Studies on developmental changes in fine structure and metabolism in flight muscle of Locusta migratoria L.

The fine structure of the median i n direct dorsal longitudinal flight muscles has been examined throughout the first week of adult life. During this period, muscle colour changed from white to reddishbrown and the banding pattern characteristic of mature adult flight muscle was established. Associated with these changes there was an increase in myofbrilsize and the mean number of myosin filaments per myofibril,- no significant change was observed in the actin : myosin ratio. There were indications that the number of myofibrils per muscle fibre increase by " longitudinal splitting" of existing myofibrils in the first four days of adult life. A marked increase in mitochondrial size and complexity was noted with increasing age. In addition, total mitochondrial protein increased approximately 10-fold between the 9 th day of 5th instar and the 6th day of adult life. However, the increase in mitochondrial size is probably due to both the syn thesis of new mitochondrial protein and the fusion of adjacent mitochondria. The mitochondria gradually become arranged in straight columns between the myofibrils by the 5th day of adult life. The relative volume of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and T-system decreased with age. This was associated with the formation of dyadic junctions and the separation of adjacent myofibrils by sheet(s) of SR. In contrast to the situation, observed in the first few days of adult life, where dyadic junctions are situated near the Z-bands or at an oblique angle to the adjacent m of brils, in more developed flight muscle they are situated in the region of the A-bands and run parallel to the myofibrils. The distribution of the SR and T-system was affected by the penetration of tracheoles into the muscle fibres. Muscle tracheation was more-or-less fully developed within the 3rd-day of adult life. The relative volume of the tracheoles decreased with age. The physiological implications of these developmental changes in fine structure are discussed. Mitochondrial phospholipids contained five mean fatty acids at all ages studied; palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0), oleic acid (18:1), linoleic acid (18:2) and linolenic acid (18:3). The relative amount of stearic acid (18:0) and the ratio of unsaturated : saturated fatty acids decreased over the period between the 9th-day of the 5th instar and the 15th day of adult life. Providing a suitaible reaction medium was used, oxidative phosphorylation was demonstrable at all ages studied with the following substrates: ɑ-glycerophosphate, pyruvate plus proline and glutamate, but not with succinate. Allosteric activation of ɑ-giycerophosphate dehydrogenase by Ca(^2+) was demonstrable at all ages studied. No such activation was observed when Mg(^2+) replaced Ca(^2+) a-Glycerophosphate dehydrogenase activity increased with age. The properties of SR-ATPase (total ATPase) of Locusta flightmuscle were similar to those reported for vertebrates skeletal muscle SR-ATPase. Total ATPase activity required Mg(^2+) and was stimulated byCa(^2+). Optimal concentrations of Ca(^2+) and Mg(^2+) for total ATPase were 3.19 X 10(^-6)M (free Ca(^2+)) and 1.5 - 3mM, respectively. The pH optimum was ca. 7.6 for total ATPase activity. The Ca(^2+) -stimulated component of ATPase activity showed similar optima to total ATPase activity. In the presence of Ca(^2+) the apparent Km for ATP was decreased from 0.643mM (Mg(^2+) present) to 0.420mM. There was an approximately 4-fold increase in SR protein per thorax and in the specific activity of total and Ca(2+)- stimulated ATPase activity. The developmental changes referred to above are discussed in relation to the improved flight performance observed during the first week of adult life in Locusta migratoria L

ОСОБЕННОСТИ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ГРУНТОВЫХ ОТЛОЖЕНИЙ МЕСОПОТАМСКОЙ ЗОНЫ ИРАКА

The paper considers geological conditions for sedimentary mantle formation. In the geological past limestone deposits and sedimentation rock mass from fragmentary materials brought by water flows were formed in the southern part of the stretched geosyncline which had been submerged by shallow sea. By lapse of time deposits were transferred into sandstone, siltstone and mudstone that represented the bottom part of rock mass. Continental conditions were established as a result of orogenic process which took place nearly 30–50 million years ago. Erosional activity of wind and flowing waters was observed on the surface for a long period of time.The top part of soil rock mass is represented by alluvial deposits of the rivers Tigris and Euphrates. During the process of sediment deposition more full-flowing Tigris caused more complicated dynamics of water channels  including meandering and changeability of inter-bedding.Engineering and geological investigations have been carried out with the purpose to study structure of soil rock mass in various regions of the country (Al-Diwaniya, Khidr, Al-Nasiriya and Khila). Specific drill columns have been selected on the basis of analysis of soil rock masses.  Theses drill columns may serve for further selection of rational types of foundations (shallow foundation, piles foundation) or creation of artificial foundations (cementing, armoring etc.). Рассматриваются геологические условия формирования чехла осадочных пород. В геологическом прошлом в затопленной неглубоким морем южной части вытянутой геосинклинали формировались отложения известняка и толщи осадочных пород из приносимого стоком обломочного материала. С течением времени осадки превращались в песчаники, алевролиты и аргиллиты, представляющие нижнюю часть толщи. В результате процесса горообразования, имевшего место около 30–50 миллионов лет назад, установились континентальные условия. Длительное время на поверхности проявлялась эрозионная деятельность ветра и текучих вод.Верхняя часть грунтовой толщи представлена аллювиальными отложениями рек Тигра и Евфрата. Более полноводный Тигр в процессе осадконакопления обусловил сложную динамику русловых потоков, включая меандрирование и сменяемость пластов.Для изучения строения грунтовых толщ в различных районах (Аль-Дивания, Хидр, Аль-Насирия и Хила) были проведены инженерно-геологические изыскания. На основе анализа особенностей строения грунтовых толщ выделены характерные буровые колонки, которые могут послужить исходными для выбора рациональных типов фундаментов (мелкого заложения, свайных) или устройства искусственных оснований (цементация, армирование и др.). 

СТРОИТЕЛЬНЫЕ СВОЙСТВА ПОЙМЕННЫХ ОТЛОЖЕНИЙ РЕКИ ДИВАНИИ

Natural foundations of the buildings located in the middle Iraq region are represented by quaternary deposits that have been formed as residue of fine (clay and dusty) particles being transported by low-speed water flow. Density of clay soil is changeable within the following limits 1.38–1.47 g/cm3, and module of general deformation is equal to 1.6–1.9 МPа. In accordance with such characteristics foundation residues reach limit values at contact pressure of  80–100 kPa though design resistance of soil is within the range of  180–250 kPа. In the case of significant soil load transfer it is necessary to consider variants of deep foundation. In this connection while executing engineering and geological research it is recommended to drill some exploration wells at the depth of 40–60 м.В районе среднего Ирака естественные основания сооружений представлены четвертичными отложениями, сформировавшимися как осадок транспортируемых малоскоростным водным потоком тонких (глинистых и пылеватых) частиц. Плотность глинистых грунтов изменяется  в пределах 1,38–1,47 г/см3, а модуль общей деформации 1,6–1,9 МПа. При таких характеристиках осадки оснований достигают предельных значений уже при контактных давлениях порядка 80–100 кПа, хотя расчетное сопротивление грунтов находится в диапазоне 180–250 кПа.При необходимости передачи на грунт значительных нагрузок следует рассматривать варианты фундаментов глубокого заложения, в связи с чем при инженерно-геологических изысканиях следует хотя бы несколько разведочных скважин выполнять на глубину 40–60 м.

PECULIAR FEATURES PERTAINING TO SOIL DEPOSIT FORMATION IN THE MESOPOTAMIA ZONE OF IRAQ

The paper considers geological conditions for sedimentary mantle formation. In the geological past limestone deposits and sedimentation rock mass from fragmentary materials brought by water flows were formed in the southern part of the stretched geosyncline which had been submerged by shallow sea. By lapse of time deposits were transferred into sandstone, siltstone and mudstone that represented the bottom part of rock mass. Continental conditions were established as a result of orogenic process which took place nearly 30–50 million years ago. Erosional activity of wind and flowing waters was observed on the surface for a long period of time.The top part of soil rock mass is represented by alluvial deposits of the rivers Tigris and Euphrates. During the process of sediment deposition more full-flowing Tigris caused more complicated dynamics of water channels  including meandering and changeability of inter-bedding.Engineering and geological investigations have been carried out with the purpose to study structure of soil rock mass in various regions of the country (Al-Diwaniya, Khidr, Al-Nasiriya and Khila). Specific drill columns have been selected on the basis of analysis of soil rock masses.  Theses drill columns may serve for further selection of rational types of foundations (shallow foundation, piles foundation) or creation of artificial foundations (cementing, armoring etc.)

CONSTRUCTION PROPERTIES OF FLOOD DEPOSITS IN THE DIWANIYAH RIVER

Natural foundations of the buildings located in the middle Iraq region are represented by quaternary deposits that have been formed as residue of fine (clay and dusty) particles being transported by low-speed water flow. Density of clay soil is changeable within the following limits 1.38–1.47 g/cm3, and module of general deformation is equal to 1.6–1.9 МPа. In accordance with such characteristics foundation residues reach limit values at contact pressure of  80–100 kPa though design resistance of soil is within the range of  180–250 kPа. In the case of significant soil load transfer it is necessary to consider variants of deep foundation. In this connection while executing engineering and geological research it is recommended to drill some exploration wells at the depth of 40–60 м

Qualitative and Quantitative Ethnobotanical Survey in Al Baha Province, Southwestern Saudi Arabia

The documentation of ethnobotanical knowledge is useful for biocultural conservation, preserving the diversity of plants, and drug development. The present study was carried out to compile and document the knowledge and uses of plants in Al Baha Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). A total of 81 knowledgeable informants of different sexes, ages, and status levels were randomly selected and interviewed. The majority of the informants (63%) were > 60 years old. The collected data were qualitatively and quantitatively described using different quantitative indices [family importance value (FIV), use value (UV), and informant consensus factor (ICF)]. The fidelity level (FL), rank order priority (ROP), and relative popularity level (RPL) were determined for the plants (42 species) mentioned by at least three informants. A total of 97 plants belonging to 91 genera and 44 families were reported. The most commonly used parts were fruits (30.7%) and leaves (25.4%), whereas the most frequently used modes of preparation were maceration (24.7%) and direct application (23.3%). Most of the cited plants (49.5%) were traditionally used for gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorders, whereas a few plants (6.2%) were used for the treatment of reproductive disorders. The most ethnobotanically important families were Lamiaceae (FIV = 0.35) and Apiaceae (FIV = 0.33). The highest UV was represented by Zingiber officinale (0.086) followed by Commiphora myrrha and Trigonella foenum-graecum (0.074). The level of agreement among the interviewees was remarkably high (ICF = 0.65–0.93) for plants that had the ability to cure infectious diseases. A low level of agreement (ICF = 0.33–0.48) was observed among the informants towards plants that were used to treat gastrointestinal tract, reproductive, hematological, and central nervous system disorders. There was a total and absolute disagreement (ICF = 0) among the informants regarding the plants that were used to treat renal, endocrine system, oncological/immunological, rheumatic, orthopedic, ear, nose, and throat (ENT), and inflammatory disorders. Six of the plants which were cited by three informants or more had a high healing efficacy (FL = 100) and forty species attained ROP values of 50 or above. Out of the 42 plants, 20 species were grouped as popular (RPL = 1), and the remaining plants (22 species) were unpopular (RPL < 1). Curcuma longa, which showed the highest ROP value (100), was used to enhance immunity. In conclusion, various plant species in Al Baha province were used by the local communities for the treatment of different health problems. The documentation of these plants could serve as a basis for further scientific research and conservation studies

Mitigation effect of alpha-tocopherol and thermo-priming in Brassica napus L. under induced mercuric chloride stress

Abstract Soil pollution with heavy metals has grown to be a big hassle, leading to the loss in farming production particularly in developing countries like Pakistan, where no proper channel is present for irrigation and extraction of these toxic heavy metals. The present study aims to ameliorate the damages caused by heavy metal ions (Hg-Mercury) on rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) via a growth regulator (α-tocopherol 150 mg/L) and thermopriming technique at 4 °C and 50 °C to maintain plant agronomical and physiological characteristics. In pot experiments, we designed total of 11 treatments viz.( T0 (control), T1 (Hg4ppm), T2 (Hg8ppm), T3 (Hg4ppm + 4 °C), T4 (Hg4ppm + 4 °C + tocopherol (150 m/L)), T5 (Hg4ppm + 50 °C), T6 (Hg4ppm + 50 °C + tocopherol (150 mg/L)), T7 (Hg8ppm + 4 °C), T8 (Hg8ppm + 4 °C + tocopherol (150 mg/L)), T9 (Hg8ppm + 50 °C), T10 (Hg8ppm + 50 °C + tocopherol (150 mg/L) the results revealed that chlorophyll content at p  0.05) 50 °C thermopriming under 8 ppm high mercuric chloride stress (T9 = Hg8ppm + 50 °C) representing the tolerance of selected specie by synthesizing osmolytes to resist oxidation mechanism. Furthermore, reduction in % MC (moisture content) is easily improved with foliar application of α-tocopherol and 50 °C thermopriming and 4 ppm heavy metal stress at T6 = Hg4ppm + 50 °C + α-tocopherol (150 mg/L), with a remarkable increase in plant vigor and germination energy. It has resulted that the inhibitory effect of only lower concentration (4 ppm) of heavy metal stress was ameliorated by exogenous application of α-tocopherol and thermopriming technique by synthesizing high levels of proline and antioxidant activities in maintaining seedling growth and development on heavy metal contaminated soil

Morpho-Physio-Biochemical and Molecular Responses of Maize Hybrids to Salinity and Waterlogging during Stress and Recovery Phase

Maize is one of the most economically important cereal crops worldwide. Salinity coupled with waterlogging is a major challenge for successful crop production. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and impacts of individual and combined salinity and waterlogging stress on the morpho-physio-biochemical and molecular responses and oxidative metabolism of maize during stress and recovery periods is essential. The present study was carried out to assess the response of four hybrid maize cultivars viz. DK-6142, FH-1231, FH-949, and MALKA-2016 under individual and combined salinity and waterlogging conditions. The treatments comprised the control (no stress), NaCl (salinity with 10 dSm−1), WL (waterlogged conditions with 3 cm flooding), and NaCl + WL (combined salinity and waterlogging stress). The data regarding morpho-physiological attributes were collected at 22 days after sowing (DAS; stress phase) and 30 DAS (recovery phase). The results revealed that both stresses, either individually or in combination, substantially reduced the root-shoot length, root-shoot fresh and dry weights, leaf width, and the number of leaves per plant as well as the leaf chlorophyll (Chl) and carotenoids contents; however, the inhibitory effects were more severe in combined stresses than for individual stress factors in many cultivars. Both individual and combined stress conditions enhanced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation, whereas the antioxidant enzyme activities, i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), remained higher under stress conditions compared to the control. The expression levels of antioxidant genes (CAT and POD) were also upregulated under stress conditions. All of the cultivars recovered better from individual stresses than combined stress conditions; however, the hybrid DK-6142 performed better than the other maize hybrids under stress conditions and showed faster recovery

Effect of Dopamine on Growth, Some Biochemical Attributes, and the Yield of Crisphead Lettuce under Nitrogen Deficiency

Nitrogen (N) represents the most important nutrient for plant growth and productivity, but extreme and ineffective usage of N fertilizer results in boosted plant production expenditures and environmental contamination. For the world’s sustainable food production and environmental profits, there has been increased research interest in reducing the use of N fertilization along with improving plant N deficiency (ND) tolerance. Dopamine (DA), a potential antioxidant, mediates several physio-biochemical processes in plants under normal or stressful conditions. However, their roles in increasing ND tolerance in crisphead lettuce are not well-documented. We investigate the role of DA concentration (0.50 and 100 µM) on the growth and yield of crisphead lettuce plants under ND. Under normal conditions (100% recommended N fertilizer dose), DA (50 and 100 μM) application significantly enhanced growth, chlorophyll concentration, N%, antioxidant enzymes activity, as well as yield and its components, decreased nitrate accumulation and oxidative biomarkers compared to untreated plants (0 μM DA). ND significantly decreased plant growth and yield attributes as well as evoked oxidative impairment and nitrate accumulation as compared to 100% recommended N fertilizer dose in the absence of DA. However, within ND conditions, the application of DA concentrations significantly mitigated ND-induced oxidative burst and improved plant growth, chlorophyll concentration, N%, nitrate concentration, peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, total soluble solid, vitamin C, dry matter %, and total sugars, over 0 μM DA treated plants. Current findings highlighted that exogenous application of 100 μM DA could reinforce the crisphead lettuce plant’s resilience to ND by minimizing reactive oxygen species accumulation and promoting enzymatic antioxidants alongside growth, yield, and quality improvement. The beneficial effects of DA in lessening ND’s drastic impacts on crisphead lettuce resulted from upregulating antioxidant enzyme activity, impairment of oxidative biomarkers, and maintaining chlorophyll levels. The current findings open pioneering prospects to reduce nitrogen fertilization by DA application without any drastic effect on plant productivity. But further research is needed to fully understand DA effects and their mechanisms in inducing ND tolerance in different plant species, including crisphead lettuce