Branching Zone Research Articles

Faraday instability of viscous liquid films on a heated substrate with Maxwell–Cattaneo heat flux

Faraday instability of viscous liquid films with Maxwell–Cattaneo (MC) heat flux on an infinite, heated horizontal substrate subject to vertical time-varying periodic vibration is investigated theoretically. The MC effect means that the response of the heat flux to a temperature gradient obeys a relaxation time law rather than a classical Fourier time law. Applying the classic Floquet theory to linear analysis, a recursive relation is obtained. When considering the MC effect, a new phenomenon appears at a large wave number k. The neutral stability curves branch new tongues that turn left rather than right as before, but the tongues still move up and right as the wave number increases. Furthermore, typical harmonic (H) and subharmonic (SH) alternation behavior continues to exist. Interestingly, the first tongue of a branch is H or SH, implying that there is a transition following the branches. However, near the critical wave number kc of a branch, the SH and H almost overlap. As Cattaneo number C increases, the tongue-like unstable zones of branches become wider, and the critical wave number kc of the appeared branch becomes small. As the driving frequency ω decreases, the branch tongues become elongated and the critical wave number kc of the appeared branch becomes small.

Unruptured intracranial aneurysm volume change patterns and association with age, sex, location in vascular tree, and common risk factors: a single-centre retrospective study.

Unruptured intracranial aneurysms pose a significant clinical and decision-making dilemma. Increase in dome size is one of the crucial indications for treatment. Almost no data exists as to how aneurysms change in size over time. 102 patients (76 women) who had a total of 501 CT examinations were included in the study. Inclusion criteria were: at least three CT angiography studies, an observation period of at least three years, or bleeding during the follow-up period. In each study, the volume of each aneurysm was measured at least four times by two experienced neuroradiologists with the use of dedicated tools. Collected data was used to obtain numerical volume change models for each aneurysm. 149 aneurysms were analysed in the study (118 in women) No significant differences in location, size or age of observation were detected between men and women. Median follow-up was 5.64 years (IQR 4.17-7.71) and total aneurysm observation time amounted to 964.59 years. There were 57 branching zone aneurysms (women 46), 44 sidewall aneurysms (women 36), 20 anterior communicating artery aneurysms (women 16), 20 posterior communicating artery aneurysms (women 13), and eight posterior circulation aneurysms (women 7). 78 (52%) aneurysms remained stable (women 59), 24 (16.6%) increased their volume (women 20), and five (3.4%) decreased (women 4). In 42 (28%) cases, we observed non-uniform routes of volume changes over surveillance (women 35). In the last group, analysing the whole period of follow-up, 29 (69%) did not change volume (women 24), 11 (26%) grew (women 10), and two decreased in size (4.8%, women 1). Bifurcation zone aneurysms, lower aspect ratio, lower patient age, and higher initial volume were associated with an increased risk of aneurysm growth. Posterior circulation aneurysms presented the lowest rate of volume increase. A substantial amount of followed up aneurysms could change volume in a non-uniform way, and an increase in volume may not lead to aneurysm rupture.

Exploration and Characterization of Host Trees and Orchid Epiphyte Zones in Lore Lindu National Park, Central Sulawesi

Host trees are vital for the survival of epiphytic orchids, providing necessary light and air circulation for optimal growth. Large trees with tall canopies contribute to the broader distribution of epiphytic orchids in forest areas. This research aimed to identify the characteristics of orchid host tree species in Lore Lindu National Park, considering both elevation zones and orchid growth zones. The research was conducted at various locations within the park, employing the field exploration survey method (cruise method). This method involved comprehensive exploration at each research site and establishing observation paths along pioneer lines, mainly where orchid host trees were found. The findings indicate the presence of 20 types of orchid host trees and 35 species of epiphytic orchids. The basal branching zone (Zone 3) was the most populated by epiphytic orchids on host trees, and the lowland forest was the elevation zone where most orchid host trees were found in Lore Lindu National Park, Central Sulawesi. Keywords: host trees, Lore Lindu National Park, orchids, zone distribution

Improvement of Formability in Parallel Double-Branched Tube Hydroforming Combined with Pre-Forming and Crushing Processes.

In hydroforming of parallel double-branch tubes, the material entering the branch zone is obstructed by material accumulation in the main tubes and corners, which decreases the branch height. A tube hydroforming approach is combined with pre-forming and crushing (THPC) to mitigate this problem. A larger diameter tube blank is flattened for pre-forming and then subjected to radial compression for crushing. In the next step, hydroforming forms the parallel double-branch tubes. Experiments and numerical simulations are then carried out to analyze the effect of traditional tube hydroforming (TTH) and the proposed THPC process on the formability of parallel double-branch tubes. The results show that for tubes obtained via THPC, the tube burst pressure increases by 27.5% and the branch height increases 2.37-fold compared to TTH. Additionally, the flattening, pre-forming, and crushing stages cause work hardening of the tube when using the TPHC process. Flattened tubes undergo radial compression to improve the material flowing into the branch tube. The formability of parallel double-branched tubes can be improved by using the TPHC process. Consequently, tube hydroforming, combined with pre-forming and crushing, has been confirmed as a feasible forming process for fabricating parallel double-branch tubes.

Enzyme systems for fragmentation of the rhamnogalacturonan sites main chains in plant tissue protopectin complex

Special features of the protopectin complex structure of plant tissue suggest the necessity of performing point destruction of certain glycoside bonds in the structure of rhamnogalacturonan polymer chains for industrial production of pectin. These chains include homogalacturonan sites and branching zones. As the homogalacturonan fragments of the protopectin complex carry the main functional load, glycoside bonds between residues of rhamnose and galacturonic acid are targeted bonds. For their directional destruction, it is most expedient to use enzymes of lyase and hydrolase action. The aim of this review is to systemize notions of molecular specific features of enzymes of lyase and hydrolase action that catalyze the process of enzymatic destruction of the rhamnogalacturonan main chain. The paper examines systematics of lyase and hydrolase enzymes by mechanism of destruction of glycoside bonds and by molecular structure. It is shown that the classification data intercross, as a result, each family can include one or several enzyme groups. The review shows the main structural difference of enzymes of lyase and hydrolase action that consists in the obligatory presence of Ca2+ cations in the composition of lyase enzymes. These cations take part in stabilization of conformation of the enzyme molecule and in the catalytic process per se blocking the residue of galacturonic acid. Ca2+ cations are absent in the composition of targeted hydrolase enzymes. Molecular specific features of lyase enzymes determine sensitivity of their catalytic activity to the presence of Ca2+ cations in the system. Exceeding certain concentration can lead to the antagonistic effect. There is no unambiguous idea of this regarding hydrolase enzymes. The review demonstrates the necessity of studying approaches to assessment of expediency of preliminary partial removal of cations from the substrate.

A Simple Protocol for Mapping the Plant Root System Architecture Traits.

Comprehensive knowledge of plant root system architecture (RSA) development is critical for improving nutrient use efficiency and increasing crop cultivar tolerance to environmental challenges. An experimental protocol is presented for setting up the hydroponic system, plantlet growth, RSA spreading, and imaging. The approach used a magenta box-based hydroponic system containing polypropylene mesh supported by polycarbonate wedges. Experimental settings are exemplified by assessing the RSA of the plantlets under varying nutrient (phosphate [Pi]) supply. The system was established to examine the RSA of Arabidopsis, but it is readily adaptable to study other plants like Medicago sativa (Alfalfa). Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0) plantlets are used in this investigation as an example to understand the plant RSA. Seeds are surface sterilized by treating ethanol and diluted commercial bleach, and kept at 4 °C for stratification. The seeds are germinated and grown on a liquid half-MS medium on a polypropylene mesh supported by polycarbonate wedges. The plantlets are grown under standard growth conditions for the desired number days, gently picked out from the mesh, and submersed in water-containing agar plates. Each root system of the plantlets is spread gently on the water-filled plate with the help of a round art brush. These Petri plates are photographed or scanned at high resolution to document the RSA traits. The root traits, such as primary root, lateral roots, and branching zone, are measured using the freely available ImageJ software. This study provides techniques for measuring plant root characteristics in controlled environmental settings. We discuss how to (1) grow the plantlets, and collect and spread root samples, (2) obtain pictures of spread RSA samples, (3) capture the images, and (4) use image analysis software to quantify root attributes. The advantage of the present method is the versatile, easy, and efficient measurement of the RSA traits.

Influence of plant growth regulators on growth and formation of sylleptic shoots in one-year-old apple cv. Gala Mast

Aim: To examine the effectiveness of 6-benzyladenine (BA) alone or in combination with gibberellic acid (GA3) on sylleptic shoots formation on one-year-old apple cv. Gala Mast grafted on MM-106 rootstock. Methodology: During the second vegetative period, the actively growing apical portion of the nursery tree was sprayed with varying doses of BA and BA+GA3 (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 ppm) using a hand sprayer until run-off. Three spray treatments were performed at one week apart. The first spray was applied when the growth of the central leader reached 70-80 cm. Results: All plant growth regulators treatments significantly increased the number and length of sylleptic shoots, branching zone and per cent branched trees compared to control. The unsprayed trees had an average of 1.95 useful sylleptic per tree, 1.1 m total sylleptic shoot length, 10.24 cm branching zone and 35 per cent branched trees. Application of BA (700 ppm) resulted in four-fold increase in the number of sylleptic shoots (7.8), more than two-fold increase in total length of sylleptic shoots (2.44 m), and around four-fold increase in branching zone (38.96 cm). The 100 per cent branched trees were obtained with the application of BA (500, 600, 700 ppm) and BA+GA3 (600, 700 ppm) in both experimental years. Moreover, these treatments obtained 2.78 to 2.90 values of the trunk and mean sylleptic shoot diameter ratio. Interpretation: Application of BA alone or in combination with GA3 played an important role in overcoming apical dominance and therefore in the production of well-branched apple nursery tree. However, application of BA alone has a stronger positive effect on sylleptic shoot formation. More than 400 ppm BA appears to give a significant stimulation for the production of sylleptic shoots, with the highest beneficial effect reported with the application of 700 ppm BA. However, it is cost-effective to apply 3 sprays of 500 ppm BA for adequate growth and sylleptic shoot production. Key words: 6-benzyladenine, Gibberellic acid, Nursery tree, Plant growth regulators, Sylleptic shoot

Characterizing pulsatile blood flow in a specific carotid bifurcation: insights into hemodynamics and rheology models

<abstract> <p>This study uses laminar and turbulent flow models to investigate the blood flow dynamics in a specific carotid bifurcation. Pulsatile boundary conditions and the rigid carotid artery wall are considered. Three viscosity models describe the non-Newtonian blood behavior. The Fluent solver and the finite volume method solve the equations. Results show a Poiseuille-like flow in the common carotid artery (CCA), unaffected by the flow regime, viscosity model, or boundary conditions. The branching zone exhibits a C-shaped stagnation zone with low velocity and wall shear stress due to the CCA widening and ICA/ECA curvature. Strong secondary flow is observed in the carotid sinus; the flow is directed towards the inner wall with higher velocity in the internal carotid artery. Discrepancies between viscosity models are pronounced in laminar flow, particularly with the natural boundary conditions. The non-Newtonian blood behavior is more apparent in the laminar flow of the external carotid artery, especially with the second set of boundary conditions.</p> </abstract>

The Enhancement of Submesoscale Ageostrophic Motion on the Mesoscale Eddies in the South China Sea

AbstractAgeostrophic motion regulates the transformation of energy between large‐scale geostrophic motion and dissipate scale motion. By combining surface drifters and satellite altimeter data, we present the characteristics of the submesoscale ageostrophic motion (SMAM) with a temporal scale of 2–7 day in the South China Sea (SCS). The SMAM enhances the strength of the mesoscale eddies, inducing negative vorticity for anticyclonic eddies and positive vorticity for cyclonic eddies. Spatially, SMAM is significant and explains more than 20% of the total kinetic energy in the Kuroshio branch zone. The geostrophic eddy kinetic energy is higher in western SCS than the Kuroshio zone, but the submesoscale EKE is lower, which is suggested to be influenced by the developing stage of mesoscale eddies. The dominant oscillation period of SMAM in the SCS and northwestern Pacific is 7‐to 30 day intraseasonal variation. This spatiotemporal scale of SMAM is expected to be a good indicator for the simulation of oceanic circulation in submesoscale eddy‐resolving models.

THE ANATOMICAL GROUNDING OF ISOLATED LOBAR PORTOCAVAL PERFUSION OF THE LIVER

With the development of perfusion technologies in oncology, the problem of finding the optimal ways to perfusates injections has become fundamental, and in this regard, the study of the features of liver angioarchitectonics in normal and pathological conditions does not lose its relevance. The aim of our study was to study the features of the portal architectonics of the liver in relation to the possibility of its isolated lobar perfusion. Using the methods of color perfusion (n=50), separate injections of a hardening mass and the preparation of corrosive preparations (n=3), microfocus angiography (n=8), transparenchymal sections and light microscopy (n=5), 53 liver preparations explanted from non-embalmed corpses of people who died from diseases not directly related to the liver pathology. As a result of the study, it was found that the border of the zones of blood supply by the lobar branches of the portal vein after the introduction of dyes passes along the lateral border of the fourth segment of the liver in the projection of the main trunk of the middle hepatic vein, and not along the falciform ligament. According to the distribution criterion of the portal vein branches, the anatomical and surgical concepts of the interlobar boundaries of the liver do not coincide. Macro- and microscopically visible interlobar intraorgan portal anastomoses are normally absent, which indicates the relative isolation of the lobar portal blood flow of the liver. The intrahepatic bed of the proper hepatic artery has a rich architectonics in the surface layers of the parenchyma and abundantly supplies the liver capsule with blood. When performing transparenchymal sections, the boundaries of the blood supply zones of the lobar branches of the portal vein coincided with the interlobar boundaries in all cases of observation. It was also noted that the topography of the border of the blood supply zones with the lobar branches of the portal vein to match the diaphragmatic surface of the liver and in its parenchyma. Thus, it seems possible to reliably determine the indicated boundary by the pattern on the surface of the liver preparation. The relative autonomy of the channels of the lobar portal vein branches can be used to develop techniques for vascular isolation of the lobar portal blood flow in the liver to assess its selective isolated perfusion.

Description of buckwheat cultivars from Belarus and Ukraine in the environments of Leningrad Province

Background. Buckwheat is an extremely valuable groat crop in demand both in Russia and abroad. The buckwheat collection held by VIR is the largest in the world. Studying and systematizing knowledge about the conserved diversity of the genus Fagopyrum Mill. representatives cannot be efficient without switching to the use of the most detailed descriptors containing plant characters least dependent on differences in growing conditions.Materials and methods. Seventeen buckwheat cultivars from Ukraine and Belarus and two references from Russia were studied in Leningrad Province. The methodological basis of the study included the IPGRI buckwheat descriptors and personal recommendations of N. V. Fesenko. Statistical data processing was performed according to P. F. Rokitsky.Results. The cultivars formed their typical plant habitus and demonstrated good fruit setting − an average score was 3.3–4.9 out of five. The determinant stem growth was observed in 10 cultivars. The stem developed 2.7−6.7 generative nodes and 4–6 vegetative ones, while 1.9–4.7 generative and 0.8−2.3 vegetative nodes were formed on the two upper branches.Conclusion. The study confirmed that medium-ripening buckwheat can be grown in Leningrad Province. The modal value of the number of vegetative nodes for the studied cultivars was 4−5, which is an indicator of intermediate ripening. The results of studying the metamerism of the stem and the two upper branches, expressed by modal values, were recorded in the “agricultural fitness” passport for the tested cultivars as follows: determinant stem; branching zone 4+1+2; fruit-forming zone 3+3+3; average score of fruit formation 4.8. The presented data format most fully characterizes a cultivar in terms of the potential of its earliness and productivity. Depending on the task, indicators for the main stem or for the two upper branches can be used. Recording values in the form of a formula is convenient and does not imply any other meanings.

Straw, Seed Yield and Quality of Three Linum usitatissimum L. Cultivars in Relation to Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate and Plant Density

Methodology: Two field experiments were conducted on the Experimental Farm at El-Gemmeiza Research Station, Gharbia Governorate, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt, during two successive winter seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20.
 Aims: To investigate the effect of three nitrogen fertilizer rates, i.e. 30, 50 and 70 kg N feddan-1 [one feddan (fed) = 4200 m2] and three plant densities, i.e. 1500, 2000 and 2500 seeds m-2 on flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) yield and its quality of three cultivars of flax, i.e. Sakha 3, Giza 11 and Giza 12.
 Results: Results in combined analysis of the two seasons showed that Sakha 3 cultivar significantly produced the maximum total plant height, technical stem length, upper branching zone length, No. of seeds capsule-1, total fiber percentage, fiber yield plant-1, fiber yield fed-1, fiber length and fiber fineness. Meanwhile, the highest No. of basal branches plant-1, straw yield plant-1, straw yield fed-1 and seed oil content were recorded with Giza 12 cultivar. While, Giza 11 cultivar gave the maximum stem diameter, No. of upper branches plant-1, No. of capsules plant-1, No. of seeds plant-1, seed index, seed yield plant-1, seed yield fed-1, harvest index, oil yield plant-1 and oil yield fed-1. Increasing nitrogen fertilizer rates from 30 up to 70 kg N fed-1 caused significant increases in almost straw, fiber, seed and oil yields and its related traits of flax, on the other hand, fiber fineness which significantly decreased with increasing nitrogen rates. Flax plants growing at 1500 seeds m-2 markedly gave the greatest No. of basal branches plant-1, stem diameter, straw yield plant-1, upper branching zone length, No. of upper branches plant-1, No. of capsules plant-1, No. of seeds plant-1, seed yield plant-1, harvest index, oil yield plant-1 and fiber yield plant-1. Meanwhile, the maximum total plant height, technical stem length, straw yield fed-1, seed yield fed-1, oil yield fed-1, total fiber percentage, fiber yield fed-1, fiber length and fiber fineness were obtained from flax planting at 2500 seeds m-2. The maximum fiber yield were recorded from the interactions among treatments Sakha 3 X 70 kg N fed-1, Sakha 3 X 2500 seeds m-2, 70 kg N fed-1 X 2500 seeds m-2 and Sakha 3 X 70 kg N fed-1 X 2500 seeds m-2. Meanwhile, the maximum seed and oil yields fed-1 were recorded from the interactions between treatments Giza 11 X 70 kg N fed-1, Giza 11 X 2500 seeds m-2, 70 kg N fed-1 X 2500 seeds m-2 and Giza 11 X 70 kg N fed-1 X 2500 seeds m-2.
 Generally, it could be concluded that Sakha 3 cultivar under soil fertilized by 70 kg N fed-1 with plant density of 2500 seeds m-2 to maximizing fiber yield fed-1, while Giza 11 cultivar with the same rates of nitrogen and plant density to maximizing seed and oil yields fed-1.

Seed Yield and Quality Traits of Some Flax Cultivars as Influenced by Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates and Plant Density

Two field experiments were conducted on the Experimental Farm at El-Gemmeiza Research Station, Gharbia Governorate, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt, during two successive winter seasons of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 to investigate the effect of three nitrogen fertilizer rates (30, 50 and 70 kg N/fed) and three plant densities (1500, 2000 and 2500 seeds/m2) on seed and oil yield and its related traits of three flax cultivars (Sakha 3 Giza 11 and Giza 12). The experimental design was laid out using split-split plot design in four replications. Flax cultivars were distributed in the main plots, whereas nitrogen fertilizer rates were arranged at random in sub-plots and plant densities treatments were assigned at random in sub-sub plots. The sub-sub plot area was 9 m2. Giza 11 cultivar significantly recorded the maximum mean values in No. of upper branches/plant, No. of capsules/plant, No. of seeds/plant, seed index, seed yield/plant, seed yield/fed, harvest index, oil yield/plant and oil yield/fed in two seasons. Meanwhile, the maximum mean values of seed oil content in both seasons were obtained from Giza 12 cultivar. While, flax cultivar of Sakha 3 significantly gave the maximum upper branching zone length and No. of seeds/capsule in both seasons. All seed and oil yield and its related traits of flax were significantly increased with increasing nitrogen fertilizer rates from 30 to 50 and 70 kg N/fed under study in two seasons. Flax plants growing at lowest plant density (1500 seeds/m2) markedly gave the greatest mean values of upper branching zone length, No. of upper branches/plant, No. of capsules/plant, No. of seeds/plant, seed yield/plant, harvest index and oil yield/plant in both seasons. Meanwhile, the maximum mean values of seed yield/fed and oil yield/fed which were obtained from flax planting at highest plant density (2500 seeds/m2) in both seasons. The first order interactions between treatments Giza 11 X 70 kg N/fed, Giza 11 X 1500 seeds/m2 and 70 kg N/fed X 1500 seeds/m2 as well as the second order interaction between treatments Giza 11 X 70 kg N/fed X 1500 seeds/m2 were significantly recorded the greatest seed and oil yield of individual plants as compared with the others interactions in both seasons. While, the maximum mean values of seed and oil yield/fed were recorded from the first order interactions between treatments Giza 11 X 70 kg N/fed, Giza 11 X 2500 seeds/m2 and 70 kg N/fed X 2500 seeds/m2 as well as the second order interaction between treatments Giza 11 X 70 kg N/fed X 2500 seeds/m2. It could be concluded that flax planting cultivar of Giza 11 and fertilizing by 70 kg N/fed with plant density of 2500 seeds/m2 to maximizing seed and oil yield/fed.

The environment temperature affects post-germination growth and root system architecture of pea (Pisum sativum L) plants

Seeds of ten different pea genotypes were sown in styrofoam transplant trays filled with vermiculite and kept in two different growth chambers, respectively at air temperatures of 10 °C and 15 °C. In both chambers the relative humidity was maintained at 90%, PPFD 180 μmol m−2 s−1and the photoperiod 12 h. At DAS 15 and 31, ten plant of each treatment were selected randomly, dissected and separated into roots and shoots. Root system was scanned and acquired root images were analyzed. Subsequently, all plant organs were dried (65 °C, 48 h) and weighed separately. Significant genetic variation was identified regarding root traits. Rather than with the drought resistance and N foraging capability the genetic variation was associated with P foraging capability of the root system. Despite significant genotype differences, root traits were remarkably affected by environment temperature. The suboptimum temperature reduced growth and delayed root development processes. The decrease of temperature from 15 °C to 10 °C was followed by a significant decrease in the dry matter of plant, but the ratio of root dry matter to plant dry matter was significantly increased. The total root length was also significantly decreased, almost totally due to a significant decrease in the lateral root length. Only slight effects were found regarding tap root length. Water and nutrient uptake capabilities of pea plants were enhanced under optimum temperature conditions, mostly due to increased lateral root density and extended root branching zone deeper into the soil. Either the differences in lateral root (LR) density or the length of branching zone seems to be related with the effects of temperature to the length of development time from LR initiation to LR emergence.

Involvement of a truncated MADS-box transcription factor ZmTMM1 in root nitrate foraging

Plants can develop root systems with distinct anatomical features and morphological plasticity to forage nutrients distributed heterogeneously in soils. Lateral root proliferation is a typical nutrient-foraging response to a local supply of nitrate, which has been investigated across many plant species. However, the underlying mechanism in maize roots remains largely unknown. Here, we report on identification of a maize truncated MIKC-type MADS-box transcription factor (ZmTMM1) lacking K- and C-domains, expressed preferentially in the lateral root branching zone and induced by the localized supply of nitrate. ZmTMM1 belongs to the AGL17-like MADS-box transcription factor family that contains orthologs of ANR1, a key regulator for root nitrate foraging in Arabidopsis. Ectopic overexpression of ZmTMM1 recovers the defective growth of lateral roots in the Arabidopsis anr1 agl21 double mutant. The local activation of glucocorticoid receptor fusion proteins for ZmTMM1 and an artificially truncated form of AtANR1 without the K- and C-domains stimulates the lateral root growth of the Arabidopsis anr1 agl21 mutant, providing evidence that ZmTMM1 encodes a functional MADS-box that modulates lateral root development. However, no phenotype was observed in ZmTMM1-RNAi transgenic maize lines, suggesting a possible genetic redundancy of ZmTMM1 with other AGL17-like genes in maize. A comparative genome analysis further suggests that a nitrate-inducible transcriptional regulation is probably conserved in both truncated and non-truncated forms of ZmTMM1-like MADS-box transcription factors found in grass species.

Effects of plant growth regulators applications on induction of lateral branching in Oregon Spur apple nursery trees

The study presents the influence of 6-benzayladenine alone and in combination with gibberellic acid on growth and lateral branching of one-year-old ‘Oregon Spur’ apple nursery trees grafted on MM-106 rootstock. Different concentrations of BA and BA+GA3 (200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700 ppm) were applied three times at one week interval during second vegetative growth. Investigation reveal that Oregon Spur have strong apical dominance and plant applied with growth regulators resulted in a significant increase in number of feathers (0.58 to 6.18 per tree) compared to untreated control (0.18 per tree). However, BA alone has more significant effect on number of feathers (1.45 to 6.18 per tree) than BA+GA3 (0.58 to 4.35 per tree). Maximum number of feathers (6.18 per tree) has been obtained with 500 ppm BA treatment. This treatment also resulted in more uniform feather length (2.58 short and 2.55 medium length lateral branches per tree) and correct distribution of feathers along the trunk (20.63 cm branching zone) with appropriate average feathers crotch angle (54.74° from vertical). Furthermore, this treatment resulted in 100 per cent feathered trees compared to none in control and 2.88 trunk and mean feather diameter ratio compared to 1.54 in control. Some treatments with BA had a negative influence on the tree height. Whereas, most treatments increased trunk diameter and crotch angle compared to control.

Three-Dimensional Time-Lapse Analysis Reveals Multiscale Relationships in Maize Root Systems with Contrasting Architectures.

Understanding how an organism's phenotypic traits are conditioned by genetic and environmental variation is a central goal of biology. Root systems are one of the most important but poorly understood aspects of plants, largely due to the three-dimensional (3D), dynamic, and multiscale phenotyping challenge they pose. A critical gap in our knowledge is how root systems build in complexity from a single primary root to a network of thousands of roots that collectively compete for ephemeral, heterogeneous soil resources. We used time-lapse 3D imaging and mathematical modeling to assess root system architectures (RSAs) of two maize (Zea mays) inbred genotypes and their hybrid as they grew in complexity from a few to many roots. Genetically driven differences in root branching zone size and lateral branching densities along a single root, combined with differences in peak growth rate and the relative allocation of carbon resources to new versus existing roots, manifest as sharply distinct global RSAs over time. The 3D imaging of mature field-grown root crowns showed that several genetic differences in seedling architectures could persist throughout development and across environments. This approach connects individual and system-wide scales of root growth dynamics, which could eventually be used to predict genetic variation for complex RSAs and their functions.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PHYSICAL REHABILITATION COMPLEX FOR FACIAL NERVE PALSY

The issue of treatment and rehabilitation of patients with facial nerve palsy is still unresolved. An essential role in functional recovery of the facial nerve during its lesion can play physical rehabilitation methods. The objective – to establish the effectiveness of the physical rehabilitation complex for facial nerve palsy. Methods. 40 patients with severe facial nerve dysfunction (grade V of House-Brackmann facial nerve grading system). Treatment was carried out in accordance with existing regulatory documents. The complex of physical rehabilitation included morning hygienic gymnastics, vocal gymnastics, mimic gymnastics, therapeutic massage of the neck and collar zone, paraffin wax applied to the affected face side, therapeutic facial massage, therapeutic massage of the hairy part of the head, ultra high frequency electric field (UHF) to the facial nerve branching zone and face self-massage. The course of the treatment and rehabilitation required 10-12 procedures of each physiotherapeutic procedure carried out daily. Results. After 14 days of physical rehabilitation, in 60% of cases (24/40) a moderate severe dysfunction is recorded, and in 40% of cases (16/40), a moderate facial nerve dysfunction is observed with all patients initially diagnosed with a severe nerve dysfunction. The symmetry of nasolabial folds, normal lachrymation and salivation also rehabilitate. Conclusions. The use of a complex of physical rehabilitation including vocal gymnastics, mimic gymnastics, massage and instrumental physiotherapy can significantly improve the clinical conditions of patients with facial nerve palsy.facial nerve palsy, physical rehabilitation, gymnastics, massage, paraffin, ultra high frequency electric field

Small microbialites from the basal Triassic mudstone (Tieshikou, Jiangxi, South China): Geobiologic features, biogenicity, and paleoenvironmental implications

We report small microbialites from the calcareous mudstone slightly above the Permian–Triassic boundary (PTB) in the Tieshikou section, southern Jiangxi Province, South China. The newly found microbialite is a bowl-like structure, which contrasts with the surrounding calcareous mudstone. The small microbialite is composed of columnar forms and fan-shaped structures. Mini-columnar structures resemble mini stromatolites. In plane view, most branches are patchy or strip-shaped, with clotted structures, resembling that of a thrombolite. Fan-shaped cement precipitates are comprised of multiple crystal fans that have a radiating texture and that show distinct growth laminae. The radiating fabrics are represented by rod-shaped filaments under SEM, which are interpreted as calcified trichomes/filaments. Prominent micropores occur within the rods, and they may be the plane views of multiple sheaths of the false branching zone of trichomes. Thus, both the columnar forms and radiating fans are probably microbial in origin. Moreover, three types of nano-sized structures: intraparticle micropores, fibrous biofilms, and filamentous sheaths are also pronounced in both the columnar structures and cement fans of the Tieshikou microbialite, all suggestive of biogenicity. These well-preserved fibrous biofilms probably represent calcified extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and linear sheaths are interpreted as the traces of bacterial activities during the precipitation of dolomite crystals. The Tieshikou microbialite therefore shares similar biogenetic mechanisms with other PTB microbialites. The combination of the absence of pyrite framboids, slightly negative carbon isotope values, and an association with abundant ammonoids, bivalves, and gastropods indicates oxic conditions during the growth of the Tieshikou microbialite. Moreover, the nodular preservational state resembles widely distributed nodular mudstones or muddy limestones of the Lower Triassic successions worldwide. This implies that nodular mudstone or argillaceous limestones may also have been deposited in microbe-rich environments, in which terrigenous supply was abundant.

Groundwater outflows and fault density spatial relation in the Baikal rift system (Russia)

For the Baikal rift system (BRS) territory (Russian Federation) and the Barguzin-Baunt depression branch zone, active faults density is compared with the thermal and cold spring’s quantity and temperature to identify the geospatial statistical relationship of those parameters with a view to quantify the main factors connected with base principles study of modern hydrothermal formation. Statistical calculations show that the hot and cold spring’s number per unit area increases within the active faults number. It is established that an area with active faults density higher, than the mean value, is characterized by the maximum number of thermal springs. Correlation analysis showed that the number of modern mineral water springs per unit area and their temperature depend on the earth’s crust fragmentation degree: zones of reduced density are characterized by rare but hotter thermal springs, and zones of increased density are characterized by numerous and colder thermal vents, which probably connects with water dilution by underground cold waters in a more fractured geological environment.