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The combustion and fragmentation characteristics of wet coal slime particle are different from that of dried coal particle. In this paper, an understanding of the combustion process of wet coal slime particle through the combined results of the morphology characteristics, mass changes, and gas release pattern is provided. A tube furnace and high-speed camera were used to observe morphological changes of the combustion process of wet coal slime. For comparison, the mass change and gas release pattern of wet coal slime was monitored by a thermogravimetric analyzer and mass spectrometer (TG/MS). The four combustion stages of coal slime were observed for the first time: (1) drying and evaporation, (2) devolatilization and fragmentation, (3) volatile homogeneous combustion, and (4) char heterogeneous combustion. The water content in wet coal slime greatly affected the fragmentation of coal slime, it could build up a great internal pressure when evaporated, which caused the primary fragmentation to occur earlier and be more severe than traditional coals. The temperature and diameter of the slime were considered as factors for the occurrence of fragmentation and the level of it. A larger diameter with a higher furnace temperature resulted in a more severe fragmentation of the wet coal slime. The smaller coal slime at the lower temperatures did not experience the fragmentation stage. Here, the fragmentation and non-fragmentation zones of wet coal slime at different temperatures and different paticle diameters are given, which could be a guide for the combustion of coal slime in CFB(Circulating Fluidized Bed). Also, for larger diameters and lower setting temperatures, the ignition delay time and burnout time of wet coal slime became longer. The gas release pattern of wet coal slime during the combustion process was analyzed, and it was determined that it could be affected greatly by fragmentation. A model of the drying and evaporation stage of wet coal slime was established for the first time by using COMSOL Multiphysics. The results of the theoretical calculations show that there were two evaporation rate peaks of water when fragmentation occurred, which theoretically explained the early stage of the combustion process of wet coal slime, and the results were in agreement with the experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species Citrus hongheensis is an endangered species and the most primitive Citrus species with the most developed winged leaves. It is endemic to south Yunnan Province, southwest China, and only distributed in a very narrow area along the south bank of the Honghe river (the Yuanjiang river). By combining ISSR and morphological data from 11 populations, it shows that the species has rich genetic diversity among and within populations although the population is declining gradually. According to field and market surveys, the local Hani people have traditionally used C. hongheensis for a long time, such as the dried young fruits of the species as Chinese traditional medicine, leaves as food spice, as well as other organs. By collecting all existing knowledge of traditional and present uses, as well as further potential uses, we demonstrate that the species has good development prospects. Based on rich diversity, ethnobotanical uses, and a positive cultural environment, it was decided to choose four populations (YJNNDM, LCDX, HHDYJ, and YJYJYJ) of C. hongheensis for in situ conservation and artificial sexual reproduction. This will allow to develop new uses of the species, while providing indications for the conservation of other endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Force chain morphological characteristics and bearing capacities can reflect the asphalt mixture's skeleton external loading transfer behaviour. In this study, asphalt mixture discrete element models were established by the particle flow code in two dimensions (PFC2D) software. Force chains' morphological characteristics and bearing capacities were evaluated by considering repetitive force chains (RFC). The results indicate that dense-graded asphalt concretes (AC) transfer external loading along the vertical direction, and force chains of stone mastic asphalt (SMA) and open-graded asphalt friction course (OGFC) have large expansion areas. AC-type asphalt mixtures form force chains easily with a shorter length and weak strength. Nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) has little influence on force chain alignment coefficient (FCAC) and force chain angle (FCA) distributions for AC, but it has stronger effects for SMA and OGFC. Whatever kinds of asphalt mixtures, with NMAS increase, the proportion of lower strength force chains will decrease gradually. The passing percentage of sieve size 2.36 mm (P2.36) needs to be limited within a certain range to ensure the asphalt mixture with the trapezoidal force chain shape for transferring the external loading better. For example, P2.36 needs to be restricted within 34% for AC16, and thresholds are 15% and 13% for SMA16 and OGFC16, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to characterize a new fungal species, Acremonium conglutinatum, isolated from air samples collected in Wando, South Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer and large subunit regions revealed its unique position within the genus Acremonium. The isolated strain displayed distinct morphological characteristics, including ellipsoid or bent-ellipsoid conidia formed in clusters on the phialides. These features differentiate the new species from closely related species within the genus. This study describes the morphological and molecular characteristics of A. conglutinatum and emphasizes its phylogenetic relationships with other Acremonium spp. The identification of this novel species contributes to our understanding of the diversity and ecological role of Acremonium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large numbers of algae fossils are present in the oil shale of the Chang 7 Member of the Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Tongchuan area, which is located on the southern margin of the Ordos Basin. They are characterised by their high abundance, low differentiation, and monotonous species. Here, we report an example of Botryococcus. They have different shapes, which are mostly spherical but can also be also beaded and clumped. The massive fossils can be divided into spherical, heart-shaped, and three-lobed shapes. The fossils are mostly orange when observed under a single-polarisation microscope. When observed under reflected fluorescence, most of the fossils are yellow and light yellow–brown. Most of the Botryococcus fossils are beautifully preserved and developed along the horizontal bedding of mudstone, which is a typical in-situ burial. Botryococcus may be one of the important parent materials for the formation of the source rocks and crude oil in the Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin. It is concluded that the late Triassic sedimentary period, when Botryococcus prospered in the Tongchuan area, coincided with the expansion of the lake basin and gradually reached the maximum flooding surface of the lake. The climate was warm, suitable, and rainfall was abundant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dextran ultra-fine nanofiber mats with uniform morphological appearance were fabricated using the electrospinning process. Increasing the solution concentration from 0.5 g.mL−1 to 0.9 g.mL−1 changed the fiber structure from coarse-beaded to a uniform beadless nanofiber mats. Additionally, reducing the feed rate from 1 mL.h−1 to 0.25 mL.h−1 with increasing the spinning distance from 150 to 170 mm generally led to a decrease in the diameters of the fibers. At the end; uniform dextran nanofibers with diameters ≈227 nm fabricated by the systematic modification of the electrospinning process. Crosslinked dextran nanofiber mats represent promising candidates for biomedical and tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powder flowability of natural reinforced fibers has a significant effect on the processing and properties of the composite. Sodium hydroxide modified rapeseed straw reinforced fibers were prepared in four fiber sizes and the powder flowability before and after modification was tested. The results showed that the alkali modification reduced the total flowability index of the fibers by 6–11 within the test range, with the effect on each flowability index in the order of compression > angle of spatula > angle of repose > miformity. This effect was mainly attributed to morphological, chemical and surface characteristics. Moreover, the slimming effect of the alkali modification reduced the average particle size by 9.4% to 30.8%, exacerbating the anisotropy of the morphological structure. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses showed that pectin, lipids, hemicellulose and impurities were removed, exposing the clean rough fiber surface. Box plot analysis showed that the modification resulted in a uniform and regular distribution of shape factors. This work has valuable implications for the industrial application of straw cellulose fibers in the field of natural fiber composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch nanoparticles resist digestion in the upper intestine but not in the colon. They are proven to exert prebiotic effects on the human body. Starch-based nanoparticles have generated a great interest in the food and agriculture sector due to their biocompatibility, wide array of natural sources and ease of modification. In the current study, two starch sources (rice and water chestnut) were used to synthesize nanoparticles for the encapsulation of probiotic bacteria. Obtained nanoparticles were characterized for their morphological, molecular, and structural attributes using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and zeta sizer. Furthermore, free and nano-encapsulated probiotics were subject to simulated gastrointestinal digestion conditions. The average size of rice and water chestnut starch-based nano-capsules ranged from 309 to 427 nm. The encapsulation efficiency was recorded for rice and water chestnut starch as 89% and 95%, respectively. SEM micrographs exhibited entrapment of probiotics in wall materials. The surface of the capsules showed tiny, smooth surface polygonal granules. XRD images showed loss of crystallinity structure following encapsulation. Higher probiotic viability was recorded under simulated gastrointestinal conditions for nano-encapsulated probiotics compared to free probiotics. Conclusively, water chestnut and rice-based starch nanoparticles showed overall the best results regarding the viability of probiotics under stressed conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the response of the Vallisneria natans morphological and physiology to water level change, seedlings were placed in a submerged condition at depths ranging from 50 cm to 135 cm and set the rising and declining water levels respectively (0.2 cm/d, 0.5 cm/d, 0.8 cm/d, 1.1 cm/d, 1.4 cm/d, 1.7 cm/d). After 50 days of simulation experiment, we observed the effects on plant height, the number of blades, root activity, biomass, chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), chlorophyll (a + b) (Chl a + b), carotenoid (Car), soluble protein (SP) and soluble sugar (SS) of V. natans under different water level change rates. The results showed that (1) plant height and the number of blades showed an overall upward trend under the condition of high-rate water level change, while the low-rate change of water level showed a trend of first rising and then decreasing. (2) the root activity of 0.5–1.7 cm/d groups increased with the test time at rising water level, and the declining water level showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing. The total biomass showed an upward trend with the extension of the test time. (3) Chl a, Chl b, Chl (a + b), and Car showed a multi-peak downward trend with the extension of the test time. (4) the response of SP and SS to the test time showed a trend of first increase and then decrease with water level changes. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the morphological and physiology of V. natans could adapt to water level changes, but it could be stressed if the water level exceeded the suitable range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern-day materials are expected to perform their intended functions under all operating conditions. This is made possible by developing structural features through a series of physical, chemical, and thermal processing techniques. The field of cryogenic treatment of metals and alloys is evolving as is evident from recent literature. Aluminium and its alloys are extensively used in engineering applications due to their high specific strength, good machinability, and high strength to weight ratio. This paper reviews the role of cryogenic treatment on tribo-mechanical, morphological and corrosive properties of aluminium alloys, and the work is significant as this alloy is extensively used in transportation and aviation industries. The safety issues and scope for future work are also highlighted in this comprehensive review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grey mould, caused by Botrytis cinerea, is an increasingly destructive disease of ginseng (Panax ginseng) in China. However, the extent of variation in the morphological characteristics of fungal colonies, genetic background and pathogenicity of different strains of this pathogen remains unknown. In this study, we isolated and identified 102 isolates of B. cinerea from ginseng. Among these, the sclerotial phenotype was dominant, followed by the mycelial and conidial phenotypes, with the proportion of each phenotype in the pathogen population showing no obvious variance across three provinces. Isolates were separated into three groups with differing pathogenicity, based on the diameter of the lesions they caused in pathogenicity tests; moderate-pathogenicity isolates were dominant, followed by strong- and weak-pathogenicity isolates. Variation was observed in the pathogenicity of isolates from three provinces. The Nei's genetic diversity index and the Shannon's information index of isolates from Jilin province was highest, followed by those from Liaoning, while isolates from Heilongjiang displayed the lowest genetic diversity. Furthermore, most of the genetic variance was found within the geographically defined B. cinerea populations; the low-genetic variance among populations was probably counteracted by gene flow. Results from this study provide a base understanding of genetic and pathogenic variation in B. cinerea populations from the main ginseng-growing regions of China, which will be helpful for further research and control of grey mould of ginseng. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bougainvillea spectabilis is an ornamental shrubby vine widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of China. In September 2020, a leaf spot of B. spectabilis was observed on Yongxing Island of Sansha City, Hainan Province. At a disease incidence of >30%, this leaf spot seriously reduced the ornamental value of affected plants. The typical symptoms included lesions consisting of circular or subcircular, grey pale centres with dark brown borders surrounded by diffused yellow margins. Fungal cultures isolated from colonies growing from surface-sterilized leaf tissues on potato dextrose agar exhibited similar morphological characteristics. The fungus was identified as Nigrospora lacticolonia based on its morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA, β-tubulin (TUB2) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α) gene sequences. Pathogenicity tests showed that the fungus could infect B. spectabilis, and it was successfully re-isolated from inoculated leaf tissues, fulfiling Koch's postulates. This is the first report of N. lacticolonia causing leaf spot on B. spectabilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted to study bio-fertilizers efficiency on some morphological, yield components, oil and protein contents, and NPK uptake in flax. Factors were Control (T1), Biophosphor (T2), Nitroxin (T3), and an equal combination of bio-fertilizers (T4) along with two concentrations of each bio-fertilizer 2 (C1) and 4 (C2) L ha−1. The results revealed that only plant height and 100-seed weight were higher in the biophosphor and the other morphological parameters were mostly affected by the nitroxin. The most seed yield (1728.3 kg ha−1) was recorded in the first year, where nitroxin, was in low concentration. The concentrations of plant nitrogen and potassium showed more similarity in the treatments. Also, the fluctuations in the concentration of the nutrients in the first year were higher, but the average of them in the treatments was greater in the second year. The seed weight represented the maximum correlation with other parameters. The results indicated that the flaxseed oil was correlated to the phosphorous concentration (r = 0.724**) but the protein percentage was related to the nitrogen and potassium concentration with 0.983 and 0.742 correlation coefficients respectively. The highest nutrient use efficiency was gained in the biophosphor fertilizer and that too in the first year. In general, the use of biological fertilizers in flax represented a sustainable agricultural practices model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study constitutes a first attempt at a qualitative and quantitative inventory of land snails from the Kebir-Rhumel basin, in the northeast of Algeria. Sampling was carried out by hand from February to March in 2018 and 2019. Live snails and shells were collected from 30 stations along wadi banks. Identification followed the most recent specialized taxonomic literature and revisions. A total of 6531 specimens were collected, representing 25 species: Tudorella sulcata (Draparnaud, 1805), Rumina decollata (Linnaeus, 1758), Rumina saharica (Pallary, 1901), Ferussacia carnea (Risso, 1826), Ferussacia folliculum (Schröter, 1784), Mauronapaeus terverii (Dupotet in E. A. Forbes, 1838), Mastus pupa (Linnaeus, 1758), Cantareus cf. koraegaelius (Bourguignat in Locard, 1882), Cornu aspersum (O. F. Müller, 1774), Cornu sp., Eobania constantina (E. Forbes, 1838), Eobania vermiculata (O. F. Müller, 1774), Helix melanostoma (Draparnaud, 1801), Massylaea massylaea (Morelet, 1851), Cernuella cf. virgata (da Costa, 1778), Cochlicella acuta (O. F. Müller, 1774), Cochlicella barbara (Linnaeus, 1758), Trochoidea pyramidata (Draparnaud, 1805), Xerosecta cespitum (Draparnaud, 1801), Xerosecta sp., Ganula flava (Terver, 1839), Sphincterochila candidissima (Draparnaud, 1801), Sphincterochila otthiana (E. Forbes, 1838), Sphincterochila sp. and Caracollina lenticula (Michaud, 1831). Typical specimens are illustrated and described with a detailed report of their distribution along the basin's wadis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesona chinensis Benth. is a herbal plant with both edible and medicinal values. Thirty-four populations of M. chinensis in southern China were examined to quantify their morphological and phytochemical characteristics. The results showed that the populations differed significantly (p < 0.01) in each of the morphological and phytochemical characteristics. The morphological characteristics showed wide variation among populations, with CV values ranging from 15.76% to 54.18%. The herbage yield was mainly positively correlated with a number of stem traits. The cluster analysis showed that the populations belong to two major groups. Both total phenolic (TPh) contents and total flavonoid (TF) contents respectively ranged from 5.49 to 18.44 and 5.06 to 11.47 mg⋅g−1 among populations. Antioxidant activity, evaluated by means of ABTS (2, 2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assays, ranged from 63.91 to 223.41 and 30.35 to 137.84 mmol Trolox equivalents⋅g−1, respectively, among populations. Significant positive correlations were found between antioxidant activity and TF contents, TPh contents, and total polysaccharide (TP) contents. Most of the 34 populations were rich in polysaccharides, while GD-6, GD-12, GD-3, GD-8, JX-6, and FJ-1 had the highest TP content in turn. Based on comprehensive grey correlation analysis, GD-1, GD-2, GD-8, FJ-6, FJ-3, FJ-2, JX-6, GD-7, JX-3, and JX-2 were the best performers for production and quality of M. chinensis in southern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilisation of plant allelopathy is an important tool in a diversified weed management strategy. Allelochemicals are released by some plants, such as sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), to inhibit the growth of neighbouring plants. This species was tested for use as an allelopathic plant for weed control in cropping systems. The allelopathic properties of sunn hemp were tested under field conditions at different timings of 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks after planting (WAP). The results showed that sunn hemp at 8, 12 and 16 WAP significantly decreased the total number of weeds compared with the control weedy check. The similar trend of decreasing weed number was observed in grass and broadleaf weeds, as well as sedge. The allelopathic activity of sunn hemp was further investigated in the soil planted with sunn hemp and water extracts on tested plants. Phytotoxicity of the soil, planted with sunn hemp at different timings, did not significantly decrease germination, shoot length, root length and dry weight of tested plants. However, the water extracts caused significantly decreased germination and plant growth, especially the shoot extracts exhibited the inhibitory effects more than the root extracts. Interestingly, the extracts from sunn hemp at 4 WAP had higher inhibitory effects than the extracts from other stages. These results suggest that sunn hemp growth stage is an important consideration for maximising biological weed control in cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gray blight, caused by Pestalotiopsis-like species, is one of the most serious diseases in tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] production. In this study, eight Pestalotiopsis isolates obtained from diseased tea leaves collected in Chongqing, China were identified as P. chamaeropis Maharachch, K.D. Hyde & Crous. Pestalotiopsis chamaeropis as a causal agent of tea gray blight disease was clearly distinguished from other species in the genus Pestalotiopsis by morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis based on a combination of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), beta-tubulin (β-tubulin), and partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF) genes. Pathogenicity was confirmed by inoculation of a conidial suspension of P. chamaeropis on wounded tea leaves. Difenoconazole, a highly active and low toxicity fungicide, demonstrated significant antifungal effect towards P. chamaeropis, with an EC50 of 0.470 µg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phellinus strains were collected from different areas in Korea. Of them, the fast mycelial growing strains were artificially cultivated on the oak logs to produce fruiting body. The varieties, Phellinus linteus ASI26099 (Korea Sanghwang) and P. baumii PBJS (Jangsoo Sanghwang) were grown under the same conditions as controls. Their cultivating characteristics including mycelial colonization, pinhead formation, and fruiting body formation rate were investigated on the logs. Basidiocarps of Phellinus strains HN00K9, HN6036, and ASI26099 were concentrically zonate and shallowly sulcate, and dark chestnut showing typical characteristics of Tropicoporus linteus (synonyum: P. linteus, Inonotus linteus, polyporus linteus), which is distinguishably different to PBJS. HN00K9 showed the highest yield of fruiting body among the mushroom strains. The β-glucan content in fruiting bodies of HN00K9 was 20% higher than those of other strains. Bioactive effects of polysaccharide samples from fruiting bodies of Phellinus strains, HN00K9, HN6036, ASI26099, and PBJS were assessed on cell viability and cytokine (IL-6 and TNF-α) inhibition and finally on anticancer to different human cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the experiment was to evaluate effects of fertilizer level on lablab accessions (Lablab purpureus, (L.) Sweet) agronomic performance, forage yield and chemical composition under irrigation condition. The field study conducted in factorial arrangement of randomized complete block design (RCBD) using two factors (three lablab accessions and four fertilizer levels) with three replications. The three lablab accessions were accession 147, 11640 and Tulu combined with four fertilizer levels of NPS (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha). All levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur (NPS) were applied at time of planting for all lablab accessions. The agronomic characteristics and forage yield data were collected at 50% flowering stage, weighed (for yield estimation), dried and then ground subsamples taken for analysis of crude protein, ash, dry matter, fiber contents, in vitro dry matter digestibility and total digestible nutrients. The collected data were subjected to general linear model for statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.0. The result indicated that there was significant interaction (P < 0.05) effect in the fertilizer level and accession only in the length and number of leaves per plant, but not for all chemical compositions of lablab. The three accessions showed significant difference (P < 0.001) in the majority of agronomic characteristics. Also fertilizer level showed significant effect (P < 0.001) on the majority of agronomic characteristics. The lablab accessions grown in higher level of NPS fertilizer (150 and 100 kg/ha) had better agronomic performance and dry matter yield than those grown in lower fertilizer levels. Overall, significantly (P < 0.001) maximum dry matter yield (19.6 t/ha) was recorded from Tulu varieties while the lowest dry matter yield (11.21 t/ha) was from lablab accession 147. Regarding fertilizer levels, maximum dry matter yield was recorded from 150 kg fertilizer NPS application (17.03 t/ha) while the lowest (13.5 t/ha) was recorded from control treatment group. The highest CP content (21.6%) was recorded from 11640 lablab accession while the lowest (20.5%) was from Tulu lablab accession. With regard to fertilizer levels, the highest CP content was recorded from 150 kg/ha fertilizer (22.9%) while the lowest (19.4%) CP was recorded from control. Therefore, among tested lablab (Tulu and 11640) accessions with the 100 kg/ha fertilizer rate given priority in terms of their yield and chemical composition and are recommended for wider utilization under smallholder farmers condition in the farming system with similar agro-ecologies using irrigation season. Further research on the economic analysis of cultivars under different systems of production is required to increase viability of this finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the importance of the role of this topic in the lives of children, but also adults, this paper tackles numerous studies that have explored the same issue. The research findings were analyzed with regards to the examined morphological characteristics (body height, body mass, body mass index, skin folds, body fat content) and activities of younger children in the city of Rijeka. The research was conducted in the Elementary School 'Pehlin' and the Elementary School 'Kozala' on a sample of 245 pupils enrolled in the lower four grades. It was found that younger school children in Rijeka have a moderate body mass, but the percentage of body fat in boys and girls suggests increased caution. A comparison between boys and girls in terms of the morphological characteristics resulted in no statistical differences. It has also been confirmed that children engaged in sports activities show better morphological characteristics, lower body mass as well as a lower body mass index, skin folds, and body fat than children who do not play sports. After the established condition, a preventive kinesiological program was proposed as well as advice that should be followed regarding the diet and the manner in which children spend their leisure time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have shown that many river basins in the sub-Saharan Africa are largely unmonitored, partly because they are poorly or totally ungauged. In this study, remote sensing products (Landsat, Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer; ASTER and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission; SRTM) that are freely available in the region were harnessed for the monitoring of Opa river basin in southwestern Nigeria. The remote sensing products were complementarily used with topographical sheets (1:50,000), ground based observation and global positioning systems to determine selected morphometric characteristics as well as changes in landuse/landcover and its impact on peak runoff in the Opa river basin. Results showed that the basin is a 5th order basin whose land area has been subjected to different natural and anthropogenic influences within the study period. Urbanisation is a major factor that threatens the basin with degradation and observed changes, and the threats are expected to become worse if restoration is not considered from some tributaries. The study concluded that commentary use of available remote sensing products in the region will provide an important level of decision support information for management and monitoring of river basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace metal contamination of soil is an increasing problem. Organic acid application can restore trace metal elements such as cadmium (Cd) in contaminated soil. Changbai larch (Larix olgensis A. Henry) is an economically important forestry species in northeast China; however, growth is inhibited by severe Cd contamination. We investigated the effects of different concentrations of exogenous succinic acid (SA) on Cd tolerance and physiological and morphological toxicity in L. olgensis seedlings. Seedlings were planted in pots containing Cd-contaminated or uncontaminated Haplic Cambisol. Seedlings in Cd-contaminated soil were treated daily with SA solution at 0, 0.04, 0.2, 1.0, and 2.0mmol kg-1 of soil for 10, 20 or 30 days. Cd treatment induced seedling damage and significantly increased the relative conductivity and malondialdehyde content of the leaves, inhibiting soluble protein and proline contents, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activity, chlorophyl fluorescence and pigment content. Decreases in the length, surface area, volume of roots and leaves, and specific root length were also observed. Effects increased in control plants with time. SA treatment also reduced the Cd content of the fine roots and leaves and Mg, K, and Ca contents. Moreover, plant growth was significantly promoted and damage was reversed, especially at 5.0 and 10.0 mmolL-1 SA for 30 days. SA therefore alleviated Cd-induced injury, improving tolerance to Cd stress. SA application combined with afforestation could therefore help restore Cd-contaminated soil in northeast China. Further studies aimed at determining the detoxification mechanism of L. olgensis seedlings are now required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rill erosion is well developed in Yuanmou Dry-hot Valley. The appearance of step-pools in rills (SPRs) is an early stage of erosion and necessary condition for rill development. We measured length, width, depth of plunge pools, and length, height, and slope of step walls. We observed the developmental environment of every SPR in the field. Through research on relationships among SPR parameters, morphological characteristics, and control factors, we conclude that (1) correlations of step slope with pool length and width, and of step length with pool width are not evident (p > 0.1); correlations of pool length with step height and length are evident (p < 0.1); correlations of step slope with pool depth, and of step height with pool width are significant (p < 0.05); and correlations of pool depth with step length and height are highly significant (p < 0.01). Plunge-pool length is affected by soil properties and step height, but not by step gradient. (2) SPR formation shows a coupling effect of a single factor or many factors, such as terrain conditions, vegetation, confluence area, soil properties, and boundary conditions, and the shapes and scales of SPRs notably change with differences of the main control factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomic status of Iranian populations of an introduced freshwater goby of the genus Rhinogobius is analysed. The populations examined here had previously been considered as Rhinogobius similis or R. cheni. Comparison of new material with a recent re-description of R. similis reviewing the morphological characters available in the literature, and recent morphogenetic studies of material collected in Iran, revealed that the introduced goby should be designated as R. lindbergi. New records show that the distribution of this species extends to the Tigris River system (Persian Gulf basin) far outside of its native range. It has been probably introduced accidentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato leaves with symptoms of foliar diseases were collected from eight different geographical areas in southern China. A total of 109 Alternaria isolates were recovered and identified to three species according to morphological characteristics, nucleotide sequencing and PCR-RFLP analysis. Three Alternaria species were recovered, of which A. tenuissima was the most common, followed by A. alternata and A. solani. Pathogenicity tests indicated that all species caused foliar symptoms on potato cultivar ‘Favorite’. Compared with earlier results reported in 2010-2013 in northern China, the proportion of A. alternata isolates was notably increased, while the number of A. solani isolates was lower. This study provides a survey of the Alternaria species composition associated with potato foliar diseases in southern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterizing gully cross sections (GCs) is essential for calculating the volume and erosion rate of the gully. However, little research has focused on modeling the morphology of GCs. This study investigated 456 GCs with a laser distance meter located at the mouth, middle, and head of 152 gullies in the Yuanmou Dry-hot Valley of China; mapped them with AutoCAD software; fitted them with 2nd–6th degree polynomial functions, and discussed the correlation between the coefficients and the morphology of GCs. The results showed that: (1) using a 2nd-degree polynomial function (y = ax2 + bx + c) to describe the morphology of GCs produced a better result than other polynomial functions; (2) the coefficientaof 2nd-degree polynomial function was correlated with depth (r = −0.226,p < 0.01), gradient (r = 0.545,p < 0.01), and activities; and (3) the symmetry axis (−b/2a) of 2nd-degree polynomial function increased with gully change from left-deflection to right-skewed, and the absolute value showed the asymmetrical degree (r = 0.216,p < 0.01). This study will not only help to understand the morphology and evolution of gullies, but will also provide a scientific basis for prevention of gully erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new phototrophic dinoflagellate, Grammatodinium tongyeonginum gen. & sp. nov., was established by incubating resting cysts collected from surface sediment samples from Tongyeong coastal area, Korea. The resting cysts were ovoid with a large reddish pigment body and surrounded with a thick mucous layer that incorporated attached detritus particles. The vegetative cells were 24.6-40.9 μm long and 16.4-27.3 μm wide. The cell surface was covered with prominent longitudinal equidistant furrows. The cingulum was narrow and descended two to eight times its width. The nucleus was located at the central part of the epicone. The peripheral chloroplasts were usually granular and yellow-green in culture and were distributed along the rim of the cingulum. The horseshoe-shaped apical groove ran from the end of the sulcal extension anticlockwise around the apex. The distal end of the apical groove was located next to the extension of the sulcus and more to the ventral side than the proximal end. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) gene sequences revealed that G. tongyeonginum was allied with the Cucumeridinium species. Large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU rDNA) sequences revealed that G. tongyeonginum formed a clade distantly related to the other genera of Gymnodiniales. The combination of morphological characteristics with molecular phylogenies distinguished the present species from other genera within Gymnodiniales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rosa multifloraThunb. var. inermis andRosa roxburghiif.normalisare two important diploid species for rose breeding. Interspecific crosses between diploid species and tetraploid rose cultivars result in triploids with generally decreased fertility. A most promising gene transfer strategy is the production of fertile tetraploid plants before mating with tetraploids. In our study, germinating seeds ofR. multifloraandR. roxburghiiwere treated with colchicine, and cotyledon-stage seedlings ofR. multiflorawere treated with colchicine or trifluralin in order to obtain tetraploid plants. Also, various concentrations of antimitotic agents and different treatment durations were tested. The results showed the antimitotic agents affected the plant morphological characteristics (i.e. plant height, stem diameter) ofR. multifloraandR. roxburghii. Twenty-three tetraploid plants were obtained from the germinating seed treatments (21 fromR. multifloraand two fromR. roxburghii), but no tetraploid plants were obtained from the seedling treatments. The highest rate of chromosome doubling (25.0%) was achieved when germinating seeds ofR. multiflorawere treated with 0.2% colchicine for 12 h. At the same time, marked morphological variation was observed and analyzed among tetraploid plants and their corresponding diploids ofR. multiflora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucurbita maximais one of the most widely cultivated Cucurbitaceae in Heilongjiang province, China. The objectives of this study were to clarify the genetic diversity of 44 accessions from different geographical origins using morphological and molecular characteristics and to compare the consistency of these morphological and molecular characteristics. Morphological characteristics showed a large qualitative variability primarily according to fruit-related traits. Twenty-eight random-amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers produced 128 bands. Both morphological characteristics and RAPD markers grouped 44 accessions ofC. maximainto four clusters, and the similarity coefficients ranged from 0.70 to 0.91 and from 0.40 to 0.98, respectively. DNA polymorphisms were highly consistent with phenotypic traits on rootstockC. maxima. The relationships betweenC. maximafrom different origins were not clearly defined via morphological characteristics and RAPD analysis, suggesting some traits ofC. maximawere specific to geographical location had disappeared or were weak in Heilongjiang province, which would not facilitate pumpkin breeding. Hybrid generations and their parent plants or sister lines were grouped into sub-clusters and showed little genetic distance according to both evaluation methods. Overall, morphological characteristics and RAPD markers were consistent and revealed high genetic diversity betweenC. maximalandraces from different origins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the morphological characteristics and expression of the α-smooth muscle actin (ASMA) immunohistochemistry during development of the small intestine in broiler chickens. Twenty-four healthy broiler chickens (ROSS 308) in 4 different age groups (6-, 14-, 28- and 52-day-old) were used in this experiment. A slight increase was observed in the weight and length of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum from days 6 to 28, peaked on day 52. The weight and length of jejunum on days 28 and 52, respectively, were significantly higher in female chickens compared with males (P < .05). An increase in height and width of propria and muscular layers of villi were obtained for the three segments during the experimental period. Villi height and width of jejunum in female broilers at day 28 were significantly larger than males (P < .05). These results also revealed that all the smooth muscle layers were immunoreactive positive for ASMA; but this reactivity differed between the muscle layers. The minimal expression of ASMA was observed at days 6 and 14 of age in circular and longitudinal muscular layers. At day 28, there was a more distinct expression of ASMA in circular and longitudinal muscular layers compared with days 6 and 14. Expression of ASMA in both muscle layers at day 52 was intensely immunopositive. Contractile function during the evolution of each organ and muscle layers could be dependent on different patterns of expression of ASMA in the smooth muscle cells. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim: The purpose of the study was to investigate the morphological features of endometrium in patients with viral hepatitis type C. Materials and methods: A morphological survey was conducted involving endometrium sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Van Gieson‘s picrofuchsin collected from 140 women of reproductive age, among them 70 patients were diagnosed with chronic hepatitis type C (CHC) infection with minimal (40 patients) and moderate activity (30 patients), and 70 women suffered from endometrial proliferative diseases without viral hepatitis (comparison group). In addition, 36 women with CHC and 36 women without CHC underwent immune histochemical test (IHC) of paraffin sections aimed at investigating the expression level of estrogen (ERα) and progesterone (PR) receptors and proliferation marker Ki-67. Endometrial biopsy samples were collected on the 10th to 14th day and the 15th to 18th day of the menstrual cycle. Results: Focal changes of endometrium in the form of uneven entering of the endometrium into the next phase of the menstrual cycle with the dominating proliferative phase were found in chronic hepatitis C patients. The number of patients having proliferative activity in the endometrium combined with inflammation increased as viral hepatitis became more active. Immune histochemical test showed the prevalence of the expression levels of ERα and PR receptors in the endometrial stroma. Increased expression of Ki-67 was observed mainly in the glandular epithelium and accrued together with the increment in the CHC activity. Conclusion: Endometrial pathology in patients of reproductive age with chronic hepatitis type C is characterized primarily by proliferative forms with the increasing mismatch between the nature of structural changes and mucous phase of the menstrual cycle prompting suggestions that direct effect of hepatitis C virus on endometrium is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The plane tree is one of the most frequently used street trees in urban landscape in Iran and some Mediterranean countries and some age-old ones are found in these countries. Endophytes are microorganisms which associate with healthy plant tissues, persisting without causing diseases symptoms in the host and normally benefitting them through improving plant ability to withstand environmental stresses. In this contribution, the hypothesis of fungal endophytes existence in the plane trees as well as their relationship with morphological characteristics of trees and nutrient elements of leaves were studied in the central part of Iran. The experiment was performed according to an unbalanced completely randomized design. Approximate age and height of plane trees were recorded and then the greenness and visual appearance were evaluated. Healthy shoots and bark pieces were collected and surface sterilized then placed in petri dishes containing PDA. The results showed that endophytes frequency were significantly greater in age-old trees (60.04%) than young ones (39.96%). Endophytes existence had a positive correlation with iron (Fe) and potassium (K) concentrations of the leaves, and trees height and circumference. Also, there was a positive correlation between the presence of fungal endophytes and improved visual appearance of plane trees. The results suggest that fungal endophytes association enhanced nutrient elements assimilation in trees contributing at least partly to elevated survival of age-old plane trees. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Novel amended sands enveloped in bio-film (B-NAS) were employed to treat the ammonium-nitrogen (NH4+-N) in raw water. The backwashing conditions, treatment efficiency, and morphological characteristics of the B-NAS were investigated via bio-filtration experiments. The bare quartz sands (BQS) and NAS exhibited biomass levels of 24.32 nmol-P g-sand-1and 83.71 nmol-P g-sand−1, respectively. B-NAS was most effective when air alone (at a strength ofqair,I= 7 L s−1m−2fortair,I= 6 min), a combination of air–water (at strengths ofqair,II= 7 L s−1m−2andqwater,II= 5 L s−1m−2fortair-water,II= 6 min), and water alone (at a strength ofqwater,III= 7 L s−1m−2fortwater,III= 4 min) were employed alternately for flushing. The proposed B-NAS with nano-pores surface effectively (1) resisted the shock produced by high NH4+-N concentrations (4 mg L−1), (2) exhibited removal rate of 96%, and (3) a high capturing capacity indicated by a high head loss (126.5 cm) for 72 hr. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A leaf spot disease was observed on cabbage (Brassica oleraceaL. var.capitata) affecting 80% of plants growing in greenhouses and fields in Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. Symptomatic leaf samples were collected from infected plants and isolations made on agar medium. Single-spore isolates from resulting colonies were identified based on cultural and morphological characteristics asPithomyces chartarum. Morphological identification was confirmed by sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions 1 and 2, including 5.8S rDNA (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2). Pathogenicity tests indicated thatP. chartarumcauses leaf spot on cabbage. This is the first report of leaf spot caused byP. chartarumon cabbage in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Two new yeast records, Cryptococcus adeliensis YJ19-2 and Cryptococcus uzbekistanensis YJ10-4 were screened from 60 yeasts strains that were isolated and identified from wild flowers in Yokjido, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea. The morphological and cultural characteristics of the newly recorded yeasts and the physiological functionalities of the supernatants and cell-free extracts obtained from their cultures were investigated. The two newly recorded yeasts did not form ascospores and pseudomycelia. They also grew well in yeast extract-peptone-dextrose broth. C. uzbekistanensis YJ10-4 grew in a vitamin-free medium and was also tolerant to sugar and salt. Antihypertensive angiotensin l-converting enzyme inhibitory activity of the supernatant from C. adeliensis YJ19-2 was high (71.8%) and its cell-free extract also showed very high (81.2%) antidiabetic aglucosidase inhibitory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shot hole disease is one of the most important diseases of stone fruit trees in Iran. The disease is wide spread among orchards of Prunus spp. During spring and summer of 2007, 80 monoconidial isolates of the pathogen were recovered from infected leaves, fruits and twigs of different Prunus spp. in West Azerbaijan, Tehran, Ghazvin and Razavi Khorasan provinces of Iran and were studied taxonomically. Based on morphological and physiological characteristics and growth optimal temperature, all isolates were identified as Wilsonomyces carpophilus. Seedlings of stone fruits (apricot, almond, peach, nectarine, plum, sweet cherry and sour cherry) were used for pathogenicity tests. All seedlings were susceptible to the fungal isolates and showed disease symptoms on twigs, leaves, buds and petioles. Genetic diversity of 28 selected fungal isolates was investigated based on DNA fingerprinting by random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR), using four random primers. Based on cluster analysis of the PCR results from the four primers, 10 fingerprinting groups (clonal lineages) and 27 haplotypes were identified. Clonal lineages “C”, “D” and “E”, each with six haplotypes formed the biggest clonal lineages, but other clonal lineages (“B”, “F”, “G”, “H”, “I” and “J”) included only one isolate. No correlation was detected among clonal lineages with the location of selected isolates and their host species. A correlation was found between the substrate (fruit, twig or leaf) and clonal lineages, particularly in “C” clonal lineage. The results showed that the fungus population had high genetic diversity which is distributed among the different areas of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The unusually developed eyes of a Liposcelis silvarum strain from Croatia were discovered using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Such a morphologically unique type of eye was previously unknown in the genus Liposcelis. The typical morphological characteristics of females and males, important for species diagnosis, were also described and visualised using SEM micrographs. This paper includes details of male genitalia and egg morphology not previously published for L. silvarum. Species status of this geographic strain is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We describe a new Epichloë species found in symbiosis with Poa pratensis ssp. pratensis in Liyang, China. Stromata characteristic of Epichloë spp. were present on some of the reproductive tillers of individual host grasses. Only three of the 98 stromata observed on field plants became orange and produced perithecia. Phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of tubB and tefA indicated that this Epichloë sp. was an interspecific hybrid related to both E. yangzii and members in the E. typhina complex clade (ETC). Allele-1 of tefA and tubB grouped in the E. bromicola/E. yangzii clade; allele-2 of these two genes clustered in a distinct subclade in the ETC. This is the first report of an Epichloë species that has interspecific hybrid origins. We propose the name Epichlog liyangensis Z. Wang, Y. Kang et H. Miao, sp. nov. for this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geographic variations in vocalizations and morphological characteristics of the tokay gecko (Gekko gecko L.) complex were identified using subjects recorded and/or collected in China and Southeast Asia. Populations in south China and northeast Vietnam (the black tokay) were compared with those in Thailand, Laos and south Vietnam (the red tokay). Red tokays possess gray- or dark green-colored skin with brick red spots interspersed on the dorsum, while black tokays possess dark-green skin with black spots or spots of other colors except brick red. Each group produces advertisement calls which consist of distinct acoustic phases. In both groups the first call phase consists of a series of pulses and the second phase consists of a series of two-note syllables. Only red tokays produce a third phase consisting of single notes. Frequency modulation patterns were profoundly different for call elements produced between the two groups. Calls of the black but not red tokay exhibit intricate frequency modulated elements with silent periods between pulses in the first phase and between syllables in the second phase. In the red tokay little or no frequency modulation was observed and no silent intervals were found between pulses or syllables. For both groups the acoustics of the pulses produced in the first phase varied among animals, suggesting it may function for individual identification while the second phase appears to identify the group (red vs black tokay). Thus the tokay complex has become differentiated geographically not only in terms of morphological characteristics but also in terms of call acoustics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch isolated from white sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) was acetylated by addition of acetic anhydride at concentrations of 3%, 6%, and 9% w/w of starch under alkaline conditions to produce starch acetates of three different degrees of substitutions. Morphological characterization through scanning electron microscopy revealed roughness on the surface of acetylated starch granules. The modified biopolymer exhibited improved swelling power, solubility, water binding capacity, and paste clarity compared to its native counterparts. Decrease in percent syneresis and gel hardness and extent of reduction in percent transmittance indicate reduced retrogradation tendency of white sorghum starch acetates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we describe a new Neotyphodium species, Neotyphodium sinicum, found in natural symbiosis with asymptomatic Roegneria spp. (Elymus spp.) native to China. We investigated the host specificity, morphology, mating compatibility and molecular phylogenetic evidence for recognition of this new species. N. sinicum is host specific and seedborne and widely distributed in China. Most morphological characteristics of this new species are typical of other Neotyphodium species, but the growth on PDA plates tends to be more rapid. Three of five N. sinicum strains examined had double alleles of tefA and two of the five strains had double alleles of both tubB and tefA. Phylogenetic relationships based on sequences of tubB introns and tefA introns revealed that the allele-1 of tefA and tubB clustered together in a distinct subclade in the Epichloë bromicola/E, yangzii clade. The allele-2 grouped in the Epichloë typhina clade (ETC). N. sinicum therefore appears to be an interspecific hybrid related to both E. yangzii and members of ETC. In mating tests N. sinicum failed to hybridize with E. yangzii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten Beauveria bassiana isolates were characterized using the following parameters: virulence, morphological measurements, germination in solid and liquid media, in vitro growth and physiological changes in liquid media. There were significant differences in mortality of second-instar larvae of the diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) and the Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) according to isolate used (DBM; 14.51-53.37%, CPB; 25.05-74.07%). The most virulent isolates to DBM and CPB were KCF107 (soil origin) and KCF106 (Chilo suppressalis origin), respectively. Several morphological and physiological characteristics of isolates were evaluated for a possible link to virulence against both insect species. Special mean diameter (2.45-3.58 µm) and area of conidia (5.72-10.25 µm2) were significantly different among isolates. Time for 50% of conidia to germinate (GT50) varied from 11 to 21 h depending on isolate. There was no correlation to virulence of size of conidia, GT50, red pigment production and mycelial growth. Acidity of 7-day-old broth cultures of isolates was positively correlated with virulence. Iranian isolates KCF106 and KCF107 were the most promising and virulent isolates but field testing is needed to further evaluate their potential for use in DBM and CPB management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was performed from May 2001 to October 2002 to assess density and morphological characteristics of maguey, Agave salmiana ssp. crassispina, in five districts of the state of Zacatecas, Mexico. A random stratified sampling procedure was used, where each area with different maguey densities (high, moderate, low, and very low) was treated as an independent stratum. Then, 154 randomly distributed sites covering an area of 250 m 2 were evaluated obtaining the following data: number of individuals by age class (juvenile, prereproductive, reproductive, and mature), height, crown width, and basal diameter. Thematic maps as well as aerial photos and field visits were utilized to produce a base map, which was digitized, vectorized, and georeferenced using GIS tools. The total area occupied by maguey populations was 59,905 ha. Mean densities were as follows: 1,142 ha with 3,064 magueys per ha; 17,441 ha with 892 magueys per ha; 34,088 ha with 725 magueys per ha; and 7,234 ha with 653 magueys per ha. There were differences in age class, height, crown width, and basal diameter between strata as well among strata. The data suggested that different management programs must be used to ensure sustainability of this resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]