scholarly journals A morphological, anatomical and palynological study of Aethionema lepidioides (Brassicaceae) - an endangered species endemic to Turkey

2022 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Tekin
Keyword(s):  
Growth Stage ◽  
Secondary Growth ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Distribution Area ◽  
Surface Ornamentation ◽  
Pollen Shape ◽  
Palynological Study ◽  
First Time ◽  
Entire Margin ◽  
Obtuse Apex

Aethionema lepidioides Hub.-Mor. is an endangered endemic species in Turkey with a very narrow natural distribution area. The present study aims to reveal the structural features of this species. For this purpose, its unknown morphological features – such as leaf, petal, sepal dimensions and shapes, filament and anther lengths, as well as seed dimensions, shape, colour and micromorphology – have been studied for the first time. To reveal the pollen characteristics of Ae. lepidioides, light microscope and SEM studies were conducted. Additionally, in the present study the anatomical features of Ae. lepidioides were also studied for the first time. The Ae. lepidioides leaves were found to be linear-oblanceolate, with an entire margin and a subacute to obtuse apex. The seeds were found to be dark brown and oval-shaped, with reticulated surface ornamentation. Anatomical studies found roots in the secondary growth stage, with xylem-filled pith. The stem was in the primary growth stage, featuring a multi-layer cortex under its outermost single-layered epidermis, a pronounced endodermis and a central cylinder beneath. The leaves were thick, amphistomatic and covered with a prominent wax layer. Their mesophyll was equifacial, and their stoma type was anisocytic. A stomatal index of 26 was found for the upper epidermis, while a corresponding index of 28.4 was found for the lower epidermis. The pollens were monad, radially symmetrical and isopolar. The pollen type was colpate, and the pollen shape was found to be prolate-spheroidal with a P/E ratio of 1.08.

Resurrection of the genus Similisinocarum (Apiaceae) based on evidence from morphology and ITS sequences

Phytotaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 497 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-137
Author(s):  
XIAN-LIN GUO ◽  
MEGAN PRICE ◽  
WEI GOU ◽  
SONG-DONG ZHOU ◽  
XIN-FEN GAO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type Species ◽  
Genetic Distances ◽  
Its Sequences ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic ◽  
First Time ◽  
Entire Margin

The genus Similisinocarum Cauwet & Farille (Apiaceae, Apioideae), was first described by Cauwet & Farille in 1984, but it has been considered as a synonym of Sinocarum H.Wolff ex R.H. Shan & F.T. Pu. In this study, Simlisinocarum normanianum, the type species of Similisinocarum was found in China for the first time, and the molecular phylogenetic evidence based on ITS sequences reveals that Similisinocarum normanianum occupies an individual clade, which is sister to the clade comprising seven species of Acronema, Sinocarum, and Oreocomopsis in Acronema clade, the values of genetic distances (ITS) between Similisinocarum and Acronema, Similisinocarum and Oreocomopsis, Similisinocarum and Pternopetalum, Similisinocarum and Sinocarum are close (≥0.0916), while deviated from the values within Acronema, Sinocarum and Pternopetalum (≤0.0580). Morphologically, we found Similisinocarum normanianum develops reflex bracteoles with white membranous margin, petals with an entire margin and incurved apex, and mericarps with many vittae in the furrow (≥ 3) and commissure (6), which are distinguishable from other species of the Acronema clade. Consequently, results manifested in molecular and morphological analyses indicate that Similisinocarum should be treated as an independent genus distinct from Sinocarum.

How Crystals Form from a Cloud of Atoms

2011 ◽  
Vol 675-677 ◽  
pp. 3-7
Author(s):  
Peter Häussler ◽  
Martin Stiehler
Keyword(s):  
Structure Formation ◽  
Fundamental Equation ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Local Order ◽  
Total System ◽  
Angular Momenta ◽  
General Dynamics ◽  
Bloch’S Theorem ◽  
The Given ◽  
First Time

Structure formation, the condensation of a cloud of atoms to a crystal is still not well understood. Disordered sytems (amorphous/liquid) should be in the center of this research, they are the precursors of any crystal. We consider elementary systems, as well as binary, or ternary amorphous alloys, irrespective whether they are metallically, covalently or ionically bonded and describe the process of structure formation in the formal language of thermodynamics but, as far as we know for the first time, by an extended version (general dynamics), based on the complete Gibbs fundamental equation, applied to internal subsystems. Major structural features evolve from global resonances between formerly independent internal subsystems by exchanging momenta and angular momenta, both accompanied by energy. By this they adjust mutually their internal features and create spherical-periodic structural order at medium-range distances. Under the given external constraints the resonances get optimized by selforganization. Global resonances of the type considered have clearly to be distinguished from local resonances between individual ions (described by quantum chemistry) forming local order. The global resonances cause anti-bonding (non-equilibrium) as well as bonding (equilibrium) states of the coupled total system, occupying the latter to form new structurally extended order. The transition to equilibrium creates entropy which itself leaves the system together with energy. At resonance the energetical splitting between the bonding and anti-bonding state is largest, the creation of entropy and the decrease of the total energy therefore, too. The crystal, finally, evolves by additionally optimizing a resonance based on angular momentum, and the additional adjustments of the local resonances to the global ones, theoretically done by applying Bloch’s theorem.

scholarly journals Earthquake-induced debris flows at Popocatépetl Volcano, Mexico

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Velio Coviello ◽  
Lucia Capra ◽  
Gianluca Norini ◽  
Norma Dávila ◽  
Dolores Ferrés ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Debris Flows ◽  
Horizontal Stress ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Volcanic Edifice ◽  
Western Slope ◽  
Slope Failures ◽  
Ground Shaking ◽  
Seismic Records ◽  
Maximum Horizontal Stress ◽  
First Time

Abstract. The M7.1 Puebla-Morelos earthquake that occurred on 19 September 2017, with epicenter located ∼ 70 km SW from Popocatépetl volcano, severely hit central Mexico. Seismic shaking of the volcanic edifice induced by the earthquake triggered hundreds of shallow landslides on the volcanic flanks, remobilizing loose pyroclastic deposits and saturated soils. The largest landslides occurred on the slopes of aligned ENE-WSW-trending ravines on opposite sides of the volcanic cone, roughly parallel to the regional maximum horizontal stress and local volcanotectonic structural features. This configuration may suggest transient reactivation of local faults and extensional fractures as one of the mechanisms that has weakened the volcanic edifice and promoted the largest slope failures. The seismic records from a broadband station located at few kilometers from the main landslides are used to infer the intensity of ground shaking that triggered the slope failures. The material involved in the larger landslides, mainly ash and pumice fall deposits from late Holocene eruptions with a total volume of about 106 cubic meters, transformed into two large debris flows on the western slope of the volcano and one on its eastern side. The debris flows were highly viscous and contained abundant large woods (about 105 cubic meter). Their peculiar rheology is reconstructed by field evidences and analyzing the grain size distribution of samples from both landslide scars and deposits. This is the first time that such flows were observed at this volcano. Our work provides new insights to constrain a multi-hazard risk assessment for Popocatépetl and other continental active volcanoes.

scholarly journals Distribution update, conservation status and color in life of the rare Amazonian snake, Eutrachelophis papilio Zaher and Prudente 2019 (Serpentes: Xenodontini)

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 252-255
Author(s):  
Nathalie CITELI ◽  
Mariana DE-CARVALHO ◽  
Reuber BRANDÃO
Keyword(s):  
Convex Polygon ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Biological Data ◽  
Distribution Area ◽  
Minimum Convex Polygon ◽  
Human Footprint ◽  
Data Deficient ◽  
First Time ◽  
Polygon Method ◽  
Anthropic Pressure

ABSTRACT The rare Amazonian snake Eutrachelophis papilio is known from only five individuals, from four localities, belonging to its type-series, the more recent collected over 10 years ago. Here, we expand its distribution and describe its color in life for the first time. We also provide an estimate of its distribution area using the minimum convex polygon method and identify the values of anthropic pressure within its known distribution range with the Human Footprint Index. The new occurrence is located 291 km from the nearest known locality and its distribution is associated with pristine forests. Considering its rarity, and the absence of demographic and biological data, we suggest that the species should be classified as Data Deficient by IUCN criteria.

Tracking the Formation and Degradation of Fatty-Acid-Accumulated Mitochondria Using Label-Free Chemical Imaging

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chi Zhang ◽  
Stephen Boppart
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Chemical Imaging ◽  
Live Cells ◽  
Label Free ◽  
Dynamic Changes ◽  
Regulatory Processes ◽  
Transport Chain ◽  
Anti Stokes ◽  
First Time

Abstract The mitochondrion is one of the key organelles for maintaining cellular homeostasis. External environmental stimuli and internal regulatory processes alter the metabolism and functions of mitochondria. To understand these activities of mitochondria, it is critical to probe the key metabolic molecules inside these organelles. In this study, we used label-free chemical imaging modalities including coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering and multiphoton-excited autofluorescence to study the mitochondrial activities in living cancer cells. We found that hypothermia exposure tends to induce fatty-acid (FA) accumulation in some mitochondria of MIAPaCa-2 cells. Autofluorescence images show that the FA-accumulated mitochondria also have abnormal NADH and FAD metabolism, likely induced by the dysfunction of the electron transport chain. We also found that when the cells were re-warmed to physiological temperature after a period of hypothermia, the FA-accumulated mitochondria changed their structural features, likely caused by the mitophagy process. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that FA accumulation in mitochondria was observed in live cells. Our research also demonstrates that multimodal label-free chemical imaging is an attractive tool to discover abnormal functions of mitochondria at the single-organelle level and can be used to quantify the dynamic changes of this organelle under perturbative conditions.

scholarly journals Structural Features of Heparan Sulfate from Multiple Osteochondromas and Chondrosarcomas

Molecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (12) ◽  
pp. 3277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noemi Veraldi ◽  
Alessandro Parra ◽  
Elena Urso ◽  
Cesare Cosentino ◽  
Manuela Locatelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heparan Sulfate ◽  
Bone Growth ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Signaling Networks ◽  
Phenotypic Differences ◽  
Multiple Osteochondromas ◽  
Structural Differences ◽  
Set Up ◽  
First Time ◽  
Cartilaginous Tumors

Multiple osteochondromas (MO) is a hereditary disorder associated with benign cartilaginous tumors, known to be characterized by absence or highly reduced amount of heparan sulfate (HS) in the extracellular matrix of growth plate cartilage, which alters proper signaling networks leading to improper bone growth. Although recent studies demonstrated accumulation of HS in the cytoplasm of MO chondrocytes, nothing is known on the structural alterations which prevent HS from undergoing its physiologic pathway. In this work, osteochondroma (OC), peripheral chondrosarcoma, and healthy cartilaginous human samples were processed following a procedure previously set up to structurally characterize and compare HS from pathologic and physiologic conditions, and to examine the phenotypic differences that arise in the presence of either exostosin 1 or 2 (EXT1 or EXT2) mutations. Our data suggest that HS chains from OCs are prevalently below 10 kDa and slightly more sulfated than healthy ones, whereas HS chains from peripheral chondrosarcomas (PCSs) are mostly higher than 10 kDa and remarkably more sulfated than all the other samples. Although deeper investigation is still necessary, the approach here applied pointed out, for the first time, structural differences among OC, PCS, and healthy HS chains extracted from human cartilaginous excisions, and could help in understanding how the structural features of HS are modulated in the presence of pathological situations also involving different tissues.

Typification of the name Opuntia soederstromiana (Cactaceae), a new record for the Flora of Colombia

Phytotaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 452 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
DANIELA PORRAS-FLÓREZ ◽  
SOFÍA ALBESIANO ◽  
LEOPOLDO ARRIETA-VIOLET
Keyword(s):  
New Record ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Habitat Conservation ◽  
Distribution Area ◽  
Morphological Description ◽  
Opuntia Species ◽  
Flora Of Colombia ◽  
First Time

Opuntia soederstromiana is recorded in Colombia for the first time. Botanical explorations were carried out in eastern Colombia sub-xerophytic enclaves, as well as examination of specimens deposited at the herbaria AZUAY, COL, GH, NY, QCA, QCNE, UPTC, and US was made. Lectotypes for the names O. dobbieana (here treated as heterotypic synonym of O. soederstromiana) and O. soederstromiana are designated on specimens preserved at US and NY. A detailed and expanded morphological description of O. soederstromiana, as well as data about type, habitat, conservation status, selected iconographies, and distribution area were given. The number of Opuntia species recorded in Colombia has increased to 10. A key for identification of Opuntia species occurring in the departments of Boyacá and Santander (Colombia) was also provided.

New morphological and anatomical data on the genus Fuernrohria (Apiaceae)

Phytotaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 429 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-56
Author(s):  
BARIŞ BANİ ◽  
DUDU ÖZLEM MAVİ İDMAN
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Leaf Sheath ◽  
Distribution Area ◽  
Morphological Description ◽  
Leaf Segment ◽  
Vascular Bundles ◽  
Anatomical Data ◽  
Micromorphological Characters ◽  
First Time ◽  
Stem Leaf

In this study, morphological and anatomical data (including fruit micromorphological characters) of the genus Fuernrohria were studied and compared with the related genera Grammosciadium, Caropodium and Vinogradovia. The morphological description of Fuernrohria setifolia, which is the only known species in the genus, is expanded. Photos of inflorescences, infructescences and leaves of the species taken from the wild are provided. Leaf segment and mericarps are illustrated, and also the distribution area of the genus is mapped. Anatomical features of root, stem, leaf sheath, leaf segment and fruit are presented with photographs of cross sections for each of them. Vegetative anatomical characteristics of the species and micromorphological description of fruit are given and exhibited for the first time in the present study. The results show that two important diagnostic characters for Fuernrohria are determined for the first time as “shape and size of commissural vittae in mericarps” and “number of vascular bundles in leaf cross section”.

scholarly journals BTCI enhances guanylin-induced natriuresis and promotes renal glomerular and tubular effects

2008 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
AF. Carvalho ◽  
MS. Santos-Neto ◽  
HSA. Monteiro ◽  
SM. Freitas ◽  
L. Morhy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Filtration Rate ◽  
Rat Kidney ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Urine Flow ◽  
Renal Metabolism ◽  
Chymotrypsin Inhibitor ◽  
Electrolyte Homeostasis ◽  
Perfused Rat Kidney ◽  
First Time

Guanylin and uroguanylin are small cysteine-rich peptides involved in the regulation of fluid and electrolyte homeostasis through binding and activation of guanylyl cyclases signaling molecules expressed in intestine and kidney. Guanylin is less potent than uroguanylin as a natriuretic agent and is degraded in vitro by chymotrypsin due to unique structural features in the bioactive moiety of the peptide. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify whether or not guanylin is degraded by chymotrypsin-like proteases present in the kidney brush-border membranes. The isolated perfused rat kidney assay was used in this regard. Guanylin (0.2 µM) induced no changes in kidney function. However, when pretreated by the black-eyed pea trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitor (BTCI - 1.0 µM; guanylin - 0.2 µM) it promoted increases in urine flow (deltaUF of 0.25 ± 0.09 mL.g-1/min, P < 0.05) and Na+ excretion (% delta ENa+ of 18.20 ± 2.17, P < 0.05). BTCI (1.0 µM) also increased %ENa+ (from 22.8 ± 1.30 to 34.4 ± 3.48, P < 0.05, 90 minutes). Furthermore, BTCI (3.0 µM) induced increases in glomerular filtration rate (GFR; from 0.96 ± 0.02 to 1.28 0.02 mL.g-1/min, P < 0.05, 60 minutes). The present paper strongly suggests that chymotrypsin-like proteases play a role in renal metabolism of guanylin and describes for the first time renal effects induced by a member of the Bowman-Birk family of protease inhibitors.

scholarly journals Regioselectivity of glucosylation of caffeic acid by a UDP-glucose:glucosyltransferase is maintained in planta1

2003 ◽  
Vol 373 (3) ◽  
pp. 987-992 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eng-Kiat LIM ◽  
Gillian S. HIGGINS ◽  
Yi LI ◽  
Dianna J. BOWLES
Keyword(s):  
Enzyme Activity ◽  
Caffeic Acid ◽  
Northern Blot Analysis ◽  
Transgenic Arabidopsis ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Cauliflower Mosaic Virus ◽  
Leaf Extracts ◽  
Transgenic Lines ◽  
First Time

Caffeic acid is a phenylpropanoid playing an important role in the pathways leading to lignin synthesis and the production of a wide variety of secondary metabolites. The compound is also an antioxidant and has potential utility as a general protectant against free radicals. Three glucosylated forms of caffeic acid are known to exist: the 3-O- and 4-O-glucosides and the glucose ester. This study describes for the first time a glucosyltransferase [UDP-glucose:glucosyltransferase (UGT)] that is specific for the 3-hydroxyl, and not the 4-hydroxyl, position of caffeic acid. The UGT sequence of Arabidopsis, UGT71C1, has been expressed as a recombinant fusion protein in Escherichia coli, purified and assayed against a range of substrates in vitro. The assay confirmed that caffeic acid as the preferred substrate when compared with other hydroxycinnamates, although UGT71C1 also exhibited substantial activity towards flavonoid substrates, known to have structural features that can be recognized by many different UGTs. The expression of UGT71C1 in transgenic Arabidopsis was driven by the constitutive cauliflower mosaic virus 35 S (CaMV35S) promoter. Nine independent transgenic lines were taken to homozygosity and characterized by Northern-blot analysis, assay of enzyme activity in leaf extracts and HPLC analysis of the glucosides. The level of expression of UGT71C1 was enhanced considerably in several lines, leading to a higher level of the corresponding enzyme activity and a higher level of caffeoyl-3-O-glucoside. The data are discussed in the context of the utility of UGTs for natural product biotransformations.

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