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The characterization of the wood behavior at the tissue scale is still scarcely explored compared with the macroscopic scale, especially for shear. This work focuses on the mechanical properties of tissue samples of Norway spruce (Picea abies). Tensile and shear tests were conducted in different anatomical directions and relative humidity (RH) levels. The results provide insights into the distinct behaviors of early- and latewood and their combination within growth rings, showing the significant impact of RH on performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on growth rings in tropical trees within flooded forests has unveiled the complexity of climate change in these ecosystems. However, there has been limited understanding regarding species and their potential for dendrochronology. This study assessed 20 species from 13 botanical families in a flooded forest in southeastern Peru. Wood samples were collected during the dry season using a non-destructive sampling with motorized drill, alongside botanical samples for identification. Growth ring features were described following the IAWA, at a macroscopic level. Thirteen species showed promise for dendrochronological studies, eight of which were previously undocumented. These findings are pivotal for prioritizing species in future dendrochronological investigations in the Peruvian Amazon.

Understanding the dynamics of tree growth is extremely important to develop effective forest conservation and management strategies. Generally, tree growth is well fitted by non-linear regression models. However, it can commonly present problems caused by heteroscedasticity or possible asymmetry in the distribution of residues. An alternative to overcome this problem is quantile regression, which allows estimates at different quantiles, thus generating a more complete mapping of the development of the forest under study. The objective of this study was to compare the adjustment of the non-linear models Logístico, Gompertz, von Bertalanffy, Brody, Chapman-Richards and Weibull using the least squares method and quantile regression, for data on diameter at breast height (DBH) accumulated over the overtime for 56 trees sampled in native forest using a non-destructive technique. The coefficient of determination, the mean absolute deviation and the Akaike information criterion were used to evaluate the quality of the adjustments and the suitability of the models was verified through residual analysis, with the Brody model being the one that best adhered to the data. All computational analysis was carried out using the free software R. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age and growth-related parameters provide a better understanding of life-history adaptations and trade-offs and can be studied in the wild through capture-mark-recapture (CMR) or sclerochronology (i.e., skeletochronology and counting growth marks on hard structures). In chelonians, skeletochronology is limited to carcasses, CMR is limited by time and funding constraints, but counting shell growth annuli (SGA count) is a cheaper and faster alternative. A long-term CMR study in Testudo graeca from south-eastern Romania allowed us to compare the age estimated by the two sclerochronology methods using carcasses, and calibrate the results with data obtained from recaptured tortoises. We found that the accuracy of SGA counts significantly decreased with time (i.e., years between captures and older individuals). Skeletochronology showed the best results with long bones (i.e., ulna, radius, femur), but overall underestimated the age when compared to SGA counts; we obtained comparable results from these two methods in tortoises up to 17 years old. The oldest age estimated by skeletochronology alone was 28 years, 30 years by SGA counts, and 40 years by SGA counts when calibrated by CMR. The growth models using age estimations from both skeletochronology and SGA counts were similar, highlighting their usefulness in monitoring growth trajectories. Our study showed that while age estimation in tortoises is challenging, a combination of methods can improve its accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bible's assertion that the Genesis patriarchs routinely experienced lifespans of hundreds of years is one of the claims in Scripture most ridiculed by skeptics. Hence, Biblical creationists should be interested in possible scientific corroboration of this claim. Whatever factor or factors were allowing extreme human longevity in the pre- and immediate post-Flood worlds were likely also affecting the animal kingdom, as well. Hence, it is reasonable to suspect that animal lifespans were also once much greater than they are today. In this light, we examine fossil shark data for possible evidence of extreme longevity. Paleontologists have used allometric relationships and growth rings within shark vertebrae to construct ontogenetic length-versus-age growth curves for both extinct and extant sharks. Growth curves for fossil sharks are generally too short to provide direct evidence that fossil sharks experienced much greater longevity than extant sharks, but they are sufficiently long to show that fossil sharks took longer to mature than comparable extant sharks. Longevity studies of extant animals have repeatedly shown that greater ages at skeletal and/or sexual maturity are positively correlated with greater longevity, as are larger adult body sizes. Hence, the apparent delayed maturation and large adult body sizes of these giant fossil sharks is indirect evidence that they had much greater lifespans than extant sharks. By extension, it is partial scientific corroboration of the extreme human lifespans recorded in the earliest chapters of Genesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Half of the Amazon Forest, which has a marked seasonality in rainfall, is susceptible to intense droughts caused by positive phases of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Cedrela odorata L., sensitive to climate variations, emerges as a promising candidate for studies on how trees respond to climate change. Given the demand for its wood and the imperative for its protection in the Amazon Biome, applying the principles of environmental sustainability becomes crucial. This study characterizes local climatic variables near the Amazon River and assesses their impact, as well as the effect of ENSO, on the radial growth of Cedrela odorata using Pearson correlation analyses. Ring synchronization followed the standard methodology in dendrochronology, confirming common growth patterns and the formation of growth rings in C. odorata. Significant correlations with growth were noted concerning local climate, with negative associations for maximum and average temperatures and evapotranspiration, and a positive correlation with relative air humidity. ENSO exhibited a significant negative correlation with growth rings, indicating reduced growth during El Niño events. The species is notably sensitive to water availability, particularly at the onset of the growth period. The study concludes that the growth of C. odorata in the Óbidos-PA microregion responds to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Dominant in many ecosystems around the world, clonal plants can reach considerable ages and sizes. Due to their modular growth patterns, individual clonal plants (genets) can consist of many subunits (ramets). Since single ramets do not reflect the actual age of genets, the ratio between genet size (radius) and longitudinal annual growth rate (LAGR) of living ramets is often used to approximate the age of clonal plants. However, information on how the LAGR changes along ramets and how LAGR variability may affect age estimates of genets is still limited. Methods: We assessed the variability of LAGR based on wood‐section position along the ramets and on the duration of the growing season on three genetically distinct genets of Salix herbacea growing in the Northern Apennines (Italy). We compared genet ages estimated by dividing genet radius by the LAGRs of its ramets. Results: LAGR increased significantly from the stem apex to the root collar; indicating that ramet growth rate decreased with time. Furthermore, a difference of ca. 2 weeks in the onset of the growing period did not impact LAGR. Considering the high LAGR variability, we estimated that the three genets started to grow between ~2100 and ~7000 years ago, which makes them the oldest known clones of S. herbacea even considering the most conservative age estimate. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that analyzing ramets at the root collar provides an integrative measurement of their overall LAGR, which is crucial for estimating the age of genets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of coverslip width and the physical arrangement of growth rings were studied relative to laterally glued Pinus taeda wood panels (EGP) used in the manufacture of door jambs, according to the requirements of ABNT-NBR 15.930 (2011). The goal was to determine the combination providing the best physical performance of the product. The experiments used the complete factorial design for two factors and four levels, i.e., 32, 56, 75, and 112 mm width coverslips, and rings arrangement of radial, tangential, cross coverslips, and ones with finger joints. A total of 48 EGP door jamb specimens (3 for each combination) measuring 2120 x 220 x 32 mm, with moisture content between 8% and 12% and apparent density between 400 and 600 kg.m-3 were used. Statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to investigate the influence of factors and their interactions on the following responses: visual aspect, moisture, density and dimensional (width and thickness) variations. It was found that both factors and their interactions influenced the level of significance of 1% on shape deviations. The best results were for panels produced with 32 and 56 mm coverslips, with cross or radial arrangement.

Starch is a major part of the human diet and an important material for industrial utilization. The structure of starch granules is the subject of intensive research because it determines functionality, and hence suitability for specific applications. Starch granules are made up of a hierarchy of complex structural elements, from lamellae and amorphous regions to blocklets, growth rings and granules, which increase in scale from nanometers to microns. The complexity of these native structures changes with the processing of starch-rich ingredients into foods and other products. This review aims to provide a comprehensive review of analytical methods developed to characterize structure of starch granules, and their applications in analyzing the changes in starch structure as a result of processing, with particular consideration of the poorly understood short-range ordered structures in amorphous regions of granules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dependence of the width of annual rings of woody plants on the characteristics of the snow cover is analyzed in various natural zones of the West Siberian Plain and adjacent mountainous areas: the maximum depth and water reserve for the entire winter period and for individual months, the dates of disappearing, establishment, and duration of the occurrence of a stable snow cover. It has been shown that the role of the depth and water content of snow cover for the radial growth of trees is differentiated by geographical location. On the plain, it intensifies in the forest-tundra and dry steppe. The response of radial growth to snow cover in the upper and lower parts of the forest belt is often the opposite. Dates of establishment of stable snow cover are more important for tree growth compared to dates of disappearance. Dates of disappearance of stable snow cover are more significant in the southern regions than in the northern ones. The value of the duration of the period with stable snow cover for tree growth is higher in the southern regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In tropical and subtropical regions, much research is still required to explore the dendrochronological potential of their trees. This study aims to evaluate the anatomical structure and dendrochronological potential of three Mediterranean desert shrubs in Egypt (Lycium schweinfurthii var. schweinfurthii, L. europaeum, and Calligonum polygonoides subsp. comosum) supported by X-ray density. The results showed that the target species had distinct growth rings at macroscopic and microscopic levels. The vessel traits reflected the adaptability of each species with the prevailing arid climate conditions. After the exclusion of the noncorrelated series, we obtained three site chronologies that cover the years 2013-2022 for L. schweinfurthii, 2012-2022 for L. europaeum, and 2011-2022 for C. comosum. The mean series intercorrelation was 0.746, 0.564, and 0.683 for L. schweinfurthii, L. europaeum, and C. comosum, respectively. The EPS (expressed population signal) values ranged from 0.72 to 0.80, while the SNR (species-to-noise ratio) ranged from 9.1 to 21.5. Compiling all series of L. schweinfurthii raised the EPS value to 0.86. The chronologies developed for the studied species were relatively short since we dealt with multi-stemmed shrubs. The average percentage difference between latewood density (LWD) and earlywood density (EWD) in C. comosum, L. europaeum, and L. schweinfurthii were 11.8% ± 5.5, 5.2%± 1.87, and 3.6% ± 1.86, respectively. X-ray densitometry helped in the precise determination of the ring borders of the studied species. The relationships between the radial growth of the studied species and the climate variables were weak to moderate but mostly not significant (i.e., r < 0.7). Generally, the radial growth of the target species had a weak to moderate positive correlation with temperature and precipitation during the wet season (winter), while negatively correlated with temperature for the rest of the year, particularly in summer. Our data agrees with earlier findings that ring formation starts at the beginning of the long vegetative stage, then the rest of the assimilated carbohydrates are directed to the flowering and fruiting at the end of the vegetative stages. For more efficient dendrochronological studies on subtropical and Mediterranean trees, we recommend carrying out xylogenesis studies, collection of phenological data, sampling 45-80 trees per species, using new techniques, and choosing homogeneous and close sites for wood sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In tropical and subtropical regions, much research is still required to explore the dendrochronological potential of their trees. This study aims to evaluate the anatomical structure and dendrochronological potential of three Mediterranean desert shrubs in Egypt (Lycium schweinfurthii var. schweinfurthii, L. europaeum, and Calligonum polygonoides subsp. comosum) supported by X-ray density. The results showed that the target species had distinct growth rings at macroscopic and microscopic levels. The vessel traits reflected the adaptability of each species with the prevailing arid climate conditions. After the exclusion of the non-correlated series, we obtained three site chronologies that cover the years 2013-2022 for L. schweinfurthii, 2012-2022 for L. europaeum, and 2011-2022 for C. comosum. The mean series intercorrelation was 0.746, 0.564, and 0.683 for L. schweinfurthii, L. europaeum, and C. comosum, respectively. The EPS (expressed population signal) values ranged from 0.72 to 0.80, while the SNR (species-to-noise ratio) ranged from 9.1 to 21.5. Compiling all series of L. schweinfurthii raised the EPS value to 0.86. The chronologies developed for the studied species were relatively short since we dealt with multi-stemmed shrubs. The average percentage difference between latewood density (LWD) and earlywood density (EWD) in C. comosum, L. europaeum, and L. schweinfurthii were 11.8% ± 5.5, 5.2%± 1.87, and 3.6% ± 1.86, respectively. X-ray densitometry helped in the precise determination of the ring borders of the studied species. The relationships between the radial growth of the studied species and the climate variables were weak to moderate but mostly not significant (i.e., r < 0.7). Generally, the radial growth of the target species had a weak to moderate positive correlation with temperature and precipitation during the wet season (winter), while negatively correlated with temperature for the rest of the year, particularly in summer. Our data agrees with earlier findings that ring formation starts at the beginning of the long vegetative stage, then the rest of the assimilated carbohydrates are directed to the flowering and fruiting at the end of the vegetative stages. For more efficient dendrochronological studies on subtropical and Mediterranean trees, we recommend carrying out xylogenesis studies, collection of phenological data, sampling 45-80 trees per species, using new techniques, and choosing homogeneous and close sites for wood sampling.

Ecology Letters 16: 478 - 86. 7 Callaway, R. M. 1995. Functional Ecology 28: 75 - 86. 31 Michalet, R., C. Schöb, S. Xiao, L. Zhao, T. Chen, L. An, and R. M. Callaway. Functional Ecology 30: 79 - 87. 32 Michalet, R., S. Xiao, B. Touzard, D. S. Smith, L. A. Cavieres, R. M. Callaway, and T. G. Whitham. Keywords: alpine; competition; cushion plants; dendrochronology; facilitation; growth rings; stress EN alpine competition cushion plants dendrochronology facilitation growth rings stress 1 5 5 05/03/23 20230501 NES 230501 "Your eyes can deceive you, don't trust them.". [Extracted from the article]

The silky shark is important in commercial fisheries, but their population has declined in recent years. One of the major challenges for species under this scenario is to understand their trophic interactions as they grow and to apply this knowledge for their management and protection. Based on the analysis of δ15N and δ13C in muscle and vertebral tissue, the aim of this study is to assess the feeding habits (possible changes in resource and habitat use) of C. falciformis related to ontogeny (neonatal, juvenile, and adult stages), which may lead to the reassessment of the species' trophic role in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean (ETPO). The isotopic composition of muscle (n = 60) and vertebrae (n = 44) was analyzed over 3 years (2003–2005). Significant differences were detected in δ15Nmuscle between neonates and juveniles (H = 6.26, p < 0.05) and in δ13Cmuscle between juveniles and adults (H = 6.78, p < 0.05). Significant differences were detected also in δ15Nvertebrae (F = 4.19, p < 0.05) and δ13Cvertebrae (F = 6.59, p < 0.05) among ontogenetic stages, particularly regarding females (H = 34.77, p < 0.05), which may indicate: 1) that they consume different prey types as a result of changing energy requirements linked to their ontogeny (e.g., reproduction), and 2) different movement patterns. If the estimated trophic position of C. falciformis was 3.7, then the species could be classified as a tertiary predator. The data generated in this study indicate ontogenetic changes in the feeding behavior of C. falciformis, which is critical to understanding the role of this predator in the community structure of the ETPO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonal phenology is expressed in the annual rhythms of growth and quiescence, which may range from being sharply defined to weakly quantitative. These rhythms, both vegetative and reproductive, are a key aspect of a plant's survival strategy. They enable the plant to both survive seasonal stresses and take advantage of favourable conditions, while making pollination efficient through synchronised flowering. Maturation in woody perennials causes some ontogenetic modulation of seasonal phenology. Shoot phenology is driven by various environmental cues, notably temperatures and daylength, with shoot extremities often being prime receptors. The phenology of shoot extremities is in turn seen as a strong driver of cambial activity, which itself is an aspect of shoot phenology and the basis of stem diameter growth. The aspects of cambial activity reflecting hoot–tip phenology primarily involve the timing of xylem formation and the anatomical and physical properties of xylem cells. The actual amount of diameter growth, however, is governed much more by other factors, notably the growth potential of the species, the space for the tree to grow in, and how favourable local conditions are for growth. Somehow, all tree species allocate resources to shoot extension and diameter growth to represent viable adaptive strategies, although there is no identified role of phenology per se in such allocation. Among species, Pinus radiata is extremely important commercially, largely through a high growth potential that reflects distinctive phenology. Much research on the species provides a basis for linking its phenology and shoot–tip architecture to seasonal timing of diameter growth and fine details of within-ring variation in xylem cell properties. This provides a baseline for comparison with many other tree species, conifers and hardwoods. Selected examples are considered to illustrate the range of adaptive strategies. Regulation of diameter growth and internal variation in wood properties reflects the response to competitive pressures. Modifying the regulation to optimise wood production and quality poses a great challenge for future domestication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mangrove biome is threatened by global environmental changes (including sea level rise, SLR) and anthropogenic disturbances. In this context, understanding the growth dynamics of mangrove species is essential for designing effective management plans for critical mangrove ecosystems such as the Bangladesh Sundarbans. Therefore, this study aims to (1) identify the growth-ring boundaries and tested their periodicity (annual nature) in one of the ecologically important understory mangrove species, Cynometra ramiflora in the Bangladesh Sundarbans, (2) determine the influences of climate and river discharge on radial growth, and (3) examine the influence of habitat variables (e.g., regulators, resources and forest structure) on radial growth. The growth-ring boundaries of C. ramiflora were distinct on the polished wood discs and marked by a layer of flattened fibers mixed with parenchyma. The agreement between individual growth-ring series and chronology statistics enabled us to develop for the first time a 42-year-long chronology spanning from 1979 to 2021. The results indicate that growth rings are annual and could be used for age and growth rate estimations. Monsoonal and annual precipitation enhanced radial growth. Growth was also positively influenced by the amount of river discharge received prior to the onset of growth, particularly during the pre-monsoon. Generalized additive models (GAMs) revealed that among the habitat variables, salinity had a strong negative influence on radial growth of the studied species in the Sundarbans, while tree density and diameter heterogeneity (coefficient of variation, CoV of diameter at breast height) had positive influences. This study revealed that C. ramiflora growth is strongly dependent on soil salinity and highlighted the potential of this approach for improving the prediction of future tree growth and distribution in the face of projected global changes, in particular, SLR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of coverslip width and the physical arrangement of growth rings were studied relative to laterally glued Pinus taeda wood panels (EGP) used in the manufacture of door jambs, according to the requirements of ABNT-NBR 15.930 (2011). The goal was to determine the combination providing the best physical performance of the product. The experiments used the complete factorial design for two factors and four levels, i.e., 32, 56, 75, and 112 mm width coverslips, and rings arrangement of radial, tangential, cross coverslips, and ones with finger joints. A total of 48 EGP door jamb specimens (3 for each combination) measuring 2120 x 220 x 32 mm, with moisture content between 8% and 12% and apparent density between 400 and 600 kg.m-3 were used. Statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to investigate the influence of factors and their interactions on the following responses: visual aspect, moisture, density and dimensional (width and thickness) variations. It was found that both factors and their interactions influenced the level of significance of 1% on shape deviations. The best results were for panels produced with 32 and 56 mm coverslips, with cross or radial arrangement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study aims to compare the δ13C isotopic signal between bulk wood and α-cellulose in wood samples from the main trunk of Vitis vinifera L. to verify whether α-cellulose extraction is necessary for ecophysiological studies in this species. A pool of samples from different cultivars and provenances was analysed. The wood samples were obtained from cross sections of the main trunk of the plants, from where the annual growth rings were anatomically recognised, dated to the year of formation, and then separated. Each ring comprised both early- and latewood portions. For each sample, a part was saved as bulk wood and another part was destined for α-cellulose extraction. The δ13C isotopic signal in both types of samples was performed on a Vario Micro Cube elemental analyser coupled to a continuous flow mode to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. A least squares regression was used to verify the correlation between the two variables. The results showed that the correlation coefficient of the isotopic signal for both types of samples was 0.86, and the slope of the regression line was not significantly different from one. Those results indicated that it is acceptable to use bulk wood instead of α-cellulose for δ13C isotopic studies in Vitis vinifera. This study is the first to compare isotopic δ13C signals between bulk wood and α-cellulose in grapevines. Therefore, this study constitutes a starting point to explore dendrochemical techniques based on the analysis of the δ13C content in Vitis vinifera wood, with the aim of deepening the ecophysiological knowledge of the grapevine in relation to water economy strategies and the links with climate variability and change.

Fish eye lenses are a protein‐based chronological recorder of microchemical constituents that are a potentially useful tool for interpretations of environmental, ecological and life‐history experienced by fish. Here, we present the first study with data on the chemical composition of eye lenses from Baltic cod examined using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICPMS) and compare these spatially resolved data to otoliths from the same fish also analysed by LA‐ICPMS, measuring the isotopes 27Al, 137Ba, 43Ca, 52Cr, 65Cu, 57Fe, 39K, 7Li, 25Mg, 55Mn, 31P, 208Pb, 85Rb, 45Sc, 29Si, 88Sr, 47Ti, 50V, 149Yb, 66Zn and 90Zr. Comparison of the variation in element concentrations between eye lenses and otoliths from the same individuals showed minor similarities, suggesting a different governance in the uptake processes. A strong overlap between the concentric growth rings in the eye lenses and the otolith Sr periodicity was observed, where each consecutive minima in the chemical profile with high accuracy correspond to the width of each lens ring. No comparable trends were seen between growth rings and all other elements measured from both lenses and otoliths. The characteristic rings observed in cod eye lenses do not seem to represent seasonal fluctuation nor are they found to be directly linked to age. With this research, we provide a baseline study identifying elements in corresponding eye lenses and otoliths that show potential for unravelling the environmental and biological conditions experienced by fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Successional tropical dry forest (TDF) species face water scarcity in the harsh dry season. Wood features provide insight into potential hydraulic stress coping mechanisms. Here, we describe the wood anatomy of 13 species occurring frequently in successional TDF. Given the marked rainfall seasonality of TDF, we expected these species to share conspicuous growth rings boundaries and drought-adapted anatomical features such as paratracheal parenchyma; although given the taxonomic and phenological diversity, a high wood diversity was also expected. Most species have diffuse-porosity. Axial parenchyma is diversely associated with vessels. Simple perforation plates are common and exclusive to all species. Different features poorly delimit growth boundaries, as previously observed in other tropical species. The main ground tissue is diverse, including nonseptate fibers, septate living fibers, or exclusively parenchyma. Axial and radial parenchyma may be scarce, abundant, or represent the main and unlignified ground tissue component. Vessel grouping ranges from solitary and 2–29 vessels per group. The mean vessel diameter range is ⩽50–200 μ m; fiber walls are very thin to very thick. The anatomical features recorded among successional TDF species suggest different water stress coping mechanisms resulting from various anatomical combinations. Seven species exhibit wood features associated with drought tolerance (higher hydraulic redundancy, higher mechanical resistance, with vessel-ray connectivity likely given by banded parenchyma), whereas six species share xylem features associated with drought avoidance (taller and wider rays indicating higher water storage capacity). The complexity and multifunctionality of stem woody tissue should caution us against oversimplifying the relationship between anatomy, function, and ecological performance of TDF species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea pens (Octocorallia: Pennatulacea) constitute one of the most important structural species in soft bottom benthic communities. Most pennatulacean species are deep-water organisms inhabiting depths from 200–6000 m. Among these deep-sea pens, a representative set of colonies from the northeastern Atlantic Anthoptilum murrayi Kölliker, 1880 was collected thanks to the BIOICE research surveys. In this study, 18 colonies of A. murrayi were used to acquire information on essential biological traits such as age and growth rates. Our results showed that the colonies collected ranged between 6–17 years, with a diametric growth rate between 0.10–0.17 mm year−1 and a linear growth rate between 14.97–15.75 mm year−1. Moreover, the number and diameter of oocytes per polyp (PRF, ERF), and the reproductive effort at the colony level (PRE, ERE) were determined. These values were compared between colonies of different sizes and within each colony. The largest observed diameter was 1179 μm for oocytes and 711.3 μm for spermatocysts. Both approaches (growth and reproduction) were correlated, indicating that a given large A. murrayi colony (∼300 mm) might be ∼17 years old and contain >7000 oocytes, from which possibly about 2000 oocytes (∼27%) would be spawned per year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the life history and environmental factors that regulate the growth rate of hyperdominant trees in flooded Amazonian forests. Pentaclethra macroloba is a hyperdominant tree, and it is widely explored in the Amazon, because its seed oil is a powerful herbal medicine. We evaluated the demographic structure and growth patterns of P. macroloba and tested the effect of the Amazon River flood pulse on its growth. We modeled the growth and determined the age of P. macroloba by analyzing the growth rings of 30 monitored trees in relation to hydroclimatic variables. We also inventoried 240 juvenile and 2072 adult trees arranged in a clustered pattern. The diametric distribution pattern of the juvenile and adult trees was exponential and log‐normal, respectively. The trees were found to be up to 102 years old, and 47% of them grew freely toward the canopy. Peak growth in height and diameter occurred at 24 (61.7 cm year‐1) and 46 (9.38 mm year‐1) years, respectively. Pentaclethra macroloba showed cambial dormancy during the seasonal peak of rainfall (R2 = 0.41; t = −2.62; p < 0.01) and flooding of the Amazon River (R2 = 0.47; t = −3.01; p < 0.01). Increases in rainfall and flood level of the river in the rainy season control the growth rate of P. macroloba, making it a seasonal process. The demographic and growth patterns of P. macroloba respond to the environmental heterogeneity of the estuarine floodplain forest and also reflect its life history over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Pinus kesiya (Royle ex Gordon) is endemic to South Asia, where it grows naturally in pure stands, its growth trajectory in Zambia has not been evaluated. It is estimated that half of the P. kesiya plantation total area is found close to the Copper mine smelters, and the other half is in remote locations approximately 30 km away from the mining activities. Variation in tree growth of non-native P. kesiya forests between these locations in Zambia has been observed, but the causes are unknown. We tested the hypotheses that (i) P. kesiya annual tree-rings are cross-datable, (ii) the signals and noise in the growth ring patterns are modulated by variations in precipitation, temperature, solar radiation, and site conditions. We collected data from 67 trees growing close to the emission source and also in the location 30 km away. Site-specific tree ring-width data was collected and chronology built for P. kesiya. We present ring-width chronology data that may be used to infer the radial growth periodicity of P. keskya at each site. The re-use potential of the data presented includes developing carbon sequestration, yield, and growth models and assessing forest resilience to climate change. It is also intended to enhance the understanding of tree growth and productivity dynamics of non-native pine species. See the article ''Assessing cross-datable distinct annual growth rings in non-native Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon in Zambia” for more information.

Brosimum utile (Kunth) Oken is a timber-yielding high-potential species with elevated rates of forest harvest at large-scale commercial transport in Colombia. In order to provide silvicultural management elements for natural forests, this study applied dendrochronological technique in a manner that promoted sustainable methods to manage the species. In this study, ten timber dicks using wood-sampling logs from Timbiquí-Cauca were used. The logs' surfaces were observed and prepared, and their growth rings were marked. By developing cross-dating and x-ray densitometry value analysis, accomplished in ESALQ-USP, Brazil, the study established the chronologies; and as a direct consequence, it obtained a correlation of 0.692. Afterwards, the standard chronology was correlated with rainfalls in a 44-year series. The growth was modeled using the Von Bertalanffy equation, and the current annual increment (CAI) and mean annual increment (MAI) were calculated, whose results were classified into five age-categories, obtaining 6.336 and 5.683 mm.year-1 as final values, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In early fish life stages, information on their age structure can be used to clarify the effects of environmental changes on their growth and survival, thereby providing an improved understanding of factors affecting their recruitment success. There is currently inadequate understanding of the age structure of Hydrocynus vittatus in the Sanyati Basin of Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. Accordingly, the present study investigated the age of tigerfish in the Sanyati Basin of Lake Kariba using whole otoliths and scales for comparison. The results indicated ages read on the basis of scales and otoliths of H. vittatus agreed to a larger extent for fish aged one to four years than for fish older than four years. There was a significant difference (χ² = 8.520, p = .024) in the ages obtained from analysis of scales and otoliths for fish older than four years. The average percentage error and coefficient of variation were found to be 6.03% and 8.1% for whole otoliths, respectively, for the present study. The APE and CV values for scales were 13.81% and 17.41%, respectively. Relatie age data for whole otoliths fit the von Bertalanffy growth model, while that for scales did not fit the von Bertalanffy model, resulting in many outliers and much scatter of the data. The whole otolith parameters for the von Bertalanffy growth curve were L-infinity = 682.5 mm, k = 0.530 and t0 = 3.19. Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded in this case that whole otoliths were the best method of ageing tigerfish from Lake Kariba. Accordingly, it is recommended that otoliths be used for ageing tigerfish in Lake Kariba and that scales be used for ageing tigerfish only up to four years in age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among Bagre genera, there is a high variation in the estimation of age, a concern due to overexploitation risk in fisheries because of age underestimation. Bagre panamensis is an important fishery resource of the Mexican Pacific and the Gulf of California. Its age is known from otoliths, but its accuracy needs to be confirmed, and the periodicity of the otoliths record validated. The external morphology, some microstructure attributes, and age record of B. panamensis' otoliths were described from 371 specimens collected southeast of the Gulf of California. The lapilli otoliths were larger than the sagittae and asterisci otoliths. The lapilli otoliths present aragonite crystals with a prismatic shape, and their growth is radial, from the core to the otolith edge. The lapilli otoliths form an annual growth ring, defined by the slowdown in the growth that occurs during April to July, during the breeding season. The ages of the individuals ranged from 1 to 15 years, and the applied method is considered adequate and accurate for its estimation (otolith cross-sectioning and red-neutral staining). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated by dendrochronological methods the growth rings of these two species and their relationship with the climate. Wood samples were collected with the Pressler's probe. Measurements and analysis of the growth rings of the two species were performed using standard dendrochronology techniques. The master series (chronologies) were correlated with the climatic indices (precipitation and temperature), obtained from the NOAA meteorological database. The growth rings of the two species growing in the urban area are different and annual, delimited by the marginal parenchyma and semicircular porosity, in addition, C. alliodora presented fibrous areas. Both species presented an intercorrelation between the trees above 0.50. The maximum ages were 13 years for C. allidora and 32 years for C. fissilis. Likewise, the low correlation between the climate and the chronologies of the two species may suggest the influence of other ecological or anthropic factors that are intervening in the growth of these species. Finally, the potential of the two forest species for dendrochronological studies in the urban area of Puerto Maldonado Peru is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth dynamics of Aspidosperma polyneuron and Anacardium excelsum species that grow in the tropical dry forest of the Cesar department were analyzied. We used dendrochronological techniques and regression models (Clench, Negative Exponential, Logistic and Gompertz). The results obtained show that A. polyneuron rings allowed to build a chronology of 161 years (1854-2014) and the rings of A. excelsum a chronology of 128 years (1887-2014). The growth of A. polyneuron showed a positive growth with spontaneous rain in the dry months and A. excelsum with the rainiest months. Temperature and SOI did not show correlations with growth. The rings of A. polyneuron and A. excelsum documented local climatic variations, but not global as SOI. According to the regression models, the two species will take more than 100 years to reach the maximum diameter, so it is necessary to think about the conservation of the species and the avoided deforestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dendrochronological studies in Mexico have been mainly based on conifers, while hardwood species have been little studied. This has been the case of the genus Quercus, which has a high taxonomic diversity in the country but has not been previously studied for dendrochronological issues, despite the ecological and economic values of oak species. Objective: In the present investigation, the dendroclimatic potential of Quercus sideroxyla in Northwestern Mexico was determined, as well as its relationship with climatic variables such as precipitation and temperature. Methods: The research was carried out in the state of Durango, Chavarría Viejo with coordinates (23°43' N & -105°33' W). Samples of 5 cm to 7cm were collected in two sites under forest exploitation and processed by conventional dendrochronological techniques. Results: A chronology of total ring width was developed, which was composed of 30 samples from 16 trees for the period from 1917 to 2018 (101 years). Inter-series intercorrelation values of 0.43, mean sensitivity of 0.36, signal-to-noise ratio of 3.53 and first-order autocorrelation (0.58) were obtained. Regarding the climate-growth relationship, the ring width index values were correlated with data from the climatic station nearest to the study site, where winter-spring precipitation (January-May) was the variable with the greatest influence on the growth of the species. Conclusions: Based on the dendrochronological parameters, the high potential of the species that were used in dendroclimatic studies in the region has demonstrated that the response of the species to precipitation is similar to that of the conifers with which the Quercus sideroxyla shares its habitat with. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In automotive manufacturing, laminated veneer sheets are formed to have 3D geometries for the production of trim parts with wood surfaces. Nowadays, investigation of the formability requires extensive tests with prototype tools, due to the brittle, anisotropic and inhomogeneous material behaviors. The present paper provides numerical methods for the simulation of the forming process of veneers with non-woven backings. Therefore, a conventional forming process of an interior trim part surface is carried out experimentally and numerically, using veneer samples with different individual textures originating from the characteristic growth ring structure. Gray scale images of these samples are mapped to finite element models to account for the wood-specific structure. The forming simulation process comprises two steps, where a gravity simulation depicts the initial position of the blank sheets and the closing of the tool induces the material deformation. The virtual forming of the digital twins accurately reproduces the wrinkling behavior observed in experimental studies. Based on the proposed methods, the design process of manufacturing wood trim parts based on tedious prototype tooling can be replaced by a fully virtual forming process taking into account the individual growth-related properties of the veneer structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Forest plantations play an important role in carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change. In this study, survival, biomass, growth rings and annual carbon content storage were evaluated in a mixed Pinus durangensis and P. cooperi plantation that was established after a clear-cutting. The plantation is eight years old and covers an area of 21.40 ha. Methods Sixteen sites of 100 m2 were distributed randomly. At each site, two trees distributed proportionally to the diametric categories were destructively sampled (one per tree species). Two cross-sections were cut from each tree: The first at the base of the stump and the second at 1.30 m. The width of tree rings of the first cross-section was measured using a stereoscopic microscope with precision in microns (µm). The year-by-year basal diameter of each tree was recorded and biomass and carbon content was estimated using allometric equations. Results The estimated survival was 75.2%. The results of the ANOVA showed significant differences between the year-by-year width records of tree rings, the highest value corresponding to the fifth year. The average carbon sequestration per year is 0.30 kg for both studied tree species. Conclusions P. durangensis and P. cooperi plantations adapt and develop well in Durango forests when they are established in areas that are subjected to clear-cutting.

Umbellula encrinus (Linnaeus, 1758) is a deep-water sea pen commonly found in the eastern Canadian Arctic. It can reach heights of >2 m, and it has often been caught as fishing bycatch. Here, we characterized abundance/density, size metrics, longevity, and growth rates of U. encrinus colonies from Baffin Bay (between Greenland and Canada). No prevalent size classes were identified at most locations, except for Jones Sound and Cape Dyer, where small-size colonies dominated. Average number of growth rings in the internal skeleton (axis) of the examined colonies ranged between 2 and 68, with a maximum of 75. A bomb-14C analysis yielded 14C curves comparable with those of other deep-water octocorals with annual ring formation. A trace element analysis of Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, Ba/Ca, and Na/Ca yielded values oscillating along the axis radius, with the number of peaks and growth rings being comparable. Growth rates averaged 0.067 ± 0.015 mm year−1 (radial extension) and 4.5 ± 1.2 cm year−1 (linear extension), considering rings to be formed annually. Relationships between radial growth rates, depth, and surface salinity were weak but statistically significant. Umbellula encrinus is a long-lived species, vulnerable to various types of fishing gear, with a skeleton that stores biological and environmental information.

Aspidosperma (Apocynaceae) is composed of trees and shrubs; the genus includes 70 species, 42 of which occur in Brazil. The midwestern region has the second highest diversity, with 30 species, after the northern region, and Mato Grosso do Sul state has 15 species. This study provides macroscopic and microscopic wood features for ten species from A. section Aspidosperma and A. section Pungentia (Apocynaceae) from Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. These characteristics can aid in the identification of Aspidosperma species because the nine species of these two sections have many morphological similarities; moreover, the wood of these species is economically important for timber production. Through macroscopic and microscopic analysis procedures, the characteristics of the wood and the organoleptic properties allowed recognition and distinction of the studied taxa. The characters of diagnostic value for recognition of the sections are vessel frequency and arrangement, and ray width. Individually, each species had a set of characteristics that allowed its identification: wood color; vessel arrangement; vessel length; ray visibility, ray composition and width; presence of crystals, starch grains and lipids in axial and/or ray parenchyma cells. The results may support conscientious exploitation by industries by facilitating the correct identification of the species, and will also help in the detection of illegal timber logging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Chapingo Serie Ciencias Forestales is the property of Universidad Autonoma Chapingo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background. Forest plantations play an important role in carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change. In this study, survival, biomass, growth rings and annual carbon content storage were evaluated in a mixed Pinus durangensis and P. cooperi plantation that was established after a clear-cutting. The plantation is eight years old and covers an area of 21.40 ha. Methods. Sixteen sites of 100 m² were distributed randomly. At each site, two trees distributed proportionally to the diametric categories were destructively sampled (one per tree species). Two cross-sections were cut from each tree: The first at the base of the stump and the second at 1.30 m. The width of tree rings of the first cross-section was measured using a stereoscopic microscope with precision in microns (µm). The year-by-year basal diameter of each tree was recorded and biomass and carbon content was estimated using allometric equations. Results. The estimated survival was 75.2%. The results of the ANOVA showed significant differences between the year-by-year width records of tree rings, the highest value corresponding to the fifth year. The average carbon sequestration per year is 0.30 kg for both studied tree species. Conclusions. P. durangensis and P. cooperi plantations adapt and develop well in Durango forests when they are established in areas that are subjected to clear-cutting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of Astragali Radix (AR) was closely related to the growth period. However, the current commodity grades of AR were only divided by diameter but not directly related to the growth period, which leads to the contradiction between the grade standard and the quality evaluation index. Therefore, solving this problem will be the key for the quality evaluation of AR. The present study established a potential quality evaluation approach for the absolute growth years' wild Astragali Radix (WAR) and transplanted Astragali Radix (TAR) based on the chemical components and anti-heart failure efficacy through adopting a bare-handed sections approach to rapidly identify the growth years of WAR. In this study, the absolute growth years of WAR were obtained by identifying the growth rings of 1–6 growth years root through the methods. The contents of flavonoids and saponins in 2–6 growth years' WAR were determined by HPLC-UV-ELSD. The contents of 12 chemical components and the anti-fatigue failure effects of WAR (4-year-old) and TAR were compared on rat models of heart failure induced by doxorubicin. Meanwhile, NMR-based untargeted metabolomics studies were performed to investigate the regulative effects of WAR and TAR. The result shows that the numbers of growth rings were consistent with the actual growth periods of AR. The HPLC-UV-ELSD determination indicated that the content of total flavonoids in WAR was significantly higher than that in TAR. Pharmacodynamics analysis revealed that the effects of WAR on cardiac function parameters (EF, FS and LVIDs), contents of serum CK and BNP were superior to those of TAR. 13 metabolites of heart were identified that had a higher rate of change in WAR group than TAR. Overall, a rapid identification method for the growth years of WAR was established, and the fact that WAR were significantly better than TAR in the heart failure rats was first proved in the paper. This study provided a scientific basis for establishing a novel commodity specification and grade of AR for clinical rational drug use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Chapingo Serie Ciencias Forestales is the property of Universidad Autonoma Chapingo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Key message: Tree-ring chronologies were built for wild and cultivated Paubrasilia echinata, a presently endangered species. Significantly P. echinata showed measurably different growth patterns related to the environment where wild and cultivated trees have grown. Paubrasilia echinata once grew so abundantly along the tropical coast of South America that the names given to the tree by early Europeans colonists—Bresil, Brasil, Brazil—became synonymous with an entire geography. Today, despite restoration and protection efforts, the species remains under threat of extinction throughout Brazil's Atlantic Forest. Considering the past overexploitation and ongoing climate changes, the future of P. echinata significantly depends upon human understanding of the species' growth dynamics and growth-climate relations. Therefore, this work aims to: (1) demonstrate the feasibility of calendar dating P. echinata tree rings; (2) build chronologies by analyzing its growth rings; and (3) establish with detail the specific influence of climate on annual radial xylem production. Differences in vessel and axial parenchyma frequency, local distended rays and marginal parenchyma were the wood anatomical markers used to distinguish boundaries between adjacent rings so that dendrochronological methods could be applied. For climate-growth responses, we developed tree-ring width chronologies from wild and cultivated trees. Results revealed that seasonal rainfall is the most important factor influencing P. echinata growth. More specifically, positive correlation was observed between the tree-ring chronology of wild trees and precipitation during the rainy months of the growing season, while the tree-ring chronology of cultivated trees correlated negatively with precipitation in months before the growth period. Wild trees showed increment growth rates lower than planted trees. Rainfall's observed effect on P. echinata is, of course, not surprising. However, our results contribute a detailed quantitative record of that effect, which expands the body of ecological knowledge regarding P. echinata necessary for ongoing conservation efforts under current and future human-caused climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship of growth characteristics to compression properties from commercially available southern pine lumber. The in-grade No. 2 southern pine lumber was collected from retail stores across the Southeast United States. For this specific project, 797 samples of 2 × 8 and 2 × 10 boards were examined. The samples were subjected to static bending following ASTM D 198 to determine mechanical properties. The 2 × 8 samples averaged 4.78 growth rings per inch (RPI) and the 2 × 10s averaged 3.95. Average density (ρ) was 477 kg·m-3 in the 2 × 8 and 487 kg·m-3 for the 2 × 10 specimens. From small clear samples from the parent boards, compression parallel to grain averaged from 43.78 MPa for the 2 × 8 to 46.77 MPa for the 2 × 10. Correlations were run to test significance among growth rings per inch and compressions parallel to grain, across both sizes: 2 × 8 and 2 × 10. Slight significance was found in those correlations and increased in measure from 2 × 8 to 2 × 10. The segmentation of RPI into three distinct groups helped strengthen the findings of effect on compression parallel to grain. Moreover, the addition of density as another test variable further strengthened in relationship per those RPI categorizations. Statistically significant findings for density per RPI segments, R² values: for 2 × 8 equal 0.31 (3 or less RPI) to 0.60 (more than 5 RPI). For the 2 × 10 lumber per the same segments, R² values: 0.39, 0.46 and 0.25, respectively. The results suggest ρ is a better predictor than RPI alone for compression parallel to grain values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish otoliths pose increasing interest due to their potential of rendering information about environmental changes, underlined in their non-linear time-dependent biogenic crystal growth. Otoliths are acellular, metabolically inert and continuously grow in a complex process which still needs to be understood. In the present work confocal Raman microspectroscopy (CRM) and imaging is employed to investigate the growth pattern in otoliths from Sparus aurata of Mediterranean provenance. CRM signal acquired from otolith sagittal section is exploited to associate it with the periodic growth increments denoted as rings. Raman signal collected from the core to the margins with micrometer spatial resolution invariably revealed characteristic signal of aragonite. Relative intensity variability was observed particularly for the lattice modes, indicating changes in crystalline orientation relative to incident laser. Bands associated with organic fraction were absent in the 90-1840 cm-1 spectral range. Daily growth rings were further studied using the Raman mapping of main aragonite bands intensities at 1083, 704 and the lattice modes in the 100-350 cm-1 range. The spectral intensity pattern closely follows the daily growth pattern. Traces of toxic or heavy metals incorporated in biogenic carbonate mineral were spuriously detected in the mapped areas, according to the position and width of the Raman bands of witherite (BaCO3), strontianite (SrCO3), along with the main aragonite and trace of its calcite polymorph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The content of medicinal bioactive constituents in huangqi is affected by plant age. In this study, we devised a quick and convenient method for determining the age of huangqi, which was cultivated in Hunyuan County (Shanxi Province). Methods 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10 growth years huangqi had 38 samples, all samples were collected separately. The growth rings in these samples were observed after making paraffin section and freehand-section. The relationship between growth rings and its growth years was analyzed by SPSS 19.0 software. Histochemical localization of total flavones and saponins in huangqi was determined by color reactions. The concentration of four flavonoids and two saponins in the roots of huangqi of different ages and different organizational structure (normal roots and rotten heart roots) were determined by HPLC-DAD and HPLC-ELSD. The results were analyzed by SPSS 19.0 software. Results All huangqi samples had clear growth rings, and the statistical result about growth rings (X) and growth years (Y) showed significant correlation (r = 1, P = 0.000). The calibration curves of these six ingredients showed good linearity respectively, with significant correlation. All relative standard deviations (RSDs) of precision, recovery, repeatability, and stability experiments were less than 2%. Roots of 5-year-old plants contained the highest concentrations of total flavonoids and saponins. Saponin concentrations increased toward the center of the roots, whereas the four flavonoids showed an opposite trend in tissue distribution. Conclusion The growth year of huangqi (Hunyuan County, Shanxi Province) could be determined soon and conveniently by naked eyes after staining phloroglucinol-HCl solution on freehand section. The content of saponins and flavonoids in rotten heart root and the surrounding normal tissues were affected by the formation and the extent of rotten heart.