available to conduct agroforestry trials without the risk of invalidation through root interference. Methods to determine minimum plot size in order to reduce the risk of invalidation and misinterpretation of results are suggested.     

Improve regression-based models for prediction of internal-bond strength of particleboard using Buckingham’s pi-theorem

Internal bond (IB) strength is one of the most important me-chanical properties that indicate particleboard quality. The aim of this study was to find a simple regression model that considers the most ...     

漳州城市古树名木资源现状及其保护利用

文章对漳州城市古树名木的现状进行了调查分析,结果表明:漳州市现存古树名木113株,隶属于8科8属8种。大多数古树名木主要分布于寺庙及文物古迹、居住区和道路。古树名木的树高大多为10~25m,占90%以上,10m以下的仅占6.31%,25m以上的占2.70%,胸径主要分布于1.0~2.5m,占87.38%。文章还指出了对古树名木保护和研究中存在的问题,并提出相应的对策。       

CNS activities of methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera root in mice

Methanolic extract (ME) of the root of Moringa oleifera was tested for possible pharmacological effects on experimental animals. ME potentiated significantly the sleeping time induced by pentobarbitone sodium, diazepam and meprobamate, showed analgesic properties and also potentiated analgesia induced by morphine and pethidine. Pretreatment with ME caused significant protection against strychnine- and leptazol-induced convulsions. The behavioural studies on mice indicate the CNS depressant nature of ME.     

大木竹秆形结构的研究

调查了浙江南部大木竹的秆形状况,包括秆高、鲜秆质量、尖削度、竹壁厚和节间长等一系列指标.以毛竹为参比竹种,对数据进行统计分析并拟合曲线,结果发现:相同胸径下,大木竹的全高大于毛竹;尖削度较毛竹略小;壁厚随竹秆高度增大而减小的速率比毛竹快;拟合大木竹鲜秆质量-胸径的幂函数方程为:M=0.232 7(DBH)2.1899,与毛竹相比,同样胸径的大木竹鲜秆质量比毛竹大;大木竹的节间长度随高度的变化趋势呈二次曲线,在胸径为4～11cm范围内,节位数10～15处的节间长度最大,可达50～65 cm.