Biomass of fine and small roots in two Japanese black pine stands of different ages

The biomass and the spatial distribution of fine and small roots were studied in two Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii Parl.) stands growing on a sandy soil. More biomass of fine and small roots was found in the 17-year-old than in the 40-year-old stand. There were 62 g m⁻² of fine roots and 56 g m⁻² of small roots in the older stand, which represented mean values of 608 g for fine and 552 g for small roots per tree, respectively. In the younger stand, a total of 85 g m⁻² of fine roots and 66 g m⁻² of small roots were determined, representing a mean of 238 g for fine and 186 g for small roots per tree, respectively. Fine and small root biomasses decreased linearly with a soil depth of 0–50 cm in the older stand. In the younger stand, the fine and small roots developed only up to a depth of 30 cm. Horizontal distributions (with regard to distance from a tree) of both root groups were homogeneous. A positive correlation in the amount of biomass of fine and small roots per m² relative to tree size was found. Fine and small root biomasses increased consistently from April to July in both stands. The results also indicated earlier growth activity of the fine roots than small roots at the beginning of the growing season. The seasonal increases in fine and small root biomasses were slightly higher in the younger stand than the older stand.     

Biomass distribution in 40-year-old trees of Japanese black pine

Measurements were carried out to survey the quantity of above- and below-ground biomass and its distribution of five Japanese black pines (Pinus thunbergii Parl.) growing on a sandy soil. The roots, divided into diameter groups, were surveyed using two methods—soil coring and excavation. Average dry weight of total biomass of the trees was 176,185 g. Roots represented 13.2%, below-ground stump 6.5%, stem 70.4% and branches with needles 9.9% of total biomass. Roots made up about two thirds and stump one third of below-ground biomass. Total length of below-ground biomass (except roots with diameter < 0.1 cm) was 479.1 m/tree. Roots with diameter of 0.1–0.2 cm represented only 0.7% of below-ground biomass, however as much as 49.9% of their total length. Roots with diameter over 10.0 cm constituted as much as 21.6% of below-ground biomass, however were only 0.3% of its total length. Root systems had well developed tap roots to maximal depth of 231 cm. The results indicated that mass and length of roots with diameter 0.5–2.0 cm had a close correlation with branch mass. Mass and length of roots with diameter 2.0–10.0 cm closely correlated to stem mass. Stem mass, root mass and root length closely correlated to DBH. A rather low correlation was found between DBH and mass of branches and below-ground stump. DBH was a suitable variable for predicting total biomass.     

Comparative study of renin-containing cells. Histological approaches

The juxtaglomerular apparatus is known to be the functional unit of renin control. In the present review, the author will describe the comparative characteristics of renin-containing (RC) cells as well as extrarenal distribution, paying special attention to developmental and topographical approaches. The characteristic locality of RC cells suggests that the secretion of renin is performed at a site beside the adventitia or via the glomerular capillaries. Ontogenetical and phylogenetical investigations of RC cells have provided interesting findings on their morphogenesis. Analysis of the endocrine kidney after unilateral obstruction of the ureter provides some findings about the origin of RC cells and the processing of renin granules. Observation of developing adrenal renin suggests that there is important involvement of angiotensin II produced by renin synthesis in the morphogenesis of the adrenal gland in the fetal stage. Coagulating gland (CG) renin is characterized by testosterone-regulated and exocrine mechanisms. Recently, all or some of the components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) have been reported to be synthesized and secreted outside of classical organs or tissues. In the future, the real function of local RAS will be clarified by using gene targeting in mice.     

Structural Changes of Goat Parotid Salivary Gland: Pre‐ and Post‐Weaning Periods

Previously, the structure of the adult goat parotid salivary glands (PGs) was studied. However, little information was elucidated of the juvenile ones. This study aimed to clarify the correlations between the structure of goats' PGs and the nature of food intake among milk‐suckling kids (MSKs) and diet‐fed goats (DFGs). The secretory endpieces of the goats' PGs are of the pure serous type. The serous cells in MSKs showed apical accumulation of numerous secretory granules (SGs) of smaller size and of more intense positive periodic acid‐Schiff reaction. Ultrastructurally, most of the SGs in the DFGs contained peripherally located inclusions that showed dense reaction products for acid phosphatase. In MSKs, the PGs showed less‐developed basal infoldings, sparseness of the inter‐cellular inter‐digitations, fewer inter‐cellular canaliculi and microvilli and also less‐developed myoepithelial cells with fewer and shorter cytoplasmic processes. In conclusion, the less‐developed membrane specializations and myoepithelial cells, as well as the accumulated SGs in the PGs of MSKs, suggest that it secretes less saliva with a little secretory activity than that of DFGs, which may be correlated with the reduced masticatory activity.     

不同水分管理对水稻生长与氮素利用的影响

应用土柱模拟法和15N示踪技术研究了长期淹水和严重渗漏条件下水稻的生长和氮肥的吸收与转化。结果表明，两种水分条件下，水稻根系生长量和地上部干物质积累量明显不同。水稻在淹水条件下因根系生长受阻，氮积累在拔节后明显变缓；而渗漏条件下水稻对氮的吸收在孕穗期仍保持较高水平。前者对肥料氮的利用率较后者显著地低，且土壤矿化氮在所吸收的氮中的贡献率也相对较高。这与水稻在两种水分管理条件下的生长状况和氮在两种情形下的转化特点密切相关。本试验条件下，水稻于拔节后对土壤矿化氮的吸收数量明显增加，似有脱肥现象，因此，应提倡追施孕穗肥。     

An immunohistochemical study of the gastro-entero-pancreatic endocrine cells in the alimentary tract of the Korean tree squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris corea.

The regional distribution and relative frequencies of gastrointestinal endocrine cells were studied immunohistochemically in the gastrointestinal mucosa of Korean tree squirrels. Seven kinds of endocrine cells were identified in this study. Although a large number of 5-hydroxytryptamine-immunoreactive cells were seen throughout the gastrointestinal tract, they were most predominant in the duodenum. A moderate number of glucagon-immunoreactive cells which were restricted to the cardia and fundus of the stomach was also observed. Bovine chromogranin-immunoreactive cells were numerous in the cardia and pylorus of the stomach, found in moderate numbers in the fundus, duodenum and large intestine, but rare in the jejunum. Porcine chromogranin-immunoreactive cells were found in moderate numbers in the stomach but were rare in the duodenum. Gastrin/cholecystokinin-immunoreactive cells were abundant in the pyloric gland region but scarce in the duodenum. Bovine pancreatic polypeptide-immunoreactive cells were observed to be rare and found only in the pyloric gland region. Somatostatin-immunoreactive cells were distributed moderately in the stomach but were few in number in the intestine. No insulin-immunoreactive cells were found in the gastrointestinal tract of Korean tree squirrels. These results suggest that although the Korean tree squirrel is a herbivorous rodent, the distribution pattern of its gastro-entero-endocrine cells is rather similar to that reported for omnivorous animals.