Site-level model–data synthesis of terrestrial carbon fluxes in the CarboEastAsia eddy-covariance observation network: toward future modeling efforts

Based on the model–data comparison at the eddy-covariance observation sites from CarboEastAsia datasets, we report the current status of the terrestrial carbon cycle modeling in monsoon Asia. In order to assess the modeling performance and discuss future requirements for both modeling and observation efforts in Asia, we ran eight terrestrial biosphere models at 24 sites from 1901 to 2010. By analyzing the modeled carbon fluxes against the CarboEastAsia datasets, the strengths and weaknesses of terrestrial biosphere modeling over Asia were evaluated. In terms of pattern and magnitude, the carbon fluxes (i.e., gross primary productivity, ecosystem respiration, and net ecosystem exchange) at the temperate and boreal forest sites were simulated best, whereas the simulation results from the tropical forest, cropland, and disturbed sites were poor. The multi-model ensemble mean values showed lower root mean square errors and higher correlations, suggesting that composition of multiple terrestrial biosphere models would be preferable for terrestrial carbon budget assessments in Asia. These results indicate that the current model-based estimation of terrestrial carbon budget has large uncertainties, and future research should further refine the models to permit re-evaluation of the terrestrial carbon budget.     

Relation between developmental changes on anatomical structure and on protein pattern in differentiating xylem of tension wood

Tension wood was induced inEucalyptus camaldulensis L. by fixing the stem at an angle. Proteins in the differentiating tissue of tension wood were compared to those of normal wood on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. An obvious difference was found in the salt-soluble fraction of 14 days after inclination. At least five bands (19,22,37,41, and 55kDa) were specific in the differentiating tissue of tension wood. These proteins were bound to the cell wall, plasma membrane, or both by their electric charge; they were undetectable until 14 days after inclination. Mature tension wood was observed in the tissue at 14 days. Thus, all differentiating tissue at 14 days was produced after inclination. On the other hand, the differentiating zone at 7 days contained the same tissue, as in tension wood estimated by the vessel number and diameter during the early phase; and the tissue was indistinguishable from normal wood during the late phase. The proteins found here were related to the phenomenon occurring in the late stage of xylem differentiation.     

Changes in wood temperature under high-speed friction

Thermal effects at the surface of a sample wood specimen while it is rubbed by reduction with a metal disk rotating at high speed are investigated. The results provide fundamental data for the development of new surface processing methods. The results of high-speed friction tests showed that the wood surface developed high-temperature regions due to the effect of friction heat, and deformed tissue was observed at the wood surface in the region that experienced the rubbing action. The thermal effects extended to a deep range in the deformed region by reduction due to different fiber inclination angles, both parallel and normal to the friction surface. The thermal effects from the rubbed conditions of the reduction and feed speed also extended deeply into the region deformed by reduction, although the thermal effect was decreased at higher feed speed. From the results of these friction tests, the change in wood temperature is described unambiguously by factors related to pressure on the friction surface.     

Overexpression of xyloglucanase (AaXEG2) accelerates heteroblastic development in mangium leaves

Transgenic mangium trees (Acacia mangium) overexpressing xyloglucanase (AaXEG2) were generated by spraying flower buds with Agrobacterium solution and allowing seeds to develop. The overexpression of xyloglucanase decreased xyloglucan content in the cell walls and increased stem length and diameter. The leaves of the transgenic seedlings exhibited accelerated heteroblastic development, proceeding from the stage of three bipinnate leaves to that of enlarging petiole 2 weeks earlier than wild type seedlings did.