Zonal Formation Research Articles

Influence of the structure of an interzonal-type territorial settlement system on the development of the Angara-Yenisei macroregion

The study focuses on the Angara-Yenisei macroregion, which includes four constituent territories of the Russian Federation, i.e., Krasnoyarsk Krai, Irkutsk Oblast, the Republic of Khakassia, and the Republic of Tyva. These territories are located in the zone of the Arctic latitude; areas of the Far North; areas equated to the areas of the Far North; the Southern zone, which includes the main band of population settlement. The macroregion under study is characterized by an interzonal structure of human settlement. The aim was to justify the selection of the entire macroregion and its settlement systems as an object of study. An analysis of the Angara-Yenisei macroregion based on the principle of integrity identified the need to study both its morphological and functional structural characteristics. Hierarchical clustering revealed the presence of three types of systemic zonal formations. The first type is agglomerations, which are the most dynamic elements in the structure of the territorial settlement system. The second type is represented by urban formations with cities at their core, acting as system centers and forming a supporting framework of macroregion settlement. The third type is heterogeneous, including both single-industry towns and industrial centers that are rapidly losing their population. The obtained range of quantitative assessment parameters can be used when elaborating macroregional social and economic development strategies, as well as for spatial modeling based on framework, cluster, and functional models.

Adaptive Relationships in Hemi-Boreal Forests: Tree Species Responses to Competition, Stress, and Disturbance.

European Union forest policy calls for closer-to-nature forest management, but natural disturbances and forest succession are ecological phenomena that are difficult to characterize and integrate into sustainable forest management practices. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the adaptive properties of Lithuania's hemi-boreal forest ecosystems. To accomplish this, we first reviewed (i) the potential natural forest communities, (ii) the successional dynamics, and (iii) adaptive strategies of forest trees, and second, we synthesised the adaptive relationships using these three reviews. The results firstly identified that Lithuania's potential natural forests are broadly divided into two climatically based zonal formations: (i) mesophytic and hygromesophytic coniferous and broadleaved forests and (ii) mesophytic deciduous broadleaved and coniferous-broadleaved forests. Secondly, the review of successional dynamics showed that each tree species can be categorised into various end communities and plant functional groups. Using the differences in tree establishment and phenological development modes we identified four forest dynamic types of tree adaptive strategies: stress-resistant ruderals, competitive stress-sensitive ruderals, ruderal stress-sensitive competitors, and stress-resistant competitors. Such functional redundancy leads to a variety of tree responses to competition, stress, and disturbance, which reduces the risk of loss of forest ecosystem functioning. Finally, the synthesised review on the adaptive relationships of each forest tree community shows both the niche position of each hemi-boreal forest tree species and how they should be managed in the organization of plant communities. We believe that this research can serve as a guide for future relevant research and the development of appropriate methods for sustainable forest management.

Analysis of the size reduction of AgNPs loaded hydrogel and its effect on the anti-bacterial activity.

This article analyses the effect of the size reduced Silver (Ag) loaded hydrogel by (a) lyophilisation (S1) (b) ball milling (S2) techniques and its effect on anti‐bacterial activity. The g loaded hydrogel, S1 and S2 shows an increase in swelling with an increase in pH. The swelling is more for Ag loaded hydrogel in low pH. For pH above 7, the swelling ratio of Ag loaded hydrogel and S1 are almost the same while S2 shows very less swelling. The anti‐bacterial studies reveal that S1 and Ag loaded hydrogel reacted well in S. aureus (Staphylococcus aureus) but no zone formation was seen in S2 .whereas no zone was formed in S1 and S2 for E‐coli (Escherichia coli). As the next step, the anti‐bacterial activity of Ag loaded hydrogel with the addition of curcumin (CS1―size reduced by lyophilisation, CS2―size reduced by ball milling) and turmeric (TS1―size reduced by lyophilisation, TS2―size reduced by ball milling) were investigated. In case of E.coli, a zonal formation of 1.2 cm for TS1 and 1.1 cm for TS2 and 1 cm for CS1 and 0.2 cm for CS2 was observed. For S.aureus, 1.1 and 1 cm were seen for TS1 and CS1. TS2 and CS2 did not show any zone formation. These studies clearly show that size reduction by lyophilisation (S1, TS1 and CS1) is more efficient in all the cases when compared to the ball milling technique (S2, TS2 and CS2). Comparing TS1 with S1 and CS1, TS1 has highly efficient/effective anti‐bacterial properties than S1 and CS1. Therefore, lyophilised hydrogel incorporating turmeric and silver (TS1) is an excellent choice compared to using curcumin for wound dressing applications.

Restoration of plant communities on various dump substrates

The results of field studies in 2018 and 2019 at the pilot production site on the territory of the external dump “Zarechny” of JSC SUEK-Kuzbass are presented. The ecological and coenotic characteristics of plant communities formed in the areas with the filling of the fertile soil layer (FSL) (0.5 m thickness), with the application of potentially fertile rocks (PFR) (1 m thickness), in the area with the filling of technogenic eluvium, as well as in the area with the layer-by-layer filling of PFR (0.6 m thickness) and FSL (0.4 m thickness) were studied. Geobotanical descriptions were carried out according to standard methods, taking into account iterations. It is established that in the first years after the end of the formation of the pilot production site, the number of herbaceous plant species increases in all areas. However, the use of lithogenic resources in the frame of reclamation accelerates the development of plant communities on man-made landscapes, but does not allow reaching the stages of zonal formations.

The impact of a recultivation layer on the restoration of plant communities

Areas of coal mining dumps naturally overgrowing with vegetation in the dry-steppe (Khakassia), forest-steppe (Krasnoyarsk Krai, Kansk-Achinsk Fuel and Energy Complex, KAFEC) and subtaiga (Kemerovo region, Kuzbass) subzones were investigated. The environmental and cenotic characteristics of herbaceous communities were studied in experimental sites following the application of a fertile soil layer and in technogenic eluviums without soil improvers. The application of a fertile soil layer was found to increase both the species abundance and the projective cover of zonal species. Thus, the presence of a humus horizon promotes the formation of herbaceous ecosystems. However, this is not an unconditional factor that these ecosystems would reach the stage of zonal formations.

ZONAL FOREST COMMUNITIES AND FOREST ZONING OF WESTERN SIBERIA (RUSSIA)

Forests of Siberia are heterogeneous in species composition, productivity, types and nature of renewability. They are also heterogeneous in patterns of forest distribution on different categories of land, marshes, bare mountains, meadows and percentage of forest cover. This research investigates the main types of woody plants and geographical distribution of forest communities in Western Siberia. The forest zoning of Western Siberia was analyzed to reveal the features of zonal formation of forest biogeocenoses. Forest zoning and ecological and economic assessment of the productivity of forest communities within zones and regions make the basis for outlining the strategic priorities in the given territory, and help to develop a system of forestry and timber processing activities aimed to improve ecological and economic efficiency of forest resources.

Models of Scientific and Technical Zonal Formations for Ukraine and Forecast of Their Number Considering Foreign Experience

Models of Scientific and Technical Zonal Formations for Ukraine and Forecast of Their Number Considering Foreign Experience

Semiquantitative analysis of ECM molecules in the different cartilage layers in early and advanced osteoarthritis of the knee joint.

The study was conducted to examine the expression of collagen type I and II in the different cartilage layers in relation to other ECM molecules during the progression of early osteoarthritic degeneration in human articular cartilage (AC). Quantitative real-time (RT)-PCR and colorimetrical techniques were used for calibration of Photoshop-based image analysis in detecting such lesions. Immunohistochemistry and histology were performed with 40 cartilage tissue samples showing mild (ICRS grade 1b) respectively moderate/advanced (ICRS grade 3a or 3b) (20 each) osteoarthritis compared with 15 healthy biopsies. Furthermore, we quantified our results on the gene expression of collagen type I and II and aggrecan with the help of real-time (RT)-PCR. Proteoglycan content was measured colorimetrically. The digitized images of histology and immunohistochemistry stains were analyzed with Photoshop software. T-test and Spearman correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis. In the earliest stages of AC deterioration the loss of collagen type II was associated with the appearance of collagen type I, shown by increasing amounts of collagen type I mRNA. During subsequent stages, a progressive loss of structural integrity was associated with increasing deposition of collagen type I as part of a natural healing response. A decrease of collagen type II is visible especially in the upper fibrillated area of the advanced osteoarthritic samples, which then leads to an overall decrease. Analysis of proteoglycan showed losses of the overall content and a loss of the classical zonal formation. Correlation analysis of the proteoglycan Photoshop measurements with the RT-PCR revealed strong correlation for Safranin O and collagen type I, medium for collagen type II, alcian blue and glycoprotein but weak correlation with PCR aggrecan results. Photoshop based image analysis might become a valuable supplement for well known histopathological grading systems of lesioned articular cartilage. The evidence of collagen type I production early in the OA disease process coupled with the ability of chondrocytes to up-regulate collagen type II production suggests that therapeutic agents that suppress collagen type I production and increase collagen type II production may enable chondrocytes to generate a more effective repair response.

Changes in content and synthesis of collagen types and proteoglycans in osteoarthritis of the knee joint and comparison of quantitative analysis with Photoshop-based image analysis

The different cartilage layers vary in synthesis of proteoglycan and of the distinct types of collagen with the predominant collagen Type II with its associated collagens, e.g. types IX and XI, produced by normal chondrocytes. It was demonstrated that proteoglycan decreases in degenerative tissue and a switch from collagen type II to type I occurs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of real-time (RT)-PCR and Photoshop-based image analysis in detecting such lesions and find new aspects about their distribution. We performed immunohistochemistry and histology with cartilage tissue samples from 20 patients suffering from osteoarthritis compared with 20 healthy biopsies. Furthermore, we quantified our results on the gene expression of collagen type I and II and aggrecan with the help of real-time (RT)-PCR. Proteoglycan content was measured colorimetrically. Using Adobe Photoshop the digitized images of histology and immunohistochemistry stains of collagen type I and II were stored on an external data storage device. The area occupied by any specific colour range can be specified and compared in a relative manner directly from the histogram using the "magic wand tool" in the select similar menu. In the image grow menu gray levels or luminosity (colour) of all pixels within the selected area, including mean, median and standard deviation, etc. are depicted. Statistical Analysis was performed using the t test. With the help of immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR and quantitative RT- PCR we found that not only collagen type II, but also collagen type I is synthesized by the cells of the diseased cartilage tissue, shown by increasing amounts of collagen type I mRNA especially in the later stages of osteoarthritis. A decrease of collagen type II is visible especially in the upper fibrillated area of the advanced osteoarthritic samples, which leads to an overall decrease. Analysis of proteoglycan showed a loss of the overall content and a quite uniform staining in the different zones compared to the healthy cartilage with a classical zonal formation. Correlation analysis of the proteoglycan Photoshop measurements with the RT-PCR using Spearman correlation analysis revealed strong correlation for Safranin O and collagen type I, medium for collagen type II and glycoprotein but weak correlation between PCR aggrecan results. Photoshop-based image analysis might become a valuable supplement for well known histopathological grading systems of lesioned articular cartilage.

Angiosperm disjunction "Campos rupestres - restingas": a re-evaluation

A disjunct distribution pattern between the extrazonal formations of the campos rupestres (rocky grasslands) in the Espinhaço mountain range and the restingas (coastal strand vegetation) in Brazil has been proposed repeatedly for several flowering-plant species. In order to validate this distribution pattern, available data from the literature and major herbaria were compiled and evaluated. Some of these species also occur in campos rupestres on mountain ranges in Goiás state, campos de altitude (high altitude grasslands) of the Serra do Mar, and on geologically homologous rocky formations of the Guyana shield. Species that were also recorded for distinct zonal formations like cerrado, caatinga and forests were excluded from the pattern. The campo rupestre-restinga disjunction proved valid for 9 of 56 investigated species (16%). Explanations put forth by different authors for this unusual disjunction pattern are compared in the light of geological and climatological evidence.

Vegetation of the Angmagssalik District. Southeast Green­land, IV. Shrub, dwarf shrub and terricolous lichens

This paper deals with part of the results of the Dutch phytosociological expeditions in 1968 and 1969 to the Angmagssalik District, Southeast Greenland.
 Shrub, dwarf shrub and terricolous lichen vegetation is treated here. The general part contains a description of the Angmagssalik District with emphasis on the applied methods.
 The vegetation has been studied according to concepts of the French-Swiss School. The typology is based on about 250 records. The procedure of differentiation and classification of the plant communities is discussed. The term "decisive" differ­ential taxon is introduced and defined. The association concept is considered from a regional point of view. The plant communities are arranged in a floristic hierarchic system.
 Concerning habitat factors, the altitude a.s.l., slope and wind direction were meas­ured. Other factors were roughly estimated. The soil types are indicated.
 The following part contains a discussion of the vegetation units, with their floristic composition and physiognomy, habitat and distribution, and syntaxonomic position. This includes 24 vegetation units, I complex of communities, 11 communities and 12 associations. These are designed to the classes Oxycocco-Sphagnetea, Scheuchzerio­ Caricetea, Betulo-Adenostyletea, Loiseleurio-Vaccinietea, Carici-Kobresietea, Salicetea herbaceae and Juncetea trifidi. Eight new associations and I new alliance are presented. Some syntaxa have been revised or validated.
 The classification by Molenaar (1976) of mire vegetation and chionophytic herb communities is discussed and a new classification is proposed. Dwarf shrub vegeta­tion with Empetrum hermaphroditum and/or Vaccinium microphyllum on acid, mainly mineral soil is extremely varied in composition and physiognomy and is con­sidered a zonal formation, which largely determines the aspect of the region. The Empetrum-Vaccinium community is the climax vegetation of the district.
 The greater part of the communities and associations can be assigned to alliances described from Scandinavia, and the phytosociological relationship with that region is emphasized. Only the Dryadion integrifoliae and the Cladonio-Viscarion all. nov. are not known from Scandinavia. The vegetation of the Angmagssalik District has its own character, as shown on the association level by the Sphagno-Salicetum, the Rhododendro-Vaccinietum, the Gymnomitrio-Loiseleurietum, the Carici­Dryadetum and the Cladonio-Viscarietum (all new), which are actually restricted to the area. The other 7 associations are also found at the southern and western coasts of Greenland. Most vegetation types (associations and communities) have a lowarc­tic-oceanic distribution. A few types are also found in Iceland and Scandinavia.

STUDIES ON ADRENAL ENUCLEATION

In the first, Na22Cl, Rb86Cl and Cs137Cl were subcutaneously given in a dose of 1μc/ 0. 1cc to male mice of dd strain weighing 2025g following right adrenalectomy and left adrenal enucleation (UAE) or bilateral adrenalectomy, and the excretions and distribution of each in the body was investigated and regenerating adrenal glands were histologically studied. Next, using rats weighing about 200g serum Na and K concentration following UEA and effects of various hormones upon it were investigated with the following results.1) Within 1 week after UAE, Na22 excretion rate was in inverse relation with those of Rb86 and Cs137, but all returned to the, normal after 1 week. Within 1 week the concentrations of Rb86 and Cs137 in various organs were significantly increased but returned to normal after 2 weeks.2) Histologically, regeneration of mouse adrenal gland observed at 4th day after UAE and regenerating cell was generally presented fascicular arrangement. Adrenal glands were restored to normal almost at 18th day after UAE, but zonal formation is not clear. At 35th day, its state is like to adrenal medullectomy.3) Serum Na and K concentration were returned to normal within 12 weeks after UAE, and it was not related to zonal formation.4) As to the influences of hormane administration to serum Na and K concentration, definit relation was not gained on adrenal corticoids and ACTH administration, administration of adrenalin and growth hormone produced no remarkable change, DOCA administration increased serum Na concentration.From the results of present experiments, histological finding is not keep with the restoriction of mineral metabolism. There is a scope to criticized to so-called zonal theory, that is, early regenerating adrenal gland cells after UAE have mineral and gluco metabolism functions.

Peculiar Zonal Formations of the Great Plains

Peculiar Zonal Formations of the Great Plains