Differences In Volume Density Research Articles

The Influence of Differences in Volume Density and Blotong Application on the Physical Properties of Ultisol Soil and Sweet Potato Plant Growth

This study investigates the effects of variations in volume density and blotong application on the physical properties of Ultisol soil and the growth of sweet potato plants. The main objectives of the research are to assess how different levels of volume density and blotong application affect soil characteristics and plant growth. The study employs a qualitative approach, incorporating literature review and library research to explore existing knowledge and methodologies related to soil physics and plant physiology. The research involves conducting experiments where Ultisol soil samples with varying volume densities are treated with different levels of blotong application. Parameters such as soil bulk density, porosity, water retention capacity, and sweet potato plant growth parameters are measured and analyzed. The results reveal significant correlations between volume density, blotong application, and soil physical properties. Higher volume density generally leads to decreased soil porosity and water retention capacity, while blotong application demonstrates a positive impact on soil structure and plant growth. The findings highlight the importance of optimizing soil volume density and implementing blotong application techniques to enhance soil fertility and support healthy plant growth, particularly in Ultisol soil conditions. In conclusion, this research contributes valuable insights into sustainable agricultural practices for improving soil quality and crop productivity, emphasizing the significance of tailored management strategies for different soil types and crops.

Stem anatomy of annual legume intercropping components: white lupin (Lupinus albus L.), narbonne (Vicia narbonensis L.) and common (Vicia sativa L.) vetches

The effect of intercropping on stem anatomy of both supporting (Lupinus albus) and supported (Vicia narbonnensis and V. sativa) annual forage legumes was investigated using stereological method. Intercropped plants showed minimal differences in volume densities (Vv) of stem tissues and forage chemical composition compared to sole crops. The proportions of lignin and NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber) positively correlated with xylem Vv. The proportions of ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber), cellulose and ash in intercropped plants were increased or decreased mostly by less than 10% compared to those in pure stands. The Anatomical Equivalent Ratio (AER) defined as the ratio based on anatomical quality-determining parameters, can assist in the evaluation of the benefits of specific intercropping systems. Intercropping of the legume species studied in this work, especially L. albus with V. sativa, showed encouraging results from anatomical perspective since it would not cause a decline of forage quality.

The Inner Structure of Human Otoconia

The architecture of human otoconia has been only poorly understood up to now. Currently, it is assumed that otoconia contain a central core surrounded by a shell. To investigate the inner structure of human otoconia. Human otoconia were investigated by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The diffraction behavior was analyzed using X-ray techniques (XRD). Focused ion beam (FIB) slices of otoconia were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results were correlated with observations on degenerate human otoconia and decalcification experiments using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Artificial otoconia (calcite-gelatine and calcite-gelatine/agarose composites) were investigated in the same way and compared with human otoconia. Human otoconia represent highly mosaic-controlled calcite-based nanocomposites. The inner structure is composed of 3 + 3 branches with an ordered arrangement of nanocomposite particles and parallel orientation of fibrils. The surrounding belly is less ordered and appears more porous. Degenerate otoconia show a successive dissolution of the belly region exposing to the inner structure (branches) in later stages of degeneration. Artificial otoconia reveal identical chemical, crystallographic and morphologic patterns. They are, however, larger in size. Human otoconia show an inner architecture consisting of a less dense belly region and 3 + 3 more dense branches meeting at a central point (center of symmetry). The differences in volume densities and the resulting solubility may play a role in BPPV. Artificial otoconia may serve as a model for further investigations.

Limb bud and flank mesoderm have distinct “physical phenotypes” that may contribute to limb budding

Limb bud outgrowth in chicken embryos is initiated during the third day of development by Fibroblast Growth Factor 8 (FGF8) produced by the newly formed apical ectodermal ridge (AER). One of the earliest effects of this induction is a change in the properties of the limb field mesoderm leading to bulging of the limb buds from the body wall. Heintzelman et al. [Heintzelman, K.F., Phillips, H.M., Davis, G.S., 1978. Liquid-tissue behavior and differential cohesiveness during chick limb budding. J. Embryol. Exp. Morphol. 47, 1–15.] suggested that budding of the limbs is caused by a higher liquid-like cohesivity of limb bud tissue compared with flank. We sought additional evidence relevant to this hypothesis by performing direct measurements of the effective surface tension, a measure of relative tissue cohesivity, of 4-day embryonic chicken wing and leg bud mesenchymal tissue, and adjacent flank mesoderm. As predicted, the two types of limb tissues were 1.5- to 2-fold more cohesive than the flank tissue. These differences paralleled cell number and volume density differences: 4-day limb buds had 2- to 2.5-fold as many cells per unit area of tissue as surrounding flank, a difference also seen at 3 days, when limb budding begins. Exposure of flank tissue to exogenous FGF8 for 24 h increased its cell number and raised its cohesivity to limb-like values. Four-day flank tissue exhibited a novel and unique active rebound response to compression, which was suppressed by the drug latrunculin and therefore dependent on an intact actin cytoskeleton. Correspondingly, flank at this stage expressed high levels of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) mRNA and protein and a dense network of microfilaments. Treatment of flank with FGF8 eliminated the rebound response. We term material properties of tissues, such as cohesivity and mechanical excitability, the “physical phenotype”, and propose that changes thereof are driving forces of morphogenesis. Our results indicate that two independent aspects of the physical phenotype of flank mesoderm can be converted to a limb-like state in response to treatment with FGF8. The higher tissue cohesivity induced by this effect will cause the incipient limb bud to phase separate from the surrounding flank, while the active mechanical response of the flank could help ensure that the limb bud bulges out from, rather than becoming engulfed by, this less cohesive tissue.

Morphometric changes of the right ventricle in the first two weeks after clinical heart transplantation: analysis of myocardial biopsies from patients with complicated versus uncomplicated course

The early phase following heart transplantation (HTx) is characterized by the development of right ventricular myocardial fibrosis (MF) and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy (CH). The question is if there are differences in development of MF and CH between patients with complicated versus patients with uncomplicated postoperative course. Endomyocardial biopsies were taken from 58 donor hearts before implantation and one and two weeks after HTx. According to the clinical course in the first year after HTx and the rejection grading (ISHLT), four groups were classified: (a) uneventful course, (b) transplant failure, (c) infections, and (d) rejection episodes > or = 1R. The volume densities of various tissue components and cardiomyocyte diameters were measured by stereological and morphometrical methods. From implantation to the first two weeks, most groups showed a significant increase of endomysial and perimysial connective tissues. There was a significant CH recognizable, especially in the rejection group. However, nucleus surface, a hypertrophy parameter, showed no significant change during follow-up. There were no statistically significant differences in volume densities of interstitial space, capillaries, nuclei and cardiomyocytes between the collectives and points in time. Sarcomere length as marker of contraction status of cardiomyocytes remained at the same level and showed no significant differences. Demographic data showed no significant differences and will be presented. Patients with complicated and uncomplicated courses show different degrees of histopathological changes after HTx. The extent of hypertrophy differs especially between the collectives. Measurement of endomysial connective tissue points to later postoperative course in the recipient. These findings may reflect a pattern of remodeling specific to the transplanted heart.

Stereological analysis of the flag leaf of someTriticumL. species

Wheat genotypes from various Triticum L. genus species ( T. dicoccoides Korn, T. durum Desf, T. spelta L. and T. aestivum L.) were analysed by stereological analysis in order to explore the existence of inter-species differences and similarities in anatomical characteristics of wheat flag leaf tissue. The genotypes of the tetraploid species did not differ significantly among themselves in the volume density of the analysed tissues of the flag leaf. Among the hexaploid species, the results showed highly significant differences in volume density of the photosynthetic tissue and volume density of the mechanical tissue; and significant differences for the volume density of the vascular tissue. The analysis of the main vein of the flag leaf showed smaller volumes of the vascular tissue in hexaploid species — of the phloem and parenchyma of the main vein. The analysed species showed the greatest difference in the volume of the main vein, the parenchyma of the main vein and the mechanical tissue. When compared t...

Morphological, morphometric and histochemical characterization of the gastric mucosa of the camel (Camelus dromedarius).

Mucosal morphology, morphometry and mucin histochemistry of the stomach were studied in the one-humped camel. The lining of the stomach was divided into eight grossly identifiable regions. The first region was non-glandular, occupied the body of the first compartment of the stomach and constituted 53.2% of the gastric mucosa. The other seven regions were lined by a glandular mucosa. Histological, histochemical and morphometric investigations have shown that glandular mucosa comprises pseudo-cardiac, cardiac, fundic and pyloric regions. The pseudo-cardiac region was characterized by widely separated short tubular serous glands. It constituted 36.2% of the gastric mucosa; it extended over the entire lining of the second compartment and parts of the first and third compartments. The cardiac region was confined to the initial zone of the third compartment amidst the psuedo-cardiac region but contiguous with the distal end of the gastric groove. It constituted 3.4% of the gastric mucosa and was characterized by neutral and acid mucin positive glands. The fundic and pyloric regions occupied the distal distended part of the third compartment. The fundic region constituted 4.3% of the gastric mucosa. It was packed with typical fundic glands characterized by chief cells, parietal cells and acid mucin positive neck cells. The pyloric region constituted 2.9% of the gastric mucosa. Its glands were positive to acid mucins except for their bases that were positive to neutral mucins. Differences in volume densities of the mucosal components and reactivity of the surface epithelium and gastric pits to mucin stains were noted in the different regions of the stomach.

Quantitative electron-microscopic analysis of the in vivo effects of tetrahydrocannabinol on rat preovulatory follicles.

The ultrastructural composition of 4 regions of rat preovulatory follicles was examined using stereological techniques following an intraperitoneal injection of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), once each day, for 3 days prior to sacrifice on proestrus. Control rats were injected with solvent alone. Changes in nuclear, mitochondrial, lipid droplet and dense-body volume density were measured. No differences in volume density were noted in the theca or antral region of the membrana granulosa. Compared to controls, the mitochondrial volume density decreased in the peripheral region and the corona radiata. The volume density of lipid droplets decreased in the peripheral region. These changes, and their relationship to the roles of these regions in follicular steroidogenesis, are discussed.

Zymogen granule size in pancreas of nursing rats.

Dramatic depression in granule volume density and size was measured in acinar cells of postnatal rat pancreas following the initiation of feeding. Volume density decreased about threefold from 45% at birth to 16% 2 days thereafter. Mean granule diameter decreased from 1.50 micron to 0.80 micron, an 85% decrease in corresponding granule volume. At the same time, numerical density approximately doubled. At 2 days after birth, cells with smaller granules had lower volume densities, and differences in mean granule volume between cells accounted for most of the differences in volume density. Although the distribution of granule diameter in newborns was lognormal, the distribution at 2 days was heavily skewed to larger sizes. This was the result of skewed distributions within individual cells and not an artifact of sampling. The results corroborate the central role of granule volume in determining changes in the volume density of zymogen granules in the pancreas and suggest that zymogen granules can act as capacitors that can change size as a function of the enzyme contained within.

Stereological studies on the epiphyseal growth plate in low phosphate, vitamin D-deficiency rickets with special reference to the distribution of matrix vesicles.

In low phosphate, vitamin D-deficiency rickets normal mineralization is reversibly arrested, and rickets is thus a suitable model for studying factors influencing the mineralization process. Partly on the basis of their distribution within the growth cartilage, the so-called matrix vesicles are considered to play an important role in the process of mineralization and it has been claimed that the distribution pattern is the same in rickets as in normal animals. With the use of modern stereological techniques, our group recently demonstrated a matrix vesicle distribution between the zones of the epiphyseal growth plate in normal rats different from that described earlier. The same bimodal distribution pattern was observed in rachitic rats in the present study, the highest volume density being found in the resting and upper hypertrophic zones and the lowest in the proliferative zone. The volume density differences are explained by differences in the number of vesicles between zones, the variation in mean caliper diameter being small. Our findings are discussed in relation to the proposed theories on matrix vesicle origin. The results seem to support the dynamic cell debris theory for matrix vesicle origin presented earlier, but the existence of subpopulations of matrix vesicles with a specialized function and origin cannot be ruled out.

Ultrastructure and morphometric analysis of preimplantation mouse embryos

During cleavage, both qualitative and quantitative morphologic characters of mouse ova change. Up to the 8-cell stage, the volume density of mitochondria remains nearly the same although it increases during early and late blastocyst stages. While a rise of the volume fraction of granular endoplasmic reticulum is noticed during cleavage, the volume density of agranular endoplasmic reticulum diminishes gradually from the 1-cell stage onwards. An increase in the volume fraction of autophagic vacuoles is found, the maximum being reached in early blastocysts. The volume fraction of crystalloid inclusions slightly increases after the 4-cell stage, but this increase is statistically insignificant. The volume density of filamentous material (plaques) conspicuously decreases in all studied embryos from the beginning of cleavage. Starting with the 2-cell stage, the volume fraction of lipid droplets remains practically unchanged. No differences in volume densities of the Golgi apparatus, multivesicular and residual bodies, and large cytoplasmic vesicles with medium electron-dense content are found between the respective cleavage stages.

Stereological studies on matrix vesicle distribution in the epiphyseal growth plate during healing of low phosphate, vitamin D deficiency rickets.

A model of the healing phase of low phosphate, vitamin D deficiency was used to investigate the initial stages of mineralization. The matrix vesicle distribution between the zones of the growth plate was found to be bimodal with high volume densities in the resting and hypertrophic zones and low volume densities in the proliferative and calcifying zones. Healing of the rachitic lesion was associated with a decrease in matrix vesicle volume density in the calcifying zone, compared with the lower hypertrophic zone in florid rickets. The volume density differences were due to differences in the number of vesicles, as the variation in mean caliper diameter was rather small. The findings are compatible with the dynamic cell debris theory for matrix vesicle origin and distribution presented earlier, which favours the view that a major part of matrix vesicles are formed from cell debris. A role of matrix vesicles in the mineralization process is indicated by the finding of an association between mineralization and matrix vesicle degradation.

Stereological studies on the epiphyseal growth plate with special reference to the distribution of matrix vesicles

The matrix vesicles in growth cartilage are considered to play an important role in the mineralization process and it has been claimed that the distribution of these vesicles corresponds to the pattern of subsequent apatite deposition. Employing modern stereological techniques the present investigation showed a different distribution pattern from that previously described in the literature, the highest volume density of matrix vesicles being found in the resting zone and the lowest in the zone of calcification. The volume—density differences are explained by differences in the number of vesicles between zones. The variation in mean caliper diameter was small. The possible biological significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the proposed theories on matrix vesicle origin. Our findings seem to support the view that most of the matrix vesicles are formed from degenerating chondrocytes, although the possible existence of small subpopulations of matrix vesicles of more specialized origin cannot be rejected.

Stage-dependent variations in volume density and size of Sertoli cell vesicles in the rat testis.

Membrane-bounded spherical vesicles found in rat Sertoli cells have been examined quantitatively during the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. Most of the vesicles were localized to the basal and columnar portions of the Sertoli cell cytoplasm. The thin lateral projections of the Sertoli cells contained very few vesicles. Morphometric analysis of the basal portion of the Sertoli cell cytoplasm revealed that the volume density (Vv) of the vesicles changed markedly during the cycle. The Vv was at its minimum (0.036) at stage VII and maximum (0.117) at stages XI-I. The vesicles were also smaller at stage VII compared to the vesicles at stages IX-V. The stage-dependent differences in the size of the vesicles was found both in the basal and the columnar portions of the Sertoli cells. At stage VII some of the vesicles appeared to be elongated much like the tubular elements of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) from which they are probably derived. The stage-dependent differences in volume density and size in the Sertoli cells vesicles may be related to cyclic biochemical variations in the Sertoli cells, and are further indications of a variation in Sertoli cell function during the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. Whether or not this is due to an "internal" cycle of the Sertoli cell or to influences from adjacent germ cells remains to be determined.

Cannabis sativa: ultrastructural changes in organelles of neurons in brain septal region of monkeys.

Ultrastructural studies of layer V pyramidal neurons of the septal region of rhesus monkeys exposed to smoke of active marihuana and of those exposed to intravenous delta-9-THC revealed low volume density and various degrees of fragmentation and disorganization of rough endoplasmic reticulum. In contrast, no changes were observed in these neurons of the septal region of control monkeys (unexposed monkeys and one monkey exposed to smoke of inactive marihuana). There were no significant differences in volume density of mitochondria or golgi apparatus between exposed animals and controls.