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Excessive aluminum (Al) in acidic soils is a primary factor that hinders plant growth. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect and physiological mechanism of exogenous silicon (Si) in alleviating aluminum toxicity. Under hydroponic conditions, 4 mM Al significantly impeded the growth of white clover; however, pretreatments with 1 mM Si mitigated this inhibition, as evidenced by notable changes in growth indicators and physiological parameters. Exogenous silicon notably increased both shoot and root length of white clover and significantly decreased electrolyte leakage (EL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content compared to aluminum treatments. This positive effect was particularly evident in the roots. Further analysis involving hematoxylin staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and examination of organic acids (OAs) demonstrated that silicon relieved the accumulation of bioactive aluminum and ameliorated damage to root tissues in aluminum-stressed plants. Additionally, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis revealed that additional silicon was primarily distributed in the root epidermal and cortical layers, effectively reducing the transport of aluminum and maintaining the balance of exchangeable cations absorption. These findings suggest that gradual silicon deposition in root tissues effectively prevents the absorption of biologically active aluminum, thereby reducing the risk of mineral nutrient deficiencies induced by aluminum stress, promoting organic acids exudation, and compartmentalizing aluminum in the outer layer of root tissues. This mechanism helps white clover alleviate the damage caused by aluminum toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive aluminum (Al) in acidic soils is a primary factor that hinders plant growth. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect and physiological mechanism of exogenous silicon (Si) in alleviating aluminum toxicity. Under hydroponic conditions, 4 mM Al significantly impeded the growth of white clover; however, pretreatments with 1 mM Si mitigated this inhibition, as evidenced by notable changes in growth indicators and physiological parameters. Exogenous silicon notably increased both shoot and root length of white clover and significantly decreased electrolyte leakage (EL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content compared to aluminum treatments. This positive effect was particularly evident in the roots. Further analysis involving hematoxylin staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and examination of organic acids (OAs) demonstrated that silicon relieved the accumulation of bioactive aluminum and ameliorated damage to root tissues in aluminum-stressed plants. Additionally, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis revealed that additional silicon was primarily distributed in the root epidermal and cortical layers, effectively reducing the transport of aluminum and maintaining the balance of exchangeable cations absorption. These findings suggest that gradual silicon deposition in root tissues effectively prevents the absorption of biologically active aluminum, thereby reducing the risk of mineral nutrient deficiencies induced by aluminum stress, promoting organic acids exudation, and compartmentalizing aluminum in the outer layer of root tissues. This mechanism helps white clover alleviate the damage caused by aluminum toxicity.

Since the Cenozoic, Qaidam Basin has developed a complex tectonic system and a series of relatively independent tectonic and metallogenic units. Within specific spatiotemporal ranges including the shallow salt lake area in Quaternary, the alluvial-proluvial fan area in Pleistocene, and the trap structural area of Paleogene-Neogene, the different tectonic units in Qaidam Basin have brought minerals with relatively unique occurrence statuses and mineral compositions because of variations in the sedimentary environment and metallogenic conditions. The inductive research on the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics, mineralization, and metallogenic geological background of basin salts and groundwater resources, along with the classification of metallogenic series for basin salt and groundwater mineral deposits, holds great significance in guiding future exploration, ore prospecting, and resource development and utilization, as well as ensuring the smooth construction of a world-class salt lake industrial base. Guided by the metallogenic series theory, the basin evolution, salt metallogenic units, spatiotemporal distribution of mineral resources, and metallogenic types are systematically collated based on the latest exploration and research findings on Qaidam Basin. As a result, the salt and groundwater mineral deposits in Qaidam Basin are classified into three metallogenic series, six metallogenic sub-series, and fifteen ore deposit types. Moreover, utilizing the natural classification of deposits and the predictive mindset of inevitable mineralization in certain spatiotemporal dimensions and prospecting/research of unexplored or unpredicted deposits, the effective prospecting directions for salt and groundwater mineral deposits in Qaidam Basin are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil water deficit and salinity represent a major factor impacting plant survival and agricultural production. The frequency and severity of both abiotic stresses are expected to increase in a context of climate change, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This work studied the growth pattern, biomass and mineral distribution and the seasonal pattern of water status, photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance in plant of Pistacia lentiscus grown under different levels of water deficit and salinity. P. lentiscus plants growing under greenhouse conditions were subjected to four irrigation treatments during 11 months: control (C, 1 dS m-1), moderate water deficit (MW, 1dS m-1, 60% of the control), severe water deficit (SW, 1 dS m-1, 40% of the control) and saline (S, 4dS m-1). The results show that Pistacia lentiscus plants were more affected by deficit irrigation than salinity. Deficit irrigation and salinity inhibited plant height, with reductions of 20%, 22% and 35% for S, MW and SW, respectively. Total leaf area was not modified by effect of the treatments, with the result that plant compactness increased in MW. The salt stressed plants only showed lower relative growth rate at the end of the experiment. Plants responded to saline or drought stress by increasing their osmotic adjustment, which was more pronounced under salinity. Saline plants had the highest values in Na+ and Cl- ions and the lowest values for K+/Na+ and Ca2+/Na+ ratios in leaves and stems, which is correlated with a decrease in growth, stomatal conductance, photosynthesis and stem water potential, and can be used as a diagnostic tool to assess plant tolerance to salinity stress. As a measure of plant hydration, relative water content was more sensitive to deficit irrigation than salinity, being a good indicator of water stress. P. lentiscus plants subjected to both deficit irrigation treatments exhibited an increase in their intrinsic water use efficiency, which is an important adaptation for plants growing in environments with water scarcity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shale oil is one of the most promising alternative unconventional energies in the world, and recently the Lucaogou Formation showed significant exploration potential, becoming the primary target in northwestern China. This paper focuses on the mechanical properties and fracture characteristics of shale layered samples from the Lucaogou Formation, conducting uniaxial compressive tests with real-time micro-CT scanning, as well as mineral analysis after failure. It has been found that the mechanical and fracture features are both related to the composition, distribution, content and particle size of minerals, as well as natural fractures. The main crack tends to form in the weak mineral band, for example, calcite or clay band. Since the discontinuous stress usually forms at the interfaces of different minerals, the sample with several major minerals of close content is easier to break into a fractured zone, causing lower uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus, compared with the composition of only one dominant mineral. Also, the region will be more fractured after failure if the mineral particles there become smaller. Additionally, although natural cracks have a certain influence on the development of new fractures, not all of the natural ones will propagate into the final fracture network, some of them are just compacted and closed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil water deficit and salinity represent a major factor impacting plant survival and agricultural production. The frequency and severity of both abiotic stresses are expected to increase in a context of climate change, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This work studied the growth pattern, biomass and mineral distribution and the seasonal pattern of water status, photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance in plant of Pistacia lentiscus grown under different levels of water deficit and salinity. P. lentiscus plants growing under greenhouse conditions were subjected to four irrigation treatments during 11 months: control (C, 1 dS m-1), moderate water deficit (MW, 1dS m-1, 60% of the control), severe water deficit (SW, 1 dS m-1, 40% of the control) and saline (S, 4dS m-1). The results show that Pistacia lentiscus plants were more affected by deficit irrigation than salinity. Deficit irrigation and salinity inhibited plant height, with reductions of 20%, 22% and 35% for S, MW and SW, respectively. Total leaf area was not modified by effect of the treatments, with the result that plant compactness increased in MW. The salt stressed plants only showed lower relative growth rate at the end of the experiment. Plants responded to saline or drought stress by increasing their osmotic adjustment, which was more pronounced under salinity. Saline plants had the highest values in Na+ and Cl- ions and the lowest values for K+/Na+ and Ca2+/Na+ ratios in leaves and stems, which is correlated with a decrease in growth, stomatal conductance, photosynthesis and stem water potential, and can be used as a diagnostic tool to assess plant tolerance to salinity stress. As a measure of plant hydration, relative water content was more sensitive to deficit irrigation than salinity, being a good indicator of water stress. P. lentiscus plants subjected to both deficit irrigation treatments exhibited an increase in their intrinsic water use efficiency, which is an important adaptation for plants growing in environments with water scarcity.

The precise characterization of a tight glutenite reservoir's microscopic pore structure is essential for its efficient development. However, it is difficult to accurately evaluate using a single method, and its microscopic heterogeneity is not fully understood. In this study, a combination of X-ray diffraction, casting thin section observations, scanning electron microscopy, high-pressure mercury injection, constant-speed mercury injection, X-ray computed tomography, and the advanced mathematical algorithms in the AVIZO 8.0 visualization software was used to construct the three-dimensional digital core of a glutenite reservoir at the study site, and the parameters of the pore network model were extracted. The overall microscopic pore structure characteristics were quantitatively investigated from multiple scales. Based on this, the mineral quantitative evaluation system (QEMSCAN) examined the microscopic heterogeneity of the glutenite reservoir and its impact on seepage. The results show that the glutenite reservoir in the study block can be classified into three categories based on lithology and capillary pressure curve characteristics. The type I reservoir samples have large and wide pore throats, low threshold pressure, and high reservoir quality; type II reservoir samples are characterized by medium-sized pore throat, medium threshold pressure, and moderate reservoir quality; and the small and narrow pore throat, high threshold pressure, and poor reservoir quality are characteristics of type III reservoir samples. The various pore throat types and mineral distributions are due to the differences in dissolution, compaction, and cementation. The continuous sheet pores have good connectivity, which is related to the interconnection of primary intergranular pores and strip fractures, while the connectivity of isolated pores is significantly poor, which is related to the development of intragranular dissolved pores and intercrystalline pores. This suggests the deterioration of physical properties and pore throat connectivity, reduced average pore radius, and decreased pore sorting as decreasing permeability. The tight glutenite pores range in size from 5 nm to 80 μm and primarily feature Gaussian and bimodal distribution patterns, and submicron–micron pores contribute more to seepage. The effective pores were found to be attributed to the slowing effect of abnormally high pressure on the vertical stress, and the protective effect was positively correlated with the high-pressure strength. Notably, there is strong microscopic heterogeneity in the distribution of the reservoir matrix minerals and the pore throat size. As a result, the injected fluid easily flows along the preferential seepage channel with pore development and connectivity. This study provides new insights into the exploration and development of similar tight reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papaya fruit (Carica papaya) has different degrees of ripening within each fruit, affecting its commercial market value. The fruit characteristics of "Tainung No. 2" Red papaya were investigated at the stem-end, middle, and calyx-end across 3 ripening stages and categorized based on fruit skin coloration: unripe at 16 weeks after anthesis (WAA), half-ripe at 18 WAA, and full-ripe at 20 WAA. The fruits maintained an elliptical shape during ripening with a ratio of 2.36 of the length to the width. The peel and pulp color changed from green to white to yellow during ripening, regardless of the three parts. In the pulp, soluble solid contents increased, and firmness decreased during ripening but did not differ among the three parts. Individual nutrient contents, including metabolites and minerals, changed dynamically between the ripening stages and fruit parts. Total carbohydrates and proteins, N, and K, were accumulated more at the stem-end during ripening; meanwhile, fructose, glucose, Mg, and Mn were accumulated more at the calyx-end. In the principal component analysis, ripening stages and fruit parts were distinctly determined by the first and second principal components, respectively. Understanding the nutrient and metabolite dynamics during ripening and their distribution within the fruit can help optimize cultivation practices, enhance fruit quality, and ultimately benefit both growers and consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Torrential rainfall regimes, among others, are the origin of accelerated soil erosion. The Spanish southeastern Mediterranean region is characterised by an arid climate regime affected by extreme erosion episodes with an important loss of sediments. Soil erosion effects are even more noticeable in areas where soil has been anthropically degraded, as in the mining district of Sierra Minera de Cartagena. The present research focuses on monitoring and mapping the changes in the sediment distribution of iron oxides and hydroxyl (OH−) bearing minerals caused by a cold drop known in Spanish as 'DANA' in September 2019 on the Rambla del Beal. This short rambla is fed by sediments from its drainage basin and by mining residues, irrigating a wide agricultural area. When discharges overflow the rambla channel, residues spread over its floodplain and reach the ecological protected coastal lagoon Mar Menor. The objective of the study was mapping the mineral distribution of the mining materials eroded from the source areas and sedimented in Rambla del Beal during a DANA. The study was carried out using a pre‐ and a post‐DANA image from the Sentinel‐2 satellite. After masking vegetation, urban areas and water bodies, different band ratios (B4/B3, B11/B12, B8A/B6) and a Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) classification were applied. Sediment deposits were identified in wider areas after the DANA. Iron oxides increased their extension by 11.08% in the central area (B3/B4 with R2 of 0.84) and hydroxyl‐bearing minerals increased by 8.95% in the Rambla del Beal's headwaters (B11/B12 with R2 of 0.71). The SAM classification (with a 0.1 rad threshold and an overall accuracy of 87.33%) allowed the differentiation and classification of two ferric iron oxides (haematite and goethite) and one iron hydrous sulphate mineral (jarosite). Additionally, band ratio images were spatially overlaid with the soil land uses map layer of the cadastre in order to plot the land uses most affected by the transported sediments during the DANA. These results highlighted agricultural land as the areas (land uses) most affected by iron oxides deposition, as oxidation processes occur more rapidly in these areas. However, grassland and scrubland were the areas with the highest content of hydroxyl‐bearing minerals, as water is accumulated in these places, which favours hydrolysis reactions. Highlights: Torrential events can relocate large volumes of contaminated sediments from former mining areas.Sentinel‐2 allows monitoring mine waste iron‐sulphate changes caused by weathering alteration.Spatial mineralogical pattern in sediments is controlled by geomorphology and flood dynamics.The proposed digital image analysis allows mapping short‐term evolution of mine waste sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shale oil is one of the most promising alternative unconventional energies in the world, and recently the Lucaogou Formation showed significant exploration potential, becoming the primary target in northwestern China. This paper focuses on the mechanical properties and fracture characteristics of shale layered samples from the Lucaogou Formation, conducting uniaxial compressive tests with real-time micro-CT scanning, as well as mineral analysis after failure. It has been found that the mechanical and fracture features are both related to the composition, distribution, content and particle size of minerals, as well as natural fractures. The main crack tends to form in the weak mineral band, for example, calcite or clay band. Since the discontinuous stress usually forms at the interfaces of different minerals, the sample with several major minerals of close content is easier to break into a fractured zone, causing lower uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus, compared with the composition of only one dominant mineral. Also, the region will be more fractured after failure if the mineral particles there become smaller. Additionally, although natural cracks have a certain influence on the development of new fractures, not all of the natural ones will propagate into the final fracture network, some of them are just compacted and closed.

Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) is an important commercial crop and agricultural commodity worldwide; for some Latin American countries, it is an essential part of export products. In Colombia, this crop has promising conditions to extend and strengthen this agriculture sector. However, their productivity is low under current agricultural practices, mainly due to insufficient modernization and inadequate or no management of their nutritional schemes. This publication reviewed the different findings currently in the scientific literature regarding the factors that determine the nutritional status of cacao plants, such as the function and distribution of minerals, nutritional efficiency, soil properties, establishment systems, organic and organic and inorganic sources examined. Additionally, it highlighted the importance of using and expanding diagnostic tools to determine nutritional needs and the design of effective programs according to the particular conditions of each region and the genotypes planted. This conceptual journey highlights the existing theoretical and experimental gap in the identification of the factors that determine the nutritional status of the plantations and their effect on the implementation of the fertilization programs used today. Information together provides elements to adequately address this agronomic practice and the economic impact on farmers and the cacao production chain.

Tomato is one of the main vegetables produced in Brazil, it adapts to practically all climates, but is susceptible to several diseases that lead to reduced productivity and quality. One of the most important segments in the Brazilian market is the fresh tomatoes, the 'BRS Imigrante' hybrid, which tolerates some diseases that cause production losses, is included in this category. The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth and the absorption curve of macro and micronutrients by 'BRS Imigrante' tomato cultivated in coconut fiber. The experimental design was randomized blocks with 10 treatments, consisting of sampling phases 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 days after transplantation (DAT). In all the sampling phases, the biometric parameters of the plants were evaluated: number of leaves, fresh and dry mass of stem and leaves, fresh shoot mass, stem diameter and length, and fruit size, as well as the quantification of macro and micronutrient contents of leaves, fruits and stalks were carried out. For the development of the most adequate models of the absorption curve, the sigmoidal model with 3 parameters was adopted. Regarding the biometry, the tomato showed a sigmoidal growth rate for the evaluated parts, showing that at each crop stage, it presents different requirements. The most absorbed nutrients were K, Ca and N, respectively for the macronutrients and Fe, Cu and Mn for the micronutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The equivalent circuit model is widely used in high-voltage (HV) engineering to simulate the behavior of HV applications for insulation/dielectric materials. In this study, equivalent circuit models were prepared in order to represent the electric and dielectric properties of minerals and voids in a granite rock sample. The HV electric-pulse application shows a good possibility of achieving a high energy efficiency with the size reduction and selective liberation of minerals from rocks. The electric and dielectric properties were first measured, and the mineral compositions were also determined by using a micro-X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Ten patterns of equivalent circuit models were then prepared after considering the mineral distribution in granite. Hard rocks, as well as minerals, are dielectric materials that can be represented as resistors and capacitors in parallel connections. The values of the electric circuit parameters were determined from the known electric and dielectric parameters of the minerals in granite. The average calculated data of the electric properties of granite agreed with the measured data. The conductivity values were 53.5 pS/m (measurement) and 36.2 pS/m (simulation) in this work. Although there were some differences between the measured and calculated data of dielectric loss (tanδ), their trend as a function of frequency agreed. Even though our study specifically dealt with granite, the developed equivalent circuit model can be applied to any other rock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise characterization of a tight glutenite reservoir’s microscopic pore structure is essential for its efficient development. However, it is difficult to accurately evaluate using a single method, and its microscopic heterogeneity is not fully understood. In this study, a combination of X-ray diffraction, casting thin section observations, scanning electron microscopy, high-pressure mercury injection, constant-speed mercury injection, X-ray computed tomography, and the advanced mathematical algorithms in the AVIZO 8.0 visualization software was used to construct the three-dimensional digital core of a glutenite reservoir at the study site, and the parameters of the pore network model were extracted. The overall microscopic pore structure characteristics were quantitatively investigated from multiple scales. Based on this, the mineral quantitative evaluation system (QEMSCAN) examined the microscopic heterogeneity of the glutenite reservoir and its impact on seepage. The results show that the glutenite reservoir in the study block can be classified into three categories based on lithology and capillary pressure curve characteristics. The type I reservoir samples have large and wide pore throats, low threshold pressure, and high reservoir quality; type II reservoir samples are characterized by medium-sized pore throat, medium threshold pressure, and moderate reservoir quality; and the small and narrow pore throat, high threshold pressure, and poor reservoir quality are characteristics of type III reservoir samples. The various pore throat types and mineral distributions are due to the differences in dissolution, compaction, and cementation. The continuous sheet pores have good connectivity, which is related to the interconnection of primary intergranular pores and strip fractures, while the connectivity of isolated pores is significantly poor, which is related to the development of intragranular dissolved pores and intercrystalline pores. This suggests the deterioration of physical properties and pore throat connectivity, reduced average pore radius, and decreased pore sorting as decreasing permeability. The tight glutenite pores range in size from 5 nm to 80 μm and primarily feature Gaussian and bimodal distribution patterns, and submicron–micron pores contribute more to seepage. The effective pores were found to be attributed to the slowing effect of abnormally high pressure on the vertical stress, and the protective effect was positively correlated with the high-pressure strength. Notably, there is strong microscopic heterogeneity in the distribution of the reservoir matrix minerals and the pore throat size. As a result, the injected fluid easily flows along the preferential seepage channel with pore development and connectivity. This study provides new insights into the exploration and development of similar tight reservoirs.

Papaya fruit (Carica papaya) has different degrees of ripening within each fruit, affecting its commercial market value. The fruit characteristics of “Tainung No. 2” Red papaya were investigated at the stem-end, middle, and calyx-end across 3 ripening stages and categorized based on fruit skin coloration: unripe at 16 weeks after anthesis (WAA), half-ripe at 18 WAA, and full-ripe at 20 WAA. The fruits maintained an elliptical shape during ripening with a ratio of 2.36 of the length to the width. The peel and pulp color changed from green to white to yellow during ripening, regardless of the three parts. In the pulp, soluble solid contents increased, and firmness decreased during ripening but did not differ among the three parts. Individual nutrient contents, including metabolites and minerals, changed dynamically between the ripening stages and fruit parts. Total carbohydrates and proteins, N, and K, were accumulated more at the stem-end during ripening; meanwhile, fructose, glucose, Mg, and Mn were accumulated more at the calyx-end. In the principal component analysis, ripening stages and fruit parts were distinctly determined by the first and second principal components, respectively. Understanding the nutrient and metabolite dynamics during ripening and their distribution within the fruit can help optimize cultivation practices, enhance fruit quality, and ultimately benefit both growers and consumers.

Oxy-fuel combustion is highly potential for extensive CO2 capture in utility power plants. However, little attention has been devoted to the influences of O2/CO2 atmosphere on fusion behaviors and microscopic physicochemical characteristics of high-alkali coal ash. The present study specifically focused on ash fusion behaviors and mineral transformation of Zhundong high alkali coals under oxy-fuel condition using various experimental approaches including the TG-DSC analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction techniques. The experimental results showed that the change among air, CO2, and O2/CO2 atmospheres had a slight impact on ash fusion points, while the physicochemical properties of the softening ash were affected. Oxy-fuel condition affected the volatility of high-alkali ash and the certain elements distributions on the softening ash surfaces, while the O2 content was the primary influential factor on micro-morphology of softening ash. The distributions of crystalline minerals in softening ash varied with atmospheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The equivalent circuit model is widely used in high-voltage (HV) engineering to simulate the behavior of HV applications for insulation/dielectric materials. In this study, equivalent circuit models were prepared in order to represent the electric and dielectric properties of minerals and voids in a granite rock sample. The HV electric-pulse application shows a good possibility of achieving a high energy efficiency with the size reduction and selective liberation of minerals from rocks. The electric and dielectric properties were first measured, and the mineral compositions were also determined by using a micro-X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Ten patterns of equivalent circuit models were then prepared after considering the mineral distribution in granite. Hard rocks, as well as minerals, are dielectric materials that can be represented as resistors and capacitors in parallel connections. The values of the electric circuit parameters were determined from the known electric and dielectric parameters of the minerals in granite. The average calculated data of the electric properties of granite agreed with the measured data. The conductivity values were 53.5 pS/m (measurement) and 36.2 pS/m (simulation) in this work. Although there were some differences between the measured and calculated data of dielectric loss (tanδ), their trend as a function of frequency agreed. Even though our study specifically dealt with granite, the developed equivalent circuit model can be applied to any other rock.

Micromechanical representation of bone ultrastructure as a composite of aligned mineralized collagen fibrils embedded in a porous polycrystalline matrix has allowed for successfully predicting the (poro/visco-)elastic and strength properties of bone tissues throughout the entire vertebrate animal kingdom, based on the “universal” mechanical properties of the material's elementary components: molecular collagen, hydroxyapatite, and water-type fluids. We here check whether the explanatory power of this schematic representation might extend beyond the realm of mechanics; namely, toward electrodynamics and X-ray physics. This requires knowledge about the electron density distribution across the bone ultrastructure, reflecting the organization of collagen molecules, hydroxyapatite (mineral) crystals, and water with non-collageneous organics. The latter follow three principal, mathematically formulated, “universal” rules, namely (i) a unique bilinear relationship between mineral and collagen concentrations found in bone tissues throughout the vertebrate animal kingdom, (ii) the precipitation of mineral from a ionic solution under closed thermodynamic conditions, governing mass density-dependent lateral distances between the long collagen molecules, and (iii) the identity of the extracollageneous mineral concentration in the fibrillar and extrafibrillar, as well as in the gap and the overlap compartments of bone ultrastructure. The corresponding electron density distributions are then inserted into Fourier transform-type solutions of the Maxwell equations specified for a Small Angle X-ray Scattering setting. The aforementioned mineral distribution, as well as random fluctuations of fibrils, both within their transverse plane around a hexagonal lattice and in form of axial shifts, turn out to be the key for successfully predicting experimentally observed X-ray diffraction patterns. This marks a new level of quantitative, “mathematized” understanding of theorganization of bone ultrastructure. In particular, earlier interpretations of SAXS data, leading to the idea of bone being a soft organic matrix with stiff mineral inclusions, may have been overcome, in favor of a more complex, but also more realistic modeling concept concerning the ultrastructural organization of bone.

Silicon (Si) is reported to improve salt stress tolerance of cereals, but little is known about the effects of Si on flows and partitioning of sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl−), and essential mineral ions at the tissue and cellular level. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was exposed to 200 mM NaCl for 30 d in hydroponics, with or without 2 mM Si. X-ray microanalysis coupled with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to quantify the cell-specific ion profiles across root and leaf cells, paralleled by measurements of wheat growth and physiological responses. Under salt stress, higher Na+ and Cl− concentrations were detected in root epidermal, cortical and stelar cells, eventually increasing their concentrations in different leaf cells, being highest in the epidermal cells and lowest in the vascular bundle cells. The potassium (K+) and magnesium (Mg2+) profiles were generally opposite to those of Na+ and Cl−. NaCl-dependent deregulation of essential nutrient homeostasis and excessive toxic ions accumulation in leaves was correlated with enhanced electrolyte leakage index (ELI), decreased chlorophyll contents, photosynthesis and other physiological parameters, and ultimately hampered plant growth. Conversely, Si addition improved the growth and physiological performance of salinized wheat by reducing Na+ and Cl− concentration in root epidermal and cortical cells, and it improved root uptake and storage of K+ and Mg2+ ions and their loading into xylem for distribution to shoots. These results suggest that Si-mediated inhibition of Na+ uptake, maintained nutrient homeostasis and improved physiological parameters to contribute to wheat growth improvement under salt stress. • Silicon supplementation in nutrient formulation of salt-stressed wheat significantly reduced cellular damages and the resultant growth defects. • Improved biomass yield by added silicon under salt stress indicated that this amelioration was correlated with improved photosynthetic rate and physiological performance. • NaCl-induced deregulation of nutrient homeostasis was significantly reversed by silicon supply and indicate a decisive role of silicon for readjusting nutrient ion homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Dynamics of pectin extractability in cotyledons and seed coats were explored for mechanistic insight into pectin changes due to aging and cooking of beans. In addition, changes in mineral distribution during cooking were determined in order to investigate their retention in the matrix. Pre-soaked fresh and aged beans were cooked in demineralized water for different times and the cotyledons, seed coats and cooking water were lyophilized. From cotyledon and seed coat powders, alcohol insoluble residue (AIR) was extracted and sequentially fractionated into water-, chelator- and sodium carbonate-extractable pectin (WEP, CEP and NEP, respectively). Characterization of pectin in AIR and pectin fractions revealed inherent structural differences between cotyledon and seed coat pectin with the latter exhibiting a lower degree of methylesterification (DM) and being more linear. Due to aging, WEP decreased whilst NEP substantially increased and the CEP fraction and DM of pectin in AIR did not change significantly, suggesting a more crucial role of increased covalent bonding than cation-mediated crosslinking in aging-induced hardening of beans. During cooking, some NEP was converted into WEP and no pectin depolymerization was observed from molar mass distribution profiles. Pectin changes due to aging and cooking of beans were more pronounced in the cotyledon compared to the seed coat. Whilst Ca2+, Fe2+ and Zn2+ were largely retained in the bean matrix during cooking, Mg2+ was largely leached from cotyledons into the cooking water. In conclusion, aging-induced hardening of beans and softening during cooking were found to be premised on interconversion of pectin fractions in cotyledons. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Pectin changes during hardening and cooking of beans were explored. • Hardening and softening of beans were related to pectin fraction interconversions. • Interconversion of NEP to WEP promoted softening of cotyledons. • Changes in mineral distribution during cooking of beans were investigated. • Fe2+, Zn2+, Ca2+ were mostly retained in the bean matrix whilst Mg2+ leached out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the composition and source variations of heavy minerals in the Fujian-Zhejiang mud belt (FZMB) over the past few hundred years, heavy minerals in 150 surficial sediment samples and two sediments cores collected from the southern FZMB were identified and analyzed. The results show that the mineral assemblage of hornblende-magnetite-epidote-chlorite is dominant in the study area. Based on the heavy mineral contents, the study area is divided into two mineral zones, namely a near-shore muddy sediment zone (zone I) and an offshore mixed sediment zone (zone II). The sediments from zone I contains relatively abundant metallic minerals with proximal sediments from the Oujiang River and the Minjiang River as the primary component. The sediment from zone II has relatively low content for minerals from the near-shore materials and is significantly affected by the Oujiang River sediments, and by the flaky minerals from the Yangtze River to a certain extent. The characteristics of heavy minerals in the cores may be affected by a variety of factors. Before the 20th century, under the influence of strong East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM), the sandy sediment in FZMB is significantly affected by the Oujiang River and the Yangtze River sediments, and relatively unaffected by near-shore terrigenous matter. In the 20th century, as the intensity of the Zhejiang-Fujian Coastal Current (ZFCC) decreased, the influence of the Minjiang coastal sand enhanced. Since the 1980s, as the collective effect of relatively weak EAWM and frequent storm surges and typhoons, the impact of the Minjiang River sediments on the FZMB sediments has increased considerably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clay mineral compositions of 199 offshore surface sediment samples collected from the Hangzhou Bay have been analyzed. The clay minerals in the sediments from the Hangzhou Bay are dominated by illite (58.7%, on average), followed by chlorite (20.3%), kaolinite (16.9%) and smectite (4.1%). Two provinces were classified by Q-mode cluster analysis. Class I with relatively low amounts of illite and smectite is widely distributed in the Hangzhou Bay, especially concentrated in the top and mouth of the bay, and the northern and southern nearshore areas. Class II with comparatively high amounts of illite and smectite is mainly concentrated in the central part of the bay with the water depth of 8-10 m. By comparing clay mineral compositions with the neighbouring regions, we can find that the sediments in the Hangzhou Bay are mainly influenced by the resuspension and repeated deposition of particles from the Yangtze River due to the strong dynamic environment. In particular, the clay fraction of Class I is mainly supplied by the Yangtze River, while the sediments of Class II are mixture of the clay minerals carried by the Yangtze River and Qiantang River. In general, the distributions of clay minerals in the northern bay are affected by Yangtze River runoff, coastal current and flood tide together, and in the southern they are mainly affected by the Qiantang River runoff and ebb tide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty one samples of stream sediments were collected from the Diyala River Basin (DRB), which represent one of three major tributaries of the Tigris River at northeastern Iraq. This study is concerned with the heavy minerals (HM) analysis in the + 63μ m fraction of the Diyala River sediments, distribution pattern in the various river basin sectors, as well as comparing the present results with previous works. The metastable heavy minerals (epidote, staurolite, garnet) represent more than (30%) Whereas the unstable heavy minerals (pyroxene and amphibole) make only about ( 19 %). Opaque's are present in high proportions reaching about (29%) as an average, and decreasing southwards. The Ultra stable (zircon, tourmaline, rutile) heavy minerals are the miner constituents (7%) in the sediments. According to the laboratory analytical data of heavy mineral distributions the studied sediments are derived from several sources for the heavy minerals including igneous metamorphic and sedimentary complexes are found in northeastern Iraq that represent by Walash – Nawpordan Series and Mawat complexes in Zagros zones. As well as the detritus sediments transferred from the rock formations that appears in different parts of the basin, which represented by Fatha(upper Miocene), Injana(Middle Miocene ), Muqdadiya (lower Pliocene), Bai Hassan (upper Pliocene), Kolosh (Paleocene-Early Eocene) and Gercus (Middle Eocene) formations, which were derived from igneous and metamorphic rocks and ancient sedimentary rocks located in to the northeast of Iraq. The presence of Zircon and Tourmaline in trace amounts may give an indication for the weak role of acidic rocks in the source area, whereas the Epidote group minerals give an indication for the role of metamorphic rocks.

Main conclusion: Potassium (K), phosphorous (P), and carboxyfluorescein (CF) accumulate in functionally distinct tissues within the pine seedling root cortex.Seedlings of Pinus pinea translocate exogenous CF and endogenous K and P from the female gametophyte/cotyledons to the growing radicle. Following unloading in the root tip, these materials accumulate in characteristic spatial patterns. Transverse sections of root tips show high levels of P in a circular ring of several layers of inner cortical cells. K and CF are minimal in the high P tissue. In contrast, high levels of K and CF accumulate in outer cortical cells, and in the vascular cylinder. These patterns are a property of living tissue because they change after freeze-thaw treatment, which kills the cells and results in uniform distribution of K and P. K concentration can be reduced to undetectable levels by incubation of roots in 100 mM NaCl. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) of root segments both reliably determine K and P concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study verified the concentration over time of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) in the leaves, stems, fruits, and roots of tomato plants. An indeterminate growth variety with ball-type fruits suited for greenhouse cultivation was used. The results showed that the distribution of minerals in the different organs of the plant varies over time. The minerals N, P, and K showed a tendency to decrease their concentration, while the concentration of Ca and S increased and that of Mg remained constant over time. The leaves had the highest concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg. The concentrations of K, for both leaf and stem, ranged between 20 and 30 g kg−1. N and K were the most extracted minerals, while P was the least extracted mineral. The information presented in this paper allows a better fertilization plan for growing tomatoes inside greenhouses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detrital minerals of 137 offshore and 22 river sediment samples collected from Qingdao coastal areas have been analyzed. Four mineral assemblage provinces can be classified by Q-mode cluster analysis. Factor analysis identifies two major factors that account for the total variability in most common minerals: 1) based on the relationship of quartz, hornblende, actinolite, micas, and authigenic pyrite, 41.55% of the variability is related to sediment sources; 2) based on the relationship of epidote, garnet, sphere, and ilmenite, 23.21% can be related to strong hydrodynamic conditions that control transport and sedimentation. By comparing mineral compositions of river waters in the study area, the following four mineral provenances can be identified. The Qingdao-Laoshan nearshore area has a quartz-feldspar-epidote-hornblende-limenite-limonite-sphene assemblage, which is largely attributed to relict sediment and coastal erosion. The Jimo-Haiyang nearshore area has a quartz-feldspar-hornblende-epidote-limonite-mica-actinolite assemblage, derived largely from the Wulong River and Rushan River, and is also affected by the Huanghe River, while the Qianliyan Island area in the deeper offshore area separated by a mud belt has a similar assemblage. The Haiyang-Rushan nearshore area has a quartz-feldspar-hornblende-epidote-micas-limonite assemblage, indicating multiple sources from the Rushan River, the Wulong River, the Huanghe River, and coastal erosion. The central area, located in an eddy center, has a mica-authigenic pyrite-hornblende-quartzfeldspar assemblage, indicating multiple sources dominated by Huanghe River distal sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent increase in demand for agricultural products combined with scarcity of fresh water has motivated increased use of non-conventional water sources for irrigation. Application of water varying in quality dictates adjustment of nitrogen (N) management. The response of bell pepper to a range of different concentrations of N and salinity (NaCl) was evaluated in soilless and field experiments under greenhouse conditions. Pepper plant biomass and yield increased with N and decreased with salinity. Chloride accumulated mainly in the stems and the fraction of Cl in leaves increased as a function of increased exposure to salinity. Increasing N application resulted in reduced Cl uptake and accumulation in pepper organs, including leaves and petioles. Although N significantly reduced Cl content and concentration in leaves and petioles it did not compensate for the negative effects of increasing salinity. This indicates that salinity itself and not Cl − N competition was the limiting factor affecting growth and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed at investigating the effects of emerging texture-improved processing techniques including high hydrostatic pressure (HHP; 150–450 MPa/10 min), high-intensity ultrasonication (HIU; 17.83 W·cm − 2 /30 min) and germination (37 °C/36 h) pretreatments on lipid hydrolysis and oxidation development of wholegrain brown rice (WBR) during storage, in an attempt to ascertain a possible link between lipid degradation and the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that HHP and HIU treatments enhanced lipid hydrolysis and oxidation as indicated by the formation of free fatty acids (FFA) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) respectively, whereas an opposite pattern was observed for germination. Storage process rather than after immediate treatments observed an increase in lipid oxidation of HHP and HIU-processed samples, which was related to processing-induced liberation of minerals. Quantitative and qualitative characterization via inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and micro X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) analysis confirmed the shifts of mineral distribution in WBR grains in response to different pretreatments. The WBR-derived lipase was activated by Ca 2 + , and μ-XRF mapping indicated calcium enrichment in pericarp/aleurone layer and its mobilization to embryo during germination process where magnesium and manganese were significantly reduced. Multivariate analysis revealed a close relationship between increased lipid degradation and minerals including magnesium and manganese. This is the first time for reporting the effects of selected texture-improved techniques on lipid stability of WBR grains across storage process as well as validating the involvement of processing-induced mineral release in lipid degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese (Mn) is a trace element required for normal physiological processes in animals and humans. Organic forms of trace elements are expected to have higher bioavailability in comparison with inorganic sources. The effect of feeding a diet supplemented with different sources of manganese to lambs was studied in a 112-d feeding trial. The aim of this study was to investigate the deposition of Mn in relation to activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and arginase in the tissues of lambs fed the diet supplemented with an inorganic or an organic source of manganese up to the maximum total Mn content allowed in the European Union (150 mg Mn/kg). A total of eighteen female lambs of the improved Valachian breed were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments and fed an unsupplemented basal diet (Control, 31 mg Mn/kg) or the identical diet supplemented with manganese sulphate (MnSO 4 ) or manganese chelate of glycine hydrate (Mn-Gly) with a total Mn content up to 150 mg/kg. Regardless of the source, feed supplementation with manganese increased Mn concentrations in plasma ( P ˂ 0.05) and the liver ( P ˂ 0.001) as well as the activity of liver MnSOD ( P ˂ 0.05) and arginase ( P ˂ 0.001) compared with the control lambs. In the kidney cortex, the concentration of Mn was greatest in lambs fed the diet supplemented with the chelated Mn source compared with animals receiving the inorganic Mn source ( P ˂ 0.05) and the unsupplemented diet ( P ˂ 0.001). The 112-d intake of feed enriched with manganese did not result in any change in Mn levels, SOD or MnSOD activity in pancreas and kidney tissues. Plasma Cu concentration was depressed in both supplemented treatments. No analyzed tissue showed a change in zinc and copper levels, except the greater Cu concentration in the liver of lambs fed the diet with Mn-Gly. The presented results did not indicate any differences between dietary Mn sources either in Mn tissue deposition or activity of SOD, MnSOD and arginase in lamb tissues; however, it seems that manganese intake of up to 150 mg/kg in feed may decrease plasma Cu concentration in lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of cadmium and zinc on growth and mineral distribution in Populus tremula × P. alba genotype 717-1B4 were investigated. Exposure to 360 mg(Cd) kg-1(soil) resulted in accumulation of Cd in all organs and inhibition of primary and secondary growth as well as of the net photosynthetic rate. No growth inhibition occurred under zinc exposure. Cd was mainly stored in the woody parts of stem, whereas zinc was preferentially localized in the leaves. Cd treatment also altered distribution of Zn2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, and Fe2+ in different organs.

Summary A wide variety of hydrogeochemical data were obtained through the analysis of the formation water samples collected from 118 producing wells from the San Francisco Oilfield (SFO) in the Upper Magdalena Valley (UMV) basin, Huila, Colombia. The study area is composed of deposited sandstone in fluvial–lacustrine marine environment, which characterized the formation waters as chloride-sodium water type. The brackish-saline facies identified can be attributed to evaporation, halite and dolomite dissolution along with water recharge of meteoric waters somewhere in the basin, probably from Magdalena River, the contribution of the SFO injection water system and significantly by the rock–water interaction. Some ionic ratios were used to confirm clearly that water–rock interactions play a significant role in the evolution of the hydrogeochemistry process in the SFO. The charge balance error ranges between −5.88% and 2.62% indicating very well balanced and mature water for blocks 1, 2 and 3 (north part of the field), and partially equilibrated and immature waters for blocks 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 as is confirmed by Piper, Giggenbach, and Schöeller diagrams. Calculated scale and stability indices (Langelier, Ryznar, and Puckorius), besides halite and dolomite indexes, indicate that these formation waters are slightly saturated with respect to the calcite and dolomite and have strong tendency to the scale formation as well. Concentration maps were used to identify the geological factors that could have influenced its chemical composition and the hydrogeochemical processes involved in the field, such as halite dissolution, calcite or dolomite precipitation and cationic exchange reactions. The mineralogical distribution leads to the conclusion that the halite dissolution is mostly distributed in the Northeastern area of the SFO between B1, B3, B4, B5, and B6 blocks, the dolomite and calcite have greater concentrations between B5 and B6 blocks. The dissolved minerals followed the trend halite > calcite > dolomite > silvite. HCA gives two main clusters divided in six water classes, while PCA explains near of 48.85% of the variance in the samples. CP1 explains 25.74% of the correlation between variables and factors revealing a high positive loading for electrical properties and cations. This factor may be related with the high dissolution of halite (marine environment) caused by the intensive flushing of the rock formation. CP2 explains the 13.15% of the data showing a good correlation between alkalinity parameters. CP3 explain the 10%, which establishes a good negative correlation for pH, and positive correlation between iron, zinc, and ammonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk gels (acid or rennet) are used by dairy industry to produce dairy products such as yogurt and cheese. Enrichment of milk with calcium salts and heat treatment are known to produce 'calcium-milk coagulum' as a new type of milk gels, due to reduction of milk protein charges through calcium binding. The combination of heat treatment and calcium addition to milk results in gel structures, but the effect of calcium addition and pH adjustment during heating of milk is still unclear. The role of added calcium and decreasing pH were investigated by addition of calcium chloride (30 mM) to reconstituted skim milk followed by pH adjustment by hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide (4.6 < pH < 6.6 investigated), followed by heating at 90 °C for 10 min and overnight storage at 22 °C. In parallel, samples with no addition of calcium chloride were produced under the same conditions. The time and temperature to reach the gelation point, as detected by dynamic measurements of storage modulus (G′), were decreasing as pH decreased without addition of calcium, while calcium addition made gelation time and temperature independent of pH except for pH 4.6. Heat treatment combined with calcium addition was found, using confocal laser microscopy, to provide a fine and dense gel structure for skim milk with higher pH, while at pH lower than 5.6, the gel structure was similar to the structure of acid-induced gels. The last observation helps to establish a pH limit for production of calcium gels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulation results of Jade hydrothermal vent in Okinawa trough, Japan and Dante hydrothermal vent in Endeavour ridge in the north east Pacific are presented using an improved version of MOHTV model. The results are presented along with some limited field comparisons. A limited study on the sensitivity of model results to key model parameters is also presented. The model used is capable of simulating the hydrodynamics, thermodynamics, and mineral formations in underwater hydrothermal vents. The transport and spread of the plume fluid and minerals formed are simulated in three stages: plume dynamics stage that is momentum and buoyancy driven; transition to far field conditions as a gravity current; and far field conditions where the mineral particles move according to advection diffusion governed by the ambient currents and mineral particle settling velocities that eventually lead to their bed deposition. Thermodynamics include the changes in plume temperature and its related properties such as the vent fluid density. Physico-chemical processes are the chemical reactions that occur in the plume due to the hot vent fluid mixing with cold ambient water. Chemical reactions form new compounds (mostly minerals), which change the plume properties and therefore its behavior. Model simulates the formation of minerals namely FeS, FeS 2 , ZnS, CuFeS 2 , CuS, PbS, CaSO 4 , BaSO 4 , and Particulate Manganese – PMn. This improved version of MOHTV considers a user defined particles size distribution, the bathymetry of the ocean bottom, and can be used to run long-term simulations. The model results compare reasonably well with the field data. The parametric analyses show, which input and/or ambient conditions most affect the distribution of particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Mineral contents in Aloe vera L. gel can be influenced by growth periods. [•] Freeze-drying renders amorphous, unorganized and dispersed structure to gel. [•] Na, K, Ca, Mg and P contents were found to be high at 2-year-old plants. [•] Se (an antioxidant mineral) is present in gel, and more at 3-year-old aloe. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An important factor in sustaining agricultural yield, mineral fertilization is at the same time one of the factors that causes changes in the chemical characteristics of the soils. Nutriment mobility in the soil is different: it is higher in the nitrogen case and lower in that of phosphorus'. We assessed the changes in the macroelement content of the upper soil horizon when applying mineral fertilizers on winter wheat crops. We tested different doses and combinations of complex mineral fertilizers, NPK (S) fertilizers with zinc [15/15/15(+3+Zn)] and ammonium nitrate (35:0:0). The determinations were made for two depths, 0 - 10 cm and 10 - 20 cm, in order to observe the mobility of the nutrients for each soil profile. Nitrogen content vacillates between 0.15 - 0.25% ± 0 - 10 cm depth and 0.16- 0.23% ± 0.006. Phosphorus is found between 25.8 - 54.64 ppm ± 3.109 for a depth ofO - 10cm and 30.8 -28.14 ppm ± 1.406 for 10-20 cm. Potassium content varies between 193.8 - 384.64 ppm ± 25.627 for the depth of 0 - 10 cm and 205.45 - 327.14 ppm ± 15.135 for the depth of 10 - 20 cm. While analysing the results on the macroelement content and mobility in the soil horizon under research in terms of multiple correlations, we got very strong positive correlation for nitrogen and potassium and weak correlation for phosphorus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tibolone is a synthetic steroid with estrogenic, androgenic, and progestagenic properties used for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis and treatment of climacteric symptoms. Tibolone shows almost no action on breast and endometrium, which are target-organs for estrogens and progesterone activity. The aim of this work was to investigate the spatial distribution of calcium and zinc minerals in the femoral head of ovariectomized rat in order to evaluate the effects of the long-term administration of tibolone. For that purpose X-ray microfluorescence was used with synchrotron radiation imaging technique which was performed at Brazilian Light Synchrotron Laboratory, Campinas, SP. Minerals were not homogeneously distributed in trabecular bone areas; a higher concentration of calcium in the trabecular regions at femoral heads was found in ovariectomized and tibolone-treated rats compared to ovariectomized and control groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this work is to understand the distribution of minerals by obtaining a shallow velocity structure around the Karatungk (喀拉通克) region. Data were acquired in 2009 by a denser array in deploying a transportable seismometer with 4.5 Hz vertical geophone. All the P-wave arrival times are picked automatically with Akaike information criterion, and then checked manmachine interactively by short-receiver geometry. The database for local active-source tomographic inversion involves 4 241 P-wave arrival time readings from 96 shots and three quarry blasts. Checkerboard tests aimed at checking the reliability of the obtained velocity models are presented. The resulting V distribution slices show a complicated 3-D structure beneath this area and offer a better understanding of three well-defined mineral deposits. Near the surface we observe a series of zones with slightly high-velocity which probably reflect potential deposits. Based on features of metallic ores we attempt to delimit their distributions and stretched directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of cadmium and zinc on growth and mineral distribution in Populus tremula × P. alba genotype 717-1B4 were investigated. Exposure to 360 mg(Cd) kg(soil) resulted in accumulation of Cd in all organs and inhibition of primary and secondary growth as well as of the net photosynthetic rate. No growth inhibition occurred under zinc exposure. Cd was mainly stored in the woody parts of stem, whereas zinc was preferentially localized in the leaves. Cd treatment also altered distribution of Zn, Ca, Mg, K, and Fe in different organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]