The cellulose microfibril is one of the most promising, naturally occurring nanofibers for fabrication nano-composites in our age. In this review, we introduce our views on several important aspects of the solid state structure of cellulose polymorphs.

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In this study of the conditions of viviparous seed usable for seedling production, we examined the effects of size of viviparous seeds of Kandelia candel and the formation of root premodia on the growth of the seedlings. Root premodia were formed in viviparous seeds larger than 2 cm in length, and the larger the viviparous seed, the greater the number and size of root premodia. In addition, the larger the viviparous seed, the greater the number of roots and shoot elongation. These phenomena were similar to those in common plant seeds, but viviparous seeds smaller than 6 cm in length died in the process of growth. Viviparous seeds 8 cm in length or larger showed 100% rooting, and were considered to be useful for seedling production of Kandelia candel.

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In this study, we examined the effect of some plant hormones on the growth of viviparous seeds of Kandelia candel to clarify its growth mechanism. Root growth tended to be promoted by all plant hormones, particularly by gibberellin, abscisic acid and ethylene. High concentrations of Jasmonic acid strongly promoted rooting, and strongly inhibited root and shoot growth. Shoot elongation was strongly promoted by gibberellin and weakly by abscisic acid. We suggested that gibberellin is a useful hormone for controlling the shoot and root growth of viviparous seeds of K. candel.

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The influence of a nucleic acid-related substance on Pleurotus nebrodensis cultivation was assessed in terms of mycelial growth and pharmacological effects. The addition of the nucleic acid-related substance facilitated the growth of mycelia in all culture media, i.e., liquid, agar and sawdust. The growth-facilitating effect of the nucleic acid-related substance was highest at 0.1% concentration in liquid and agar media. The results of tests for anti-platelet aggregation and chemokine gene expression inhibition demonstrated that mycelia tended to be active when cultured with addition of the nucleic acid-related substance to the medium. Pharmacological effects were absolutely attributed to the additive.

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Changes in bending properties and shrinkage of heat-treated todomatsu (Abies sachalinensis Mast.) wetwood were investigated. Specimens having dimensions of 7 mm(R)×7 mm(T)×115 mm(L) and 30 mm(R)×30 mm(T)×5 mm(L) were used for bending tests and shrinkage tests, respectively. The wetwood and normal wood specimens were matched in the R-direction. Static and impact bending tests were conducted to measure Young's modulus, bending strength, work to rapture in static bending and absorbed energy in impact bending. Specimens were heated at 100, 120 and 140°C till their weights were constant. The properties of heat-treated specimens were compared to those dried at room temperature. As a result, it was found that wetwood and normal wood had similar static bending properties, impact bending properties and shrinkage. This means that drying did not significantly affect the quality of wetwood as compared to normal wood.

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The three-dimensional diffusion equation was solved by the finite difference method, and then the moisture content of structure lumber during drying was calculated. The moisture content was converted into relative humidity. It was assumed that the temperature in wood was equal to the wet-bulb temperature. The change of moisture content was calculated by using the average temperature in the wood. As a result, the diffusion coefficient at various temperatures in the process of intermediate temperature drying became the most constant value. Moreover, a corresponding experimental result for temperature was obtained in the process of high temperature drying.

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