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This study investigates the physiological responses of three grapevine cultivars to salt stress. Cuttings from cv. 'Sultana seedless', cv. 'Hamburg muscat' and the local variety cv. 'Ercis uzumu', were utilized. After rooting, the cuttings were brought to the vegetative stage with a single internode before subjecting them to salt treatments. Salt stress was induced using NaCl solutions at concentrations of 0, 50, and 100 mM at four-day intervals. Throughout the experiment, various physiological parameters were assessed, including ion homeostasis, osmotic regulation, antioxidant activity, and mineral uptake in different plant tissues. Our findings revealed significant variations in salt tolerance among the tested grapevine cultivars. Specifically, cv. 'Ercis uzumu' exhibited robust physiological responses to salt stress, indicating high tolerance, while cv. 'Sultana seedless' demonstrated moderate responses, and cv. 'Hamburg muscat' displayed heightened sensitivity to salt stress at the physiological level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research work reports the impact of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on sugarcane morphological characteristics, the production of secondary metabolite (SMs), and the antimicrobial activity of sugarcane callus culture in vitro. Explants (young leaf sheaths and leaf rolls) of usually smaller diameter were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium following our previous protocol for sugarcane callogenesis. The induced calli were subjected to varying concentrations (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mg/l) of MWCNTs for multiplication. The highest multiplication was recorded on media containing 5.0 mg/l of CNTs with fresh weight 2.8567 g. Different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/l) of MWCNTs were applied to regenerate the calli cultures. The highest number of shoots and roots were developed on 15.0 mg/l, while the highest shoot and root length (in centimeter) were observed on the highest used concentration, i.e. 20.0 mg/l CNTs. Similarly, the sub-cultured calli were subjected to phytochemical analysis and the effect of MWCNTs on amount of biochemical contents like total phenolic contents, flavonoids, saponins and terpenoids was determined. The highest contents were found in the culture containing the highest concentration of CNTs, in all cases. Moreover, the antioxidant activities of the MWCNTs induced in vitro sugarcane were also evaluated by the 1,1 diphenyl 2, picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) methods, which was found highest, i.e. 95.556% with EC50 value of 34.49 µg/ml for crude extract of callus grown on MS-media containing 5.0 mg/l MWCNTs. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against two bacterial pathogens, Clavibactor michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (CMM) and Ralstonia solanacearum (RS) with inhibition zone of 14 mm in case of CMM, while 17 mm was measured against RS Spp. Our results reveal that using MWCNTs in specific concentrations could act as a plant growth promotor and novel elicitor for the in vitro biosynthesis of useful SMs with antimicrobial activity against broad spectrum microbial pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determination of the distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) of plant cultivars is an important means of protecting the original innovations of breeders, increasing the enthusiasm of breeders and promoting the development of plant breeding. In this study, combinations of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and DUS morphological characteristics were used to identify cultivars. The genetic diversity of 30 flax plant cultivars was analyzed using 20 SSR markers and 18 DUS morphological characteristics. The results of the morphological characteristic analysis showed that the 30 flax cultivars had high genetic diversity. Ninety allelic variations were detected in 20 polymorphic SSR molecular markers, and 2–10 allelic variations were detected in each pair of primers. The diversity index (H) of Nei's gene range was 0.10–0.39, with a mean value of 0.23; the Shannon information index (I) range was 0.19–0.57, with a mean value of 0.37; and the polymorphism information content (PIC) range was 0.25–0.82, with a mean value of 0.51. Cluster analysis revealed that there were correlations between the SSR markers and morphological characteristics, and there were also some differences. These results show that these two methods have good potential for future research, especially for DUS analysis of hundreds of cultivars. Therefore, the use of molecular markers can reduce the cost and duration of resource consumption, and more importantly, identify and protect highly specific plant cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cover crops, typically planted during off-seasons and requiring less agronomic manipulation, may provide abundant fungal resources. Certain species of Chaetomiaceae could serve as potential agents for controlling plant diseases and developing bioorganic fertilizers. Eight species from five genera of Chaetomiaceae were identified from healthy Astragalus sinicus and Vicia villosa, two major cover crops, through multigene phylogenetic analysis, morphological identification, and pairwise homoplasy index testing. The identified species comprise three new species: Achaetomium astragali, Subramaniula henanensis, and S. sichuanensis, as well as five known but new host record species: Botryotrichum murorum, Chaetomium coarctatum, C. pseudocochliodes, C. pseudoglobosum, and Collariella pachypodioides. Dual culture tests revealed that isolates of all eight Chaetomiaceae species exhibited antagonistic effects on multiple phytopathogens. Among the identified fungi, the NSJA2 isolate, belonging to C. coarctatum, exhibited significant relative inhibition effects on 14 out of 15 phytopathogens tested in this study, indicating its broad-spectrum antagonistic effects. Additionally, NSJA2 exhibited excellent salt tolerance. Overall, our study has identified multiple fungi with anti-phytopathogens potential, among which NSJA2 exhibits high potential for practical application. This finding paves the way for further exploration and exploitation of NSJA2 as a promising biocontrol agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is one of the major abiotic stresses that affect plant growth and productivity, and plant stress responses are affected by both the intensity of stress and genotype. In Iraqi Kurdistan, tomato plants play a significant role in the country's economy. Due to climate change, which causes soil moisture to diminish, the crop's growth and yield have been dropping in recent years. Accordingly, the effects of simulated drought stress on germination parameters were assessed in 64 tomato accessions gathered from the Iraqi Kurdistan region in order to identify sensitive and tolerant accessions. In this respect, the responses associated with drought stress were observed phenotypically and biochemically. Germination percentage (GP) and morphological characteristics such as root length (RL), shoot length (SL), and shoot fresh weight (SFW) were significantly reduced in both stress treatments with polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) (7.5% PEG and 15% PEG). On the other hand, significant changes in biochemical profiles such as proline content (PC), soluble sugar content (SSC), total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AC), guaiacol peroxidase (GPA), catalase (CAT), and lipid peroxidation (LP) in tomato accessions were detected; all biochemical traits were increased in most tomato accessions under the PEG-induced treatments compared to the control treatment (0.0% PEG). Three tomato accessions (AC61 (Raza Pashayi), AC9 (Wrdi Be Tow), and AC63 (Sandra)) were found to be the most tolerant accessions under all drought conditions, whereas the performances of the other tested accessions (AC13 (Braw), AC30 (Yadgar), and AC8 (Israili)) were inferior. The OMIC analysis identified the biomarker parameters for differentiating the highly, moderately, and low tolerant groups as PC, SSC, and TPC. This study shows that early PEG-6000 screening for drought stress may help in choosing a genotype that is suitable for growth in water-stressed environments. Hence, Raza Pashayi, Wrdi Be Tow, and Sandra accessions, which had great performances under drought conditions, can be candidates for selection in a breeding program to improve the growth of plants and production in the areas that face water limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moderate deficit irrigation can improve lignin metabolism, thereby increasing wheat yield and lodging resistance. The moisture-sensitive variety Xinchun 22 (XC22) and drought-resistant variety Xinchun 6 (XC6) were used as experimental materials. We set mild drought (T1, J1 and 60–65% FC, where FC is the field capacity) and moderate drought (T2, J2 and 45–50% FC) during the tillering stage (T) and the jointing stage (J). We used conventional drip irrigation as a control (CK and 75–80% FC). The results show that the activity of lignin synthesis-related enzymes decreased with the growth process, while the accumulation and monomer content of lignin increased under different water treatments. The lignin metabolism and morphological characteristics of XC6 were higher than those of XC22. Under the same processing conditions, the indicators of XC22 showed more significant changes and were more sensitive to changes in the moisture content. Compared with other treatments, the stem thickness and wall thickness of the J1 treatment increased by 0.86–23.49% and 1.72–23.58%. The yield of the T1 treatment was the highest, increasing by 3.05–44.06% compared to other treatments. In addition, by improving PAL, H-type lignin monomers, S-type lignin monomers, stem thickness and lignin metabolism, grain yield can be increased. After mild drought during the jointing stage, J1 significantly improved the lignin metabolism capacity of the stem, increased stem thickness and wall thickness, and was beneficial for improving lodging resistance. The T1 treatment favored the improvement of the production capacity of assimilates, thus promoting a high yield of spring wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cement plays a crucial role in mortar composition, and its particles exhibit a strong tendency to flocculate when mixed with water. This flocculation necessitates the addition of substantial water to improve the workability of mortar or concrete. However, this extra water does not contribute to the hydration reaction, potentially weakening the mechanical properties of the mortar. The introduction of superplasticizers has addressed this issue by reducing the water demand. Nevertheless, a common practice in construction is to use a standard dosage of superplasticizers for the same type of cement, even when sourced from different cement factories, which may affect material performance. This study investigated the influence of varying superplasticizer dosages on Portland pozzolana cement from different Ethiopian cement factories, examining the morphological characteristics of masonry mortar. Specifically, it evaluated the impact on cracks, porosity, and surface structure across different curing ages, as well as assessed the mortar's physical and mechanical properties. Mortar samples prepared using cement from three factories, labeled A, B, and C, with constant cement‐to‐sand ratios of 1:3 and water‐to‐cement ratios of 0.5. Superplasticizer added in varying amounts 0%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1%. The morphological analysis conducted using a 3D optical surface profiler microscope at 1, 7, 21, and 28 days. Besides these standard physical and mechanical tests also performed on all samples. The results demonstrated that addition of superplasticizers significantly influenced the surface morphology of mortar samples. Mortars A and B exhibited denser structures with superplasticizer dosages 0.8% and 1%, respectively, whereas mortar C displayed a denser structure in its control state (without superplasticizer). The flexural and compressive strength tests also revealed notable differences. Sample A2 (0.8%) from group A, sample B3 (1%) from group B, and sample C0 (0%) from group C achieved the highest strength within their respective groups at 28 days. The findings suggest that it is essential to evaluate the specific properties of cement before applying a standardized superplasticizer dosage, as variations in cement production can significantly influence the performance of the mortar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Endocervical adenocarcinoma (ECA) is reported increasingly often in young women, and this aggressive disease lacks effective methods of targeted therapy. Since mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) is an important biomarker for predicting response to immune checkpoint inhibitors, it is important to investigate the clinicopathological features and immune microenvironment of dMMR ECAs. We assessed 617 ECAs from representative tissue microarray sections, gathered clinicopathologic information, reviewed histological characteristics, and performed immunohistochemical staining for MMR, programmed cell death 1 (PD-L1), and other immune markers. Of 617 ECA samples, 20 (3.2%) cases had dMMR. Among them, loss of MMR-related proteins expression was observed in 17/562 (3.0%) human papilloma virus-associated (HPVA) adenocarcinoma and 3/55 (5.5%) non-HPV-associated (NHPVA) adenocarcinoma. In NHPVA cohort, dMMR status was observed in 3 (3/14, 15.0%) patients with clear cells. dMMR ECAs had a higher tendency to have a family history of cancer, larger tumor size, p16 negative, HPV E6/E7 mRNA in situ hybridization (HPV E6/E7 RNAscope) negative, and lower ki-67 index. Among the morphological variables evaluated, poor differentiation, necrosis, stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, peritumoral lymphocytes, and lymphoid follicles were easily recognized in the dMMR ECAs. In addition, dMMR ECAs had higher CD3+, CD8+, CD38+, CD68+ and PD-1+ immune cells. A relatively high prevalence of PD-L1 expression was observed in dMMR ECAs. dMMR ECAs were significantly more likely to present with a tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes -high/PD-L1-positive status. In conclusion, dMMR ECAs have some specific morphological features and a critical impact on the immune microenvironment, which may provide insights into improving responses to immunotherapy-included comprehensive treatment for ECAs in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation into the spatial–temporal distribution characteristics of ancient settlements and their relationship with the environment in the Sichuan Basin can enhance our understanding of the evolution of the regional human–land relationship. Utilizing kernel density analysis by GIS, this paper obtained the spatial distribution characteristics of 1100 settlements in the Neolithic, Shang–Zhou, and Qin to Southern Dynasties periods. Subsequently, a GIS spatial analysis was performed to examine the distribution of these settlements in relation to the natural environment, focusing on four aspects: elevation, slope, aspect, and water buffer zone. The results demonstrate that: (1) The distribution of settlements from the Neolithic to the Southern Dynasties has expanded from the Chengdu Plain in the west and the Xiajiang Area in the east to the hilly areas in the center. (2) The settlements in the Neolithic and Shang–Zhou periods are predominantly located at elevations between 300–600 m, slopes between 0–3°, aspects between 135–225°, distances to rivers between 0–1000 m, and soil choice on Luvisols, Cambisols, Regosols, and Anthrosols. The influence of aspect on settlements during the Qin–Southern Dynasties period was notably reduced. The settlements mainly grow in the Chengdu Plain and the smaller plains along the river from the Neolithic to the Southern Dynasties in the Sichuan Basin. (3) The emergence and advancement of primitive agriculture, the construction of early water conservancy facilities, commercial and trade exchanges, and the establishment of regimes led to a shift from a double core to a more dispersed distribution in the Sichuan Basin from the Neolithic to the Southern Dynasties periods. The evolution of settlements reflects the adaption and competition of the residents to the natural environment in the Sichuan Basin. Furthermore, it provides insights into the complex social development in the region, ranging from the formation of early states to the establishment of the Qin and Han Empires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migration of Sakhalin sculpin Cottus amblystomopsis larvae from the river to the sea for early rearing—the primary dispersion, occurs in the form of passive downstream migration in the first 1.0–1.5 h after dark. Reaction of larvae to decrease of illumination ensures their involvement into the flow and the implementation of downstream migration. Total duration of primary dispersion period does not exceed 3 days. Body length of the larvae is on average 7.7 mm, their vertebrae and spinous processes are formed, the anlages of unpaired fins are noticeable, and pectoral fins are well developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to document the traditional knowledge and the distribution of diverse halophytes used by the coastal community of Vietnam to compensate for the food, fodder, and medicine demands. The information was gathered from the local people, plant traders, and herbalists using a semi-structured questionnaire. The survey indicated the ethnobotanical uses of 11 plant species from 8 families in the targeted area. 60% of studied plants were used in more than two different ways in which the majority of halophytic species possessed medicinal values, followed by being culinary, fodder, roof thatching, handicraft, and growing medium. The main diseases in the regions were joint and stomach pain. According to the mode of preparation, decoction form was the predominance with 64% over all modes. Based on the result, Cocos nucifera L., Portulaca oleracea L., and Suaeda maritima (L.) Dumort. had the highest appearance frequency of 17%. In addition, the seashore was the most prevalent location of halophytes that it was inhabited by 5 out of 11 species. The predominant habit recorded was herbs, followed by shrubs, trees, and vines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the vascular bundle morphology, tangential and radial diameters, and distribution frequency of different parts of Oligostachyum sulcatum, elucidating their structural and functional significance. Electron microscopy images revealed distinct vascular bundle characteristics in the different parts, including the vascular bundles in both parts of the rhizomes, the middle parts of the internodes, and the middle and inner parts of the branches, which were semi-open. The vascular bundles in the outer parts of both internodes and branches were semi-differentiated and undifferentiated. The vascular bundles in the inner parts of internodes were open. Statistical analysis showed significant variations in tangential and radial diameters among these parts, reflecting their diverse mechanical and physiological functions. The internodes exhibited the largest tangential and radial diameters, suggesting a critical role in mechanical support. In contrast, the branches had the smallest diameter, indicating that vascular bundle differentiation is influenced by growth conditions. The vascular bundle frequency was the highest in branches and the lowest in inside-sticks. This study provides theoretical references for the adaptive strategies and growth regulation mechanisms of O. sulcatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyst nematodes are obligate parasitic nematodes found in the fields of many cultivated crops. These nematodes, which have great economic importance, pose a threat to food security, though they are frequently ignored or misdiagnosed as pests because of covert parasitism. A cyst nematode population parasitizing on Artemisia lavandulaefolia DC., one of the traditional Chinese medicines was collected in Gansu Province. The species was diagnosed using integrative taxonomy and molecular approaches. The cyst population is spherical or lemon-shaped, light brown or dark brown in color, with a long neck and a protruding vulval cone. The stylet of the second-stage juvenile is strong, and the front end of the ball at the base of the stylet is concave; the median bulb and excretory pore are prominent; the tail is blunt and circular, and the transparent tail is usually shorter than the stylet. A phylogenetic analysis was carried out using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 28S genes of ribosomal DNA, which further confirmed the presence of Cactodera chenopodiae. According to our literature review, this is the first report on C. chenopodiae in Compositae. By following this research, we can better understand the challenges posed by A. lavandulaefolia DC. and develop effective strategies for managing its spread and impacts. This will help to protect vulnerable ecosystems and ensure the sustainability of agricultural and forestry activities in affected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract [Objective] This study aims to explore the relationship between seed morphological and physical characteristics and seed vigor of Abies beshanzuensis, in order to provide a theoretical basis for further population renewal and protection of this endangered species, explaining its endangered mechanism, and studying its seed biology. [Methods] Using the endangered plant A . beshanzuensis as material, characteristic constants of the length, width, thickness, single grain weight, and RGB, etc. of the seeds of A . beshanzuensis were measured. Seed vigor was determined using TTC staining method, and their mathematical models were established. [Results] Significant differences were observed in R, B values, and single seed weight between vigorous and non-viable seeds of A . beshanzuensis. Single factor linear regression analysis showed that the correlation between seed vigor and single seed weight of A . beshanzuensis was the most significant, with R2=0.839. Two factor linear regression analysis showed that seed vigor had the most significant correlation with single seed weight and width, with R2=0.895. For multivariate linear regression analysis, R2 =0.978. However, no significant differences were observed in length, width, thickness, and G value between vigorous and non-viable seeds. [Conclusion] By using indicators such as R, B value, and single grain weight of A . beshanzuensis seeds, seeds with higher seed vigor can be screened. Multiple factor linear regression analysis predicts more accurately the seed vigor

Megalobrama amblycephala, which belongs to the genus Megalobrama of the subfamily Culterinae in the family Cyprinidae, is an important freshwater cultured species in China because of its low culture cost and high growth rate. Culter alburnus, belonging to the subfamily Culter, is another slender carnivorous species, whose meat is more delicate and delicious than that of M. amblycephala; however, the scales of C. alburnus are small and thin and are easily injured and fall off, and these fish are slow-growing and expensive to feed. Although both the fish are quite different in terms of diet, growth, and stress resistance, they are highly complementary to each other. Crossbreeding can combine the desired characteristics of both parents; however, this advantage is usually limited to the F1 generation. Theoretically, because the gonads are almost undeveloped during triploid growth and development, F1 heterosis can be maintained to avoid germplasm decline caused by continuous reproduction, and energy can be saved to accelerate growth and improve muscle quality. This will greatly expand the breeding space of new hybrid varieties and ensure high economic, social, and ecological value. Therefore, the triploids of M. amblycephala ♀ × C. alburnus ♂ have superior growth and economic value. To understand the growth and morphological characteristics of the triploids of M. amblycephala ♀ × C. alburnus ♂, the triploid population of M. amblycephala ♀ × C. alburnu ♂ was induced by hydrostatic pressure, and successfully induced triploid (hybrid-3n) and uninduced diploid (hybrid-2n) populations were obtained. At the same time, two self-breeding populations of Megalobrama (MA) and Culter (CA) were established. The growth performance and morphological characteristics of the four kinds of fish were compared and analyzed in growth contrast experiments. The results showed that during the 210-day growth cycle, the absolute weight gain (0.88±0.11 g/day) of hybrid-3n was 8.64% higher than that of hybrid-2n, 20.55% higher than that of MA, and 120.00% higher than that of CA. In terms of countable traits, the hybrid index of hybrid-3n and hybrid-2n was 41.05 and 36.07, respectively. In terms of measurable traits, the hybrid index of hybrid-3n and hybrid-2n was 36.73 and 57.57, respectively. Cluster analysis showed that hybrid-3n was first grouped with hybrid-2n, then grouped with maternal MA, and finally grouped with paternal CA. The results showed that hybrid-3n and hybrid-2n were closer to their mothers in quantifiable traits and frame structure, showing a maternal effect. Discriminant analysis showed that the discriminant accuracy of hybrid-3n was 90%, and the comprehensive discriminant rate of the four populations was 95%. A scatterplot of the discriminant analysis showed that the distribution centers of hybrid-3n and hybrid-2n were located between the parents and closer to the mothers. Hybrid-3n and hybrid-2n occupied partially overlapping areas, which indicates that the two are similar in proportion and frame structure, making it difficult to distinguish between them. These results are basically consistent with those obtained by cluster analysis. Most of the 11 biological traits used to construct the discriminant function were related to the longitudinal axis of the body, especially the ratio of the height of the body to the trunk, which is similar to the results obtained by principal component analysis. During principal component analysis, four principal components with a cumulative contribution rate of 75.10% were obtained, which mainly reflect morphological variations of body height and trunk length. In this study, the experimental fish were cultured in still water ponds with abundant bait. The morphological differences may be attributed to the adaptation of the fish to this ecological environment. Comprehensive analysis showed that: Hybrid-3n has a fast growth rate and has the basic conditions for promotion and application in production; The body size of hybrid-3n and hybrid-2n is between the parents, and both are slightly biased towards the mother, which mainly reflect the morphological variations of body height and trunk length; In this study, three multivariate analyses were used to effectively reflect the morphological differences among the four populations of hybrid-3n, hybrid-2n, MA, and CA from different perspectives, which has made them irreplaceable. In conclusion, this study confirmed the superior breeding potential of triploids of M. amblycephala ♀ × C. alburnu ♂, and provided basic data for the morphological comparison of hybrid offspring of M. amblycephala and C. alburnu, which is significant for the identification and protection of fish resources, and is expected to provide a theoretical basis for the establishment of new strains of M. amblycephala and C. alburnu. The results are of great significance for population identification and ploidy breeding of hybrid offspring of M. amblycephala and C. alburnu.

Abstract Background Understanding the mechanism of male sterility is crucial for producing hybrid seeds and developing sterile germplasm resources. However, only a few cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) lines of cotton have been produced due to several challenges, like inadequate variation of agronomic traits, incomplete sterility, weak resilience of restorer lines, and difficulty in combining strong dominance. Therefore, the morphological and cytological identification of CMS in cotton will facilitate hybrid breeding. Results Two F2 segregating populations of cotton were constructed from cytoplasmic male sterile lines (HaA and 01A, maternal) and restorer lines (HaR and 26R, paternal). Genetic analysis of these populations revealed a segregation ratio of 3:1 for fertile to sterile plants. Phenotypic analysis indicated no significant differences in traits of flower bud development between sterile and fertile plants. However, sterile plants exhibited smaller floral organs, shortened filament lengths, and anther atrophy on the flowering day in comparison with the fertile plants. When performed scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the two F2 populations revealed morphological variations in the anther epidermis. Cellular analysis showed no significant differences in pollen development before pollen maturation. Interestingly, between the pollen maturation and flowering stages, the tapetum layer of sterile plants degenerated prematurely, resulting in abnormal pollen grains and gradual pollen degradation. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that fertility-restoring genes are controlled by a single dominant gene. Sterile plants exhibit distinctive floral morphology, which is characterized by stamen atrophy and abnormal anthers. Pollen abortion occurs between pollen maturity and flowering, indicating that premature tapetum degradation may be the primary cause of pollen abortion. Overall, our study provides a theoretical basis for utilizing CMS in hybrid breeding and in-depth investigation of the dominant configuration of cotton hybrid combinations, mechanisms of sterility, and the role of sterile and restorer genes.

Relevance. Vegetable soybean is a special variety with high added value, consumed fresh and harvested at the stage technical ripeness (R6). Accession-A is one of the promising vegetable soybean materials, studied and identified as a result of work that was carried out jointly with the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center in the Moscow Region (FSVC) and the Agrobiotechnology Department of the Agricultural Technological Institute (ATI) of the RUDN University named after Patrice Lumumba. The use of microorganisms to promote atmospheric nitrogen fixation is a common practice in soybean production.Methodology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of two microbiological preparations based on Sinorhizobium fredii and Bradyrhizobium jaроniсum in order to identify which microbiological preparation gives the best results in terms of morphological indicators and vegetable soybean yield under the conditions region of the Non-Chernozem zone of the Russian Federation. The object of the study was accession-A of vegetable soybean. Two types of treatment were carried out: B1 – treatment with a preparation with Bradyrhizobium jaronicum (1 l/t of seeds), B2 – treatment with a preparation with Sinorhizobium fredii (1 l/t of seeds). Control without treatment (K).Results. According to statistical analysis of biometric indicators, it was found that treatment with S. fredii (B2) had the highest average values for indicators of stem diameter (11.50 mm), lower pod attachment height (11.19 cm), number of branches (3.40 pcs.) and the number of productive nodes (27.48 pcs.). Preparation B2 improved the structure of the crop, influencing the obtainment of the highest indicators of plant weight (30.47 g), seed weight per plant (15.33 g), weight of 1000 seeds (171.25 g), number of seeds per plant (98.50 pcs.), number of seeds in a bean (2.89 pcs.) and seed yield (3.11 t/ha). The use of microbiological preparations based on B. japonicum and S. fredii gave better results compared to the control treatment.

Objective: To explore the application value and morphological characteristics of CT angiography (CTA) in the risk assessment of intracranial aneurysm rupture. Method: We included 82 patients with intracranial aneurysms from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from October 2018 to October 2021. All study participants underwent CTA and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) examinations using Siemens 64 row 128 slice spiral CT and Siemens DSA machines. Statistical analyses were conducted on the condition of tumor rupture. The morphological characteristics of different tumor rupture cases, and the factors influencing intracranial aneurysm rupture were analyzed. Result: The rupture rate of 82 carotid artery patients in this group was 74.39% (61/82), and the non-rupture rate of the tumor was 25.61% (21/82). The number of sub-capsules (60.66%), area ratio, Size ration (SR), Aspect ratio (AR) and length of the ruptured aneurysm were greater than that of the unruptured aneurysm. The ruptured and unruptured aneurysms did not differ significantly in the incidence of single aneurysm (91.80%) and the distribution of aneurysms. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that area ratio, SR, AR, and tumor length were important risk factors for intracranial aneurysm rupture. Conclusion: CTA examination can clarify the morphological characteristics of intracranial aneurysms and evaluate the risk of tumor rupture.

In this study, we have found two new species—Stropharia subrugosoannulata and Stropharia microaeruginosa. Phylogenetic analyses, based on the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) and the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nrLSU), suggest that the two new species are distinct and monophyletic. S. subrugosoannulata is distinguished from other species of the genus Stropharia by the pileus covered with greyish-orange squamules in the centre, stipe light brown and surface covered with white triangular squamules. S. microaeruginosa differs from other species in its pileus bluish-grey when young becoming lighter towards margins, later greyish-turquoise lightens towards the edges and surface radially striate when young, lamellae adnate to subdecurrent, stipe with white squamules at the base, acanthocytes absent. The new record species from Jilin Province, Clitolyophyllum umbilicatum was also confirmed, based on morphological and molecular study. Here, we have given full descriptions of each species, colour images, illustrations and two phylogenetic trees that show the placement and relationship of the two new species and the new record are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropometric characteristics and body composition are significant factors for success in elite football, and there has been a growing body of research on this subject recently. This study aimed to investigate changes in the anthropometric characteristics and body composition of football players during both preparatory and competitive periods. The research involved 10 professional football players (24.4±4.84 yrs.) competing in the First Montenegrin Telecom League. Measurements were taken in January before the preparatory phase, then again 30 days prior to the start of the season in February, and after the season in May. Anthropometric characteristics and body composition were evaluated using a set of 15 variables, including body height, body weight, triceps skinfold, biceps skinfold, back skinfold, abdominal skinfold, lower leg skinfold, upper leg skinfold, body mass index, fat kg, fat percentage, muscle mass kg, muscle mass percentage, lean body mass kg, lean body mass percentage. There were no differences in anthropometric characteristics across the three measurement periods for the football players. However, differences were observed in all six parameters of body composition across the three measurement periods. Fat mass and fat percentage significantly decreased after the competitive phase compared to measurements before and after the preparatory period. Furthermore, muscle mass, muscle mass percentage, lean muscle mass, and lean muscle mass percentage significantly increased in football players after the competitive season compared to measurements before and after the preparatory period. This indicates that the competitive season has a positive effect on changes in body composition, leading to a reduction in fat mass while simultaneously increasing muscle and lean mass components in football players, while anthropometric parameters remain unchanged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine differences in morphological characteristics and body composition between female handball players from the national teams of Montenegro and Kosovo (U16). Thirty-four participants were included in the study, divided into two subgroups. The first subgroup consisted of 18 players from the Montenegro national team, with an average age of 14.68±0.58 years. The second subgroup consisted of 16 players from the Kosovo national team, with an average age of 15.33±0.66 years. Testing was conducted during the qualification rounds for the European Championship took place in Podgorica in 2021. All players were assessed for anthropometric measurements and body composition, with a total of twelve variables. Body height, body weight, hand length, arm span, triceps skinfold, biceps skinfold, subscapular skinfold, abdominal skinfold, calf skinfold, thigh skinfold, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage (BF).The Tanita - model BC-418MA was utilized for the assessment of body composition. Differences in morphological characteristics and body composition of the female handball players from the two national teams were determined through discriminant parametric procedures using the T-test for independent samples with statistical significance set at p < .05. The results indicated that the players from the Montenegro team were significantly younger, had significantly greater average body height, body weight, and hand length compared to players from the Kosovo team. Statistical differences between the two treated teams were found in the variable thigh skinfold, while no significant differences were observed in BMI and BF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In deep underground geotechnical engineering, water–rock interaction emerges as a critical factor influencing the stability of engineering rock masses. This study delves into the macroscopic nonlinear mechanical behavior and fracture characteristics of natural water-bearing and saturated sandstone samples under various true triaxial stress states. The objective is to systematically elucidate the impact of actual three-dimensional stress conditions and water content on the mechanical behavior and fracture mechanisms of sandstone formations. The findings reveal significant anisotropic deformation in sandstone under 3D stress, while saturated sandstone exhibits robust plastic deformation capacity. Moreover, changes in the strain ratio coefficient are identified as precursors to rock fracture. The dilatation behavior of sandstone weakens progressively with increasing σ2, indicating reduced expansion in saturated sandstone. To account for the influence of σ2, a novel dilation index is proposed. The true triaxial strength of sandstone demonstrates a close relationship with both σ2 and water content, with strength initially increasing before declining as σ2 rises. In addition, water significantly undermines sandstone strength, although this weakening trend moderates with increasing σ2. Morphological analysis and SEM observations unveil three-dimensional volume fracturing characteristics in rock fractures, primarily characterized by shear accompanied by tensile fractures. Saturated sandstone samples, in contrast, exhibit numerous tensile and intergranular fractures. Overall, this study holds paramount practical significance for the evaluation of rock stability and the design of water-bearing engineering rock masses, encompassing domains, such as geology, water conservancy, and mining. Highlights: The influence of the σ2 and water on the nonlinear mechanical behavior of sedimentary sandstone was studied. A new dilatation index and strength criterion considering the effect of the σ2 was proposed. The 3D fracture morphology and failure network characteristics of sandstone was analyzed. Mesoscopic fracture mechanism of the σ2 and water on sandstone was revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Determining the reference base of anthropometric parameters on a sample of elite athletes is one of the foundations of further research and forming a clearer picture of each sport and sports discipline. In this study, the aim was to describe the anthropometric and somatotype profiles of elite Finn class sailors and to determine the differences in the measured parameters between sailors at different levels of general competitive success. The subject sample included 57 Finn class sailors who competed at the open Finn European Championship. A set of 25 anthropometric variables were applied. The sailors were divided into three groups according to their level of general competitive success using World Sailing Rankings. Finn sailors had higher average values in almost all morphological characteristics when compared to the sailors in other Olympic classes. Considering the average values of somatotype categories, we determined that Finn sailors fit the endomorphic mesomorph somatotype category (3.94 ± 1.19 − 5.50 ± 1.19 − 1.63 ± 0.74). Significant differences were observed between more-successful, medium, and less-successful sailors in the variables of age, body mass, muscle mass, arm muscle mass, and endomorphy rating. These results indicate the possibility of selection processes and/or adaptation to sailing occurring in the Finn class. The anthropometric characteristics of Finn sailors compared to sailors in Olympic classes further "support" the Finn class being called the "heavy dinghy" male class. This study on anthropometric parameters, determined via a sample of top Finn sailors, may be of great help to coaches and young sailors when deciding on the selection of an adult sailing class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanized harvesting is a crucial step in the agricultural production of foxtail millet (Setaria italica), as its peduncles are susceptible to bending and breaking during the harvesting process, leading to yield losses and deterioration in grain quality. To evaluate the suitability of foxtail millet for mechanical harvesting, this study comprehensively analyzed the biomechanical properties of the peduncles and related biological morphological characteristics of 116 foxtail millet accessions, establishing a system for indicator screening and comprehensive evaluation. Using partial correlation analysis and R-type cluster analysis, four biomechanical and seven related morphological indices of the peduncle were screened from 22 candidate indicators, with their coefficient of variation ranging from 6% to 80%. The entropy method was used to assign weights to the selected indices, with biomechanical factors contributing 47.4%, peduncle morphology 20.2%, spike morphology 27.6%, and plant height 4.8%. The Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and Rank-Sum Ratio (RSR) methods were applied to rank and grade the classification of the 116 foxtail millet varieties into four performance groups: Excellent (8 varieties), Good (50 varieties), Moderate (51 varieties), and Poor (7 varieties). This study provides a scientific basis for the selection and evaluation of foxtail millet varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The calcaneus is located in the lower posterior part of the foot and is heavily stressed. Calcaneus is complex and irregular in shape, surrounded by thin cortical bone and filled with a large number of trabeculae. The study of the microstructure, movement, and distribution of trabeculae is helpful to improve the understanding of calcaneus fracture. OBJECTIVE: The image data of calcaneus were obtained by scanning the calcaneus specimens with micro-computed tomography, and the structure of trabecular bone in calcaneus was analyzed to explore the morphology, distribution and structural characteristics of trabecular bone in calcaneus. METHODS: Dry adult calcaneus specimens were continuously scanned by micro-computed tomography, and the images were obtained after scanning and stored in DICOM format. Image data were imported into Hiscan Analyzer software to display clear and complete images of the sagittal plane, coronal plane, and the horizontal plane of the adult calcaneus. The trabecular movement of bone was observed layer by layer. According to the trabecular movement characteristics, the sagittal plane of the calcaneus was divided into six parts. A 49-mm2 region of interest was selected for each part at the same thickness as 7 mm. The three-dimensional microstructure of calcaneus and trabecular bone was obtained after three-dimensional reconstruction. After binarization, the volume fraction, surface density, trabecular thickness, trabecular space, and trabecular number parameters of the trabecular bone in the region of interest were calculated by software. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The cortical layer of the calcaneus was very thin and filled with a large amount of cancellous bone, and the cortical layer of the horn of Gissane was obviously thickened. (2) The trabecular volume fraction in the upper part of the calcaneus was greater than that in the anterior part of the lower part of the calcaneus, the central triangle, the posterior part of the lower part of the calcaneus, and the base of the calcaneus, and the trabecular volume fraction in the tubercle of the calcaneus was greater than that in the anterior part of the lower part of the calcaneus, the central triangle, the posterior part of the lower part of the calcaneus, and the base of the calcaneus. The surface density of the trabecular bone in the tubercle of the calcaneus was higher than that in the front of the lower calcaneus, the middle triangle area, and the bottom of calcaneus, and the surface density of the trabecular bone in the upper part of calcaneal bone, and the lower part of the calcaneus was higher than that in the middle triangle area. The thickness of the trabecular bone in the upper part of the calcaneus was greater than that in the tubercle of the calcaneal bone. The bone trabecular space in the middle triangle was larger than that in the upper part of the calcaneus and calcaneal tubercles. The number of bone trabeculae in the calcaneal tubercles was greater than that in the middle triangle area. (3) These results indicate that the trabeculae of rod bone were mainly distributed in the middle triangle area. The surface density of trabeculae was the smallest, the volume fraction was smaller, and the space between trabeculae was the largest. This part of the bone is relatively loose. The compression resistance is poor when subjected to high impact. The trabecular bone fractures first occur, which is a prone site for fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luculia yunnanensis is a vulnerable species endemic to Yunnan Province, Southwestern China, which has high ornamental value. Its wild population has not been fully protected and utilized for a long time, which is not conducive to the long-term stable development of this species. Genetic diversity assessment is the basis and prerequisite for the conservation of rare species. In this study, 21 phenotypic traits and 17 highly polymorphic EST-SSR markers were used to analyze the genetic diversity and genetic structure of 164 individuals from six L. yunnanensis populations. The coefficient of variation of 21 phenotypic traits ranged from 11.76% to 52.58% (mean=21.72%), and the coefficient of variation of 18 traits was less than 30%. The average values of Ne, I, Ho and He were 1.710, 0.619, 0.384, and 0.352, respectively. The genetic diversity of LLO (Ho = 0.476 and He = 0.426) and LCM (Ho = 0.424 and He = 0.381) populations in Lushui County was highest. The GDX populations (Ho = 0.335 and He = 0.269) isolated by Gaoligong Mountain had the lowest genetic diversity. The AMOVA results showed that 13.04% of the genetic variation was among populations and 86.96% was within populations. The average phenotypic differentiation coefficient of phenotypic traits among populations was 18.69%. The results of phenotypic and genetic variation analysis were consistent, indicating that the most of variation exists within population. Genetic structure, UPGMA clustering and PCA analysis results showed that the populations of L. yunnanensis had obvious geographical divisions, and the populations distributed in the southern region and distributed in the northern region of the Nujiang River clustered into one group respectively. Combining the results of phenotypic and molecular markers, we recommend that give priority to the protection of LLO, LCM and GDX population, in order to ensure the sustainable utilization of L. yunnanensis germplasm resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) is one of the significant fruit trees cultivated in Iraq. During 2018-2019, severe leaf spot symptoms were observed commonly on grapevine in Al-Hussainiya district, Karbala province, Iraq. In order to identify the etiology of this disease, symptomatic leaf samples were collected randomly. The associated fungus was isolated, purified and identified as Alternaria alternata according to its morphological characteristics and sequence analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA). The pathogenicity assay using Koch's postulates approved that the isolated A. alternata was pathogenic on grapevine leaves. The current study represents the first record of A. alternata causing leaf spots on grapevine in Karbala province, Iraq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding the mechanism of male sterility is crucial for producing hybrid seeds and developing sterile germplasm resources. However, only a few cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) lines of cotton have been produced due to several challenges, like inadequate variation of agronomic traits, incomplete sterility, weak resilience of restorer lines, and difficulty in combining strong dominance. Therefore, the morphological and cytological identification of CMS in cotton will facilitate hybrid breeding. Results: Two F2 segregating populations of cotton were constructed from cytoplasmic male sterile lines (HaA and 01A, maternal) and restorer lines (HaR and 26R, paternal). Genetic analysis of these populations revealed a segregation ratio of 3:1 for fertile to sterile plants. Phenotypic analysis indicated no significant differences in traits of flower bud development between sterile and fertile plants. However, sterile plants exhibited smaller floral organs, shortened filament lengths, and anther atrophy on the flowering day in comparison with the fertile plants. When performed scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the two F2 populations revealed morphological variations in the anther epidermis. Cellular analysis showed no significant differences in pollen development before pollen maturation. Interestingly, between the pollen maturation and flowering stages, the tapetum layer of sterile plants degenerated prematurely, resulting in abnormal pollen grains and gradual pollen degradation. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that fertility-restoring genes are controlled by a single dominant gene. Sterile plants exhibit distinctive floral morphology, which is characterized by stamen atrophy and abnormal anthers. Pollen abortion occurs between pollen maturity and flowering, indicating that premature tapetum degradation may be the primary cause of pollen abortion. Overall, our study provides a theoretical basis for utilizing CMS in hybrid breeding and in-depth investigation of the dominant configuration of cotton hybrid combinations, mechanisms of sterility, and the role of sterile and restorer genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stauroneis (Naviculales, Bacillariaceae) are widespread, mostly in fresh-water habitats, and account for 343 species. They are described mainly on the basis of morphology and morphometric traits. These characteristics vary during life cycles and may overlap between species, making their identification difficult. We isolated two strains of naviculoid diatoms and examined them using an integrative approach (phylogenetic, morphological, ultrastructural data, and life cycle). Phylogenetic analyses based on chloroplast rbcL gene data showed affinity of the new strains to the genus Stauroneis. Our algae share morphological features typical of Stauroneis but differ from similar species in minimal valve length measurements, valve apex shape, and minimal number of striae in 10 μm. Two strains are distinct from each other in maximal valve length and width, partially valve shape, the number of areolae in 10 μm, and cingulum structure. It was revealed that the strains reproduce via isogamy. Three species delimitation methods (ASAP, PTP, and GMYC) also confirmed that the two closely related new strains represent distinct species. Based on molecular data and phenotypic traits examined within the framework of an integrative approach, we describe two new isolates as Stauroneis urbani sp. nov. and Stauroneis edaphica sp. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of stacking sequence on the physical and chemical properties of a hybrid composite composed of biomass sheep wool fiber and glass fiber reinforced with epoxy was investigated in this study. The hybrid composite was developed as an alternative material for engineering applications to harmful man-made glass fiber composites. The hybrid composite laminates were made by hand and had a total fiber volume fraction of 60% (biomass sheep wool fiber 30% and glass fiber 30%) and 40% reinforcement. Three distinct stacking sequences, STQ1, STQ2, and STQ3, were prepared and tested in accordance with ASTM standards. The results of the tensile and bending tests revealed that STQ1 biocomposites have higher strength and maximum bending than STQ2 and STQ3 composites. Furthermore, STQ1 biocomposite absorbed more moisture and chemicals than STQ2 and STQ3 composite. Morphological studies of fracture surfaces on biocomposites revealed that STQ1 has better interfacial bonding of fiber and matrix than other composites, confirming its suitability for lightweight applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Protection & Pathology is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) 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.)

Saffron (Crocus sativus: Iridaceae) is a fall-blooming perennial plant and its dried stigma is the priciest spice and a key non-oil export for Iran's economy. The bulb mite, Rhizoglyphus robini, is a polyandrous and multivoltine species and its damage to saffron corms directly and indirectly causes lower yields of saffron crops. Environmental conditions and abiotic factors, such as temperature, humidity, density, and diet affect the morphological traits of living organisms and subsequently affect biological abilities. In this study, changes in temperature, soil moisture, density (nymphs + adults), time, and corm weight on the morphological traits of the saffron bulb mite, including body length and width, and leg sizes of adult females were investigated in a saffron field in the Dargaz County of Iran during 2022. The results of variance analysis of the morphometrical parameters of the mite species, including body length, body width, and four pairs of legs in different months were significant. Based on simple and multiple linear regression models as well as non-linear regression, the effect of temperature and density (nymphs + adults) was reversed and the effect of soil moisture and corm weight was direct on morphometrical parameters of this species. Based on our results, soil moisture has a strong relation with female body size traits (body length, width, and leg lengths). This indicates that irrigation cycle management might be an important factor in bulb mite management in saffron agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the influence of body composition on the muscle fitness of selected judokas. This study was conducted on a sample of 23 judokas (cadets n = 12, juniors n = 11), members of the male national team of Serbia. The assessment of body composition was performed using the InBody 720 (Biospace Co., Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea) and calipers. Muscle fitness was assessed using "Optojump" (Microgate, Bolzano, Italy), Fitrodine Premium (Fitronic, Bratislava, Slovakia), and a digital force instrument IMADA Z2H-1100 (Imada Inc., Northbrook, IL, USA). Regression analysis revealed a notable association between muscle mass and measures of explosive strength (countermovement jump (CMJ) p = 0.023; drop jump (DJ) p = 0.026). Moreover, this study's results showed that back extension (p = 0.006; R2 = 0.61) and hand grip (p = 0.009; R2 = 0.52) provide a strong positive association with muscle mass. The findings suggest that tailored training and nutritional strategies that improve muscle mass might significantly enhance muscle fitness in young judokas, optimizing their performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the macro- and micro-morphological characteristics of yellow-bellied sea snake (Hydrophis platurus), the morphological characteristics and scale microdermatoglyphic structure of one yellow-bellied sea snake specimen were investigated, using the classical classification and scanning electron microscope observation methods. The results showed that there was a clear boundary between the dark colored back and light colored belly of the specimen, with a prominent snout. There was no significant difference in the shape and size of the dorsal and abdominal scales. The microscopic dermatoglyphic structure of the dorsal scales showed many ear-like structures arranged in a staggered manner along the longitudinal axis of the body, and the entire field of view presented a ripple like pattern, with deep grooves between the ear-like structures. The morphological structure of the specimen conforms to the morphological characteristics of the yellowbellied sea snake, and the microscopic dermatoglyphic structure of its scale is obviously different from the terrestrial species of Elapidae family, such as the Zhoushan Naja (Naja atra) and Guangxi coral snake (Sinomicrurus peinani) . The morphological structure conforms to the morphological characteristics of the yellow-bellied sea snake, and the micro dermatoglyphic structure of the scale shows obvious characteristics of adaptation to aquatic life. This structural feature is conducive to reducing the resistance of the yellow-bellied sea snake when swimming, and its grooves and holes are conducive to the interception of sea water. The results suggest that the microdermatoglyphic structure of snake scales has a clear taxonomy significance, but it may not be appropriate to infer the phylogenetic relationship of snakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthracnose is one of the most devastating diseases affecting soybean (Glycine max L. Merril) in India and is incited by the Colletotrichum truncatum species complex. In this study, 33 isolates of Colletotrichum spp. isolates were collected from major soybean‐growing states of India. The cultural, morphological and molecular characteristics (Internal Transcribed Spacer rDNA region) of all isolates were demonstrated. Twelve simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were selected to amplify the genomic DNA of all isolates, to assess the genetic diversity. On the basis of morpho‐cultural and molecular characterization of three different Colletotrichum species, C. truncatum, C. cliviicola and C. cholorophyti were identified. Representative Colletotrichum isolates (Ct‐Pant, Ct‐Gur and Ct‐Gag) from each species group were found pathogenic to susceptible soybean variety (PS 1092) and fulfilled Koch's postulates. The SSR genotyping of 33 isolates revealed that all examined SSR markers exhibited a high degree of polymorphism, as indicated by the mean values of 0.51 for polymorphic information content, 1.97 for marker index and 1.99 for resolving power. For each primer, the average number of alleles per locus was 3.58. The results of Jaccard similarity coefficient‐based UPGMA (Un‐weighted Pair‐Group Method with Arithmetic Mean) cluster analysis and principal component analysis showed that isolates of the same species were clustered together, but no clear‐cut grouping was obtained on the basis of geographical distribution. Thus, it can be inferred from the study that C. truncatum accessions obtained from various geographical locations of India exhibit substantial genetic variation and a significant level of relatedness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the individual biology of endemic fish in China, lay a foundation for the conservation of its germplasm resources, and consolidate the basic biological data of endemic fish in the world. According to the ethical code and fishing permit, 21 samples of Schizothorax (Racoma) biddulphi (Günther, 1876) were collected from the Muzati River in Tarim River system from 2021 to 2022, and their morphological characteristics, age identification and anatomical observation were analyzed by classical biological methods. S. biddulphi has a long body, a conical head, a pointed snout and a lower mouth. Requires 2 pairs. The scales are small and neatly arranged; Bare or scaly chest; The lateral line scale is slightly larger. The lateral line is complete. The correlation equation between body length and body weight is: W = 4.148 × 10-5L2.791. There were 5 kinds of age identification materials: 15+ for lapillus and asteriscus, 14+ for vertebra, 11+ for opercular bone, and 9+ for anal scale. The peritoneal wall of S. biddulphi is black; The tooth type is 2·3·5-5·3·2; The gill harrow was 11~13 for laymen and 15~18 for experts. Diphysocyte; Gallbladder oval; The number of vertebrae is 4+42-43+1, and the number of ribs is 23 or 24. S. biddulphi is a special species in the Tarim River system, and its evolutionary adaptation is closely related to the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of CT Theory & Applications is the property of Editorial Department of CT Theory & Applications 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.)

One of the key factors for sustainability in agricultural systems, particularly, for cultivation of date palms, is the identification of the performance parameters of the pollen grains of male date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L.). This study was carried out to predict the performance parameters of pollen grains using an artificial neural network (ANN) model. The morphological features of spathe length, spathe weight, number of pinnae per leaf, leaf length, leaf width, length of the pinna part, pinna length, pinna width, length of the spathe stem, and spathe width, as well as the concentrations of minerals such as Mg, N, K, P, and Ca in their leaves were used as inputs to the ANN model. For this purpose, we collected the required data from nine male date palms grown in Saudi Arabia. The ANN model utilized in this work included an input layer with 15 parameters, a hidden layer of 30 neurons, and an output layer with 8 neurons. The ANN model was trained with 27 patterns. Seven patterns were utilized for testing purposes. The coefficient of determination (R2) obtained between the observed and predicted performance parameters' values using the testing dataset was 0.902 for the number of strands per spathe, 0.967 for strand length, 0.963 for the number of flowers per strand, 0.941 for the number of flowers per spathe, 0.985 for the weight of pollen grains per spathe, 0.810 for the pollen grains' viability, 0.936 for the pollen grains' length, and 0.992 for the pollen grains' width. The length of the spathe stem had the most critical effect on how the ANN model predicted the values of the dependent variables, i.e., the number of strands per spathe, with a percentage of contribution of 17.66%; the weight of pollen grains per spathe, with 17.85%; the pollen grains' length, with 19.78%, and the pollen grains' width, with a percentage of contribution of 30.59%. Spathe weight had the most critical influence on strand length and pollen grains' viability, with percentages of 26.29% and 14.92%, respectively. Leaf width had the most critical effect on the number of flowers per spathe, with a percentage of 12.55%. The elemental concentration of K in the male date palm leaves had the most critical effect on the number of flowers per strand, with a percentage of 13.98%. It was therefore concluded that using a modeling process with the ANN technique can help estimate the performance parameters of male date palms' pollen grains for different purposes, such as providing a starting point for mathematical analyses associated with the physiological mechanisms of male date palm. Moreover, the outcomes of this research work can be supportive as a practical tool in this field of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution pattern and the morphology of sandy beaches have been extensively studied, while those in turbid coastal environments near large river estuaries are still unclear. This study analyzes the distribution pattern, morphological characteristics, and influencing factors of Zhejiang sandy beaches using statistical analysis, based on field data and historical records. Results show that the mean grain size distribution of Zhejiang sandy beaches ranges from fine sand to very coarse sand, and the beach slope and sediment grain size correspond well with the wave heights in the three regions of Zhejiang. The extent of beach headlands in central Zhejiang appeared the largest, suggesting an increased susceptibility to wave erosion due to the less sheltered headlands. Most sandy beaches in Zhejiang formed on the islands and the areas far from the estuaries, showing quantity difference in beach distribution. The comparison of the regional difference in Zhejiang sandy beaches shows that embayment is the main factor affecting the beach distribution pattern and morphological characteristics. The different embayment characteristics provide the space for beach formation and the interaction with the coastal process, the sediment supply, the nearshore hydrodynamic environment, and human intervention also have influence on the morphological characteristics of Zhejiang beaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey bees play an important role in the survival and pollination of many plants. One of the most important of pests that attack honey bees is Varroa destructor mite. This mite is an ectoparasite of honeybees and feeds mainly on larvae and pupae. In this research, Apis mellifera meda workers were infected at the pupal stage to different mite densities and then the biological and morphological characteristics of the emerged adult bees were investigated. For this purpose, female mites were collected from infected hives and placed in each prepupal cell according to the desired mite density (0, 1, 2 or 3 mites). After adult bees emerged, nutritional traits were checked every 3 days for 12 days. Then these adult bees were dissected to measure the area of the hypopharyngeal acinus. The biological and morphological results showed that the increase mite density had no effect on the duration of the pupation period of bees, but it significantly decreased the weight, body length, area of the forewings, hind wings and hind tibia of bees. Adult bees that had three mites during their pupation had the highest mortality rate and for this reason, it was not possible to examine their nutritional characteristics. The nutritional characteristics results showed that increasing the mite density caused a decrease in the consumption of syrup and water by the adult bees, but the consumption of pollen did not change. The food consumption index of bees without mite and bees with two mites during the pupation period was higher than bees with one mite, but the growth rate and the area of the acini of the treatments did not show any difference. The results of this study are expected to provide a basis for biological control of this mite by providing further information on how it affects honeybees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bulletin of Botanical Research is the property of Bulletin of Botanical Research Editorial Department 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.)

To ensure the conservation of waterlogged archaeological wood, sustainable, safe, and effective methods must be implemented, with consolidation and dehydration being crucial for long-term preservation to maintain dimensional stability and structural integrity. This study compares the permeability of 45% methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) and 45% trehalose solutions to evaluate the dimensional changes, hygroscopicity, and mechanical properties of treated wood. Since the collected samples (from an ancient ship, Luoyang Canal No. 1) were mildly degraded, the drying method had a slight impact on the properties of archaeological wood. Consolidated with trehalose and MTMS agents, the longitudinal compressive strength of the waterlogged wood's cell walls increased by 66.8% and 23.5%, respectively. Trehalose proved to be more advantageous in filling pores and reducing overall shrinkage, while MTMS significantly reduced the hygroscopicity and surface hydrophilicity of the wood substance. Overall, the MTMS treatment has a smaller effect on the appearance of samples, making it more suitable for the consolidation of mildly degraded waterlogged archaeological wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coarse aggregates play a significant role in configuring the pore structures in the porous asphalt mixture (PAM). This study aims to reveal the influence of coarse aggregates’ morphological characteristics on the pore features in the coarse aggregate skeleton (CAS) of PAM. To achieve this goal, X-ray CT and three-dimensional (3D) visualization reconstruction technology were utilized to acquire the 3D morphology of different kinds of coarse aggregates. Based on the morphology of real aggregate particles, a 3D simulation model of CAS was developed, and virtual scanning imaging technology was used to obtain the pore features in the CAS. The sensitive influence of coarse aggregate morphologies on the pore features was evaluated by GA-BP neural network. Results show that air void in the skeleton is most sensitive to the composite flat-elongated index and composite sphericity of 13.2 mm aggregates, and composite sphericity of 9.5 mm aggregates. The composite sphericity of 13.2 mm aggregates, composite flat-elongated index and composite texture index of 9.5 mm aggregates, composite flat-elongated index, composite angularity index, and composite texture index of 4.75 mm aggregates are the high-sensitivity influencing factors to the fractal characteristic of pore structures.

Computer vision technology is more and more widely used in the market. Target detection and feature extraction are two important auxiliary means of this technique, which are helpful to analyze target motion data. However, in the field of biology, there are some data limitations in the analysis of targets such as bacteria and tumors, which need to be further explored. Optical MRI imaging technology based on computer vision provides a new way to extract and analyze morphological features of renal tumors. In this paper, an optical MRI imaging method based on computer vision is designed and developed for the extraction and analysis of morphological features of kidney tumors. By using optical MRI imaging technology based on computer vision, the morphological characteristics of kidney tumors were extracted by analyzing the optical characteristics and MRI images of kidney tumors, and a simulation model was established to simulate the morphological characteristics of different types of kidney tumors, and feature extraction and analysis were carried out by computer algorithm. Through the analysis of the simulation model, the morphological characteristics of renal tumors were extracted and analyzed, which provided a new and non-invasive method for clinical diagnosis and treatment of renal tumors.

Effective species management and conservation require an understanding of geographical distribution patterns and reasons for species dispersal in a larger environment. The Xisha Islands are currently the largest green sea turtle nesting grounds in China, and green sea turtles breeding there belong to an independent geographic population with irreplaceable conservation value. In this study, field surveys and remote sensing satellite image mapping were used to investigate the use of green sea turtle nesting sites on 15 islands in the Xisha Islands and to analyze the effects of island morphology and human disturbances on nesting ground selection. The results revealed that green sea turtle nesting grounds were distributed throughout 10 islands with a total area of 0.1062 km2. The average beaches utilization rate by green sea turtle for nesting was 32.46 %, with the North Island of Qilianyu having the biggest nesting ground area (0.0436 km2) and the highest beach utilization rate (70.75 %). The next highest utilization rates were found on Ganquan Island, South Island, Jinqing Island, and South Sand. Generalized linear model (GLM) indicated that the effect of beach width on nest density was significant, building density and sand particle size affected nest density. Therefore, green sea turtles prefer to nest in islands with wider beaches, higher proportion of coarse and medium sand, and lower human activity. These areas should be prioritized for protection and management.