Microstratigraphic preservation of ancient faunal and hominin DNA in Pleistocene cave sediments.

Ancient DNA recovered from Pleistocene sediments represents a rich resource for the study of past hominin and environmental diversity. However, little is known about how DNA is preserved in sediments and the extent to which it may be translocated between archaeological strata. Here, we investigate DNA preservation in 47 blocks of resin-impregnated archaeological sediment collected over the last four decades for micromorphological analyses at 13 prehistoric sites in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America and show that such blocks can preserve DNA of hominins and other mammals. Extensive microsampling of sediment blocks from Denisova Cave in the Altai Mountains reveals that the taxonomic composition of mammalian DNA differs drastically at the millimeter-scale and that DNA is concentrated in small particles, especially in fragments of bone and feces (coprolites), suggesting that these are substantial sources of DNA in sediments. Three microsamples taken in close proximity in one of the blocks yielded Neanderthal DNA from at least two male individuals closely related to Denisova 5, a Neanderthal toe bone previously recovered from the same layer. Our work indicates that DNA can remain stably localized in sediments over time and provides a means of linking genetic information to the archaeological and ecological records on a microstratigraphic scale.

Parasite escape mechanisms drive morphological diversification in avian lice.

Organisms that have repeatedly evolved similar morphologies owing to the same selective pressures provide excellent cases in which to examine specific morphological changes and their relevance to the ecology and evolution of taxa. Hosts of permanent parasites act as an independent evolutionary experiment, as parasites on these hosts are thought to be undergoing similar selective pressures. Parasitic feather lice have repeatedly diversified into convergent ecomorphs in different microhabitats on their avian hosts. We quantified specific morphological characters to determine (i) which traits are associated with each ecomorph, (ii) the quantitative differences between these ecomorphs, and (iii) if there is evidence of displacement among co-occurring lice as might be expected under louse-louse competition on the host. We used nano-computed tomography scan data of 89 specimens, belonging to four repeatedly evolved ecomorphs, to examine their mandibular muscle volume, limb length and three-dimensional head shape data. Here, we find evidence that lice repeatedly evolve similar morphologies as a mechanism to escape host defences, but also diverge into different ecomorphs related to the way they escape these defences. Lice that co-occur with other genera on a host exhibit greater morphological divergence, indicating a potential role of competition in evolutionary divergence.

O-nitrobenzyl Caged Molecule Enables Photo-controlled Release of Thiabendazole.

Pesticides are essential in agricultural development. Controlled-release pesticides have attracted great attentions. Base on a principle of spatiotemporal selectivity, we extended the photoremovable protective group (PRPG) into agrochemical agents to achieve controllable release of active ingredients. Herein, we obtained NP-TBZ by covalently linking o-nitrobenzyl (NP) with thiabendazole (TBZ). Compound NP-TBZ can be controlled to release TBZ in dependent to light. The irradiated and unirradiated NP-TBZ showed significant differences on fungicidal activities both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the irradiated NP-TBZ displayed similar antifungal activities to the directly-used TBZ, indicating a factual applicability in controllable release of TBZ. Furthermore, we explored the action mode and microcosmic variations by SEM analysis, and demonstrated that the irradiated NP-TBZ retained a same action mode with TBZ against mycelia growth.

Terrestrial mosses as a substrate and potential host for cyanobacteria, green algae and diatoms.

Most studies of terrestrial bryophytes as natural substrates for photosynthetic microorganisms have been performed in the polar regions, where bryophytes are an important part of the ecosystem. As they remain green throughout the year, bryophytes may also be an ideal substrate for epiphytic organisms in temperate regions. The present study investigated the colonization potential and diversity of microalgae on selected plant species in riparian forest and spruce monoculture in a temperate region. It examines whether the presence of algae is related to substrate humidity, the micromorphology of gametophyte or the seasonal availability of substrate. The taxonomic diversity of algae was studied. Cyanobacteria and green algae were cultured on BG-11 agar medium, while diatoms were identified in permanent diatomaceous slides. The alpha- and beta-diversity indices were calculated, and the communities were compared using Bray-Curtis distances and multidimensional correspondence analyses. Our findings indicate that the largest number of alga species were diatoms; however, their presence was only observed in riparian forest and was associated with high humidity. Both aerophilic and freshwater taxa were noted, the latter carried by water from nearby aquatic ecosystem. Green algae were present in both phytocoenoses and humidity appears to have no substantial effect on the degree of colonization; their diversity was low and the group consisted of terrestrial taxa. In two bryophytes growing at the highest humidity, cyanobacteria were only identified in culture. The key factor influencing the degree of microalgae colonization was the humidity of the substrate, which was related to the distance from water.

Greenery planning for urban air pollution control based on biomonitoring potential: Explicit emphasis on foliar accumulation of particulate matter (PM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

In this study, efficiencies of eight indigenous plants of Baishnabghata Patuli Township (BPT), southeast Kolkata, India, were explored as green barrier species and potentials of plant leaves were exploited for biomonitoring of particulate matter (PM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The present work focused on studying PM capturing abilities (539.32-2766.27 µg cm-2) of plants (T. divaricata, N. oleander and B. acuminata being the most efficient species in retaining PM) along with the estimation of foliar contents of PM adhered to leaf surfaces (total sPM (large + coarse): 526.59-2731.76 µg cm-2) and embedded within waxes (total wPM (large + coarse): 8.73-34.51 µg cm-2). SEM imaging used to analyse leaf surfaces affirmed the presence of innate corrugated microstructures as main drivers for particle capture. Accumulation capacities of PAHs of vehicular origin (total index, TI > 4) were compared among the species based on measured concentrations (159.92-393.01 µg g-1) which indicated T. divaricata, P. alba and N. cadamba as highest PAHs accumulators. Specific leaf area (SLA) of plants (71.01-376.79 cm2 g-1), a measure of canopy-atmosphere interface, had great relevance in PAHs diffusion. Relative contribution (>90%) of 4-6 ring PAHs to total carcinogenic equivalent and potential as well as 5-6 ring PAHs to total mutagenic equivalent and potential had also been viewed with respect to benzo[a]pyrene. In-depth analysis of foliar traits and adoption of plant-based ranking strategies (air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and anticipated performance index (API)) provided a rationale for green belting. Each of the naturally selected plant species showed evidences of adaptations during abiotic stress to maximize survival and filtering effects for reductive elimination of ambient PM and PAHs, allowing holistic management of green spaces.

Phytochemical and Micro-Morphological Characterization of Atraphaxis pyrifolia Bunge Growing in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Atraphaxis pyrifolia is a native species of Central Asia, known for curing several disorders. The species has little knowledges about its chemical composition and any information about its morphological characteristics despite its importance in traditional Asian medicine. This is one of the first approaches to the phytochemical and morphological characterization of this species. Micro-morphology was performed on the stem, and leaf parts of this plant to profile the morpho-anatomical characters using brightfield, fluorescence, polarized and scanning electron microscopy. Leaves were extracted with hexane and methanol. The hexane extract was analyzed using GC-MS analysis revealing the major presence of γ-sitosterol and nonacosane. The methanolic extract was submitted to Vacuum Liquid Chromatography and Sephadex LH-20. HPTLC, HR-ESI-MS and NMR techniques were used to identify the main compounds. Four glycosylated flavonoids were isolated: 8-O-acetyl-7-O-methyl-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosylgossypetin (Compound 1), and 7-O-methyl-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosylgossypetin (Compound 3), and two other compounds reported for the first time in the literature (Compounds 2 and 4). The findings presented herein furnish pertinent information essential for the identification and authentication of this medicinal plant. Such insights are invaluable for facilitating robust quality control measures and serve as a foundational framework for subsequent endeavours in metabolic, pharmacological, and taxonomical analyses.

The stratigraphy and formation of Middle Stone Age deposits in Cave 1B, Klasies River Main site, South Africa, with implications for the context, age, and cultural association of the KRM 41815/SAM-AP 6222 human mandible.

Cave 1B, in the Klasies River Main site complex (KRM), is best known for the recovery of the KRM 41815/SAM-AP 6222 human mandible. After initial skepticism over the modernity of this specimen, it is accepted that the mix of archaic and modern traits it displays is characteristic of early Homo sapiens individuals. Different authors have associated this specimen with the Middle Stone Age (MSA) I and II/Mossel Bay cultural phases, but the published data do not allow an unambiguous attribution. KRM 41815's frequent use in studies of the evolution of the human mandible, and its well-developed chin, makes clarifying its age and context important objectives. The field and micromorphology observations presented here provide greater insight into the stratigraphy and formation of the sequence exposed in the PP38 excavation. There are three major divisions: the basal Light Brown Sand (LBS) Member (not excavated), the Rubble Sand (RS) Member (MSA I), and the Shell and Sand Dark Carbonized (SASDC) Submember (MSA II). Cultural stratigraphy based on lithic artifacts remains the only way to make secure (but broad) temporal correlations with the rest of the site complex. This investigation shows that a range of anthropogenic, geogenic, and biogenic processes contributed to the deposition and post-depositional alteration of the identified microfacies. Short depositional hiatuses are reasonably common, and a significant hiatus was identified between the RS and SASDC. The impact of post-depositional processes on the RS is significant, with anthropogenic deposits poorly preserved. In comparison, the SASDC is dominated by hearths contained within deposits rich in reworked anthropogenic materials known as carbonized partings. Small shell disposal features are also present. The distribution of these anthropogenic features suggests continuity in the management of space throughout the MSA II occupations, from before 110 ka. New stratigraphic correlations indicate that KRM 41815 is unambiguously associated with the MSA I. Therefore, it predates 110 ka, with a lower age limit potentially in Marine Isotope Stage 6.

Osmophores and petal surface traits in Bignonieae species.

This study characterizes the osmophores and corolla traits in 18 species of Bignonieae Dumort., a Bignoniaceae tribe occurring in the Cerrado, a neotropical savanna in Brazil. To detect osmophore distribution, whole, newly opened flowers were immersed in Neutral Red Solution. Samples from the corolla tube and lobes were also fixed and analyzed micromorphologically, anatomically, and histochemically. The osmophores showed six markedly different distribution patterns that were not clearly associated with histological features. In most species, osmophores comprised papillose secretory epidermises and a few layers of subepidermal parenchyma. Starch grains, lipid droplets, and terpenes were detected in osmophores. An ornamented cuticle, cuticular folds, glandular and non-glandular trichomes, raised stomata and epicuticular wax granules are common traits in the species studied and may be useful in determining the taxonomy of the group. We found that 94% of the species visited by bees had papillose epidermises while the single hummingbird-pollinated species presented a flattened epidermis. Variations in osmophore pattern among species visited by bees, including variations within the same plant genus, are novel finding. Additionally, the Bignonieae species visited by bees presented a textured corolla surface, which has been reported as facilitating bee attachment and movement towards the floral resource. Future studies with a greater number of Bignonieae species and more detailed pollinator behavioral assays may help in the interpretation of the variations in corolla traits and functional relationships between flowers and pollinators.

Teucrium fruticans L., a Multi-Scale Study: From Trichomes to Essential Oil.

This work represents the first multi-scale study on Teucrium fruticans L. cultivated at the Ghirardi Botanic Garden (Lombardy, Northern Italy), combining a micromorphological and a phytochemical survey on the plant's aerial parts. Micromorphological investigations, performed by Light Microscopy, Fluorescence Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy, highlighted the presence of five trichomes morphotypes, distinguished by a different distribution pattern: peltates, short-stalked and ball-like medium-stalked capitates, ubiquitous on the whole plant, medium-stalked and long-stalked capitates, exclusive to the floral whorls. Both peltates and medium-stalked capitates were recognized as the main terpene production sites. Phytochemical characterization focused on the essential oils (EOs), obtained by Clevenger-type hydrodistillation in February and April 2022 and characterized by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), which resulted mainly formed by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. The February EO profile was characterized by ß-caryophyllene (28.30 %) and germacrene D (19.16 %) as main compounds, while in April ß-myrcene was detected at high percentage (13.77 %), in addition to the previous two components (15.72 % and 11.55 %, respectively). Literature data, dealing with the biological activities of the main oil constituents, highlighted an anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor potential, due to the high content in sesquiterpenes and, particularly, of ß-caryophyllene and germacrene D.

Leaves micromorphology, chemical profile, and bioactivity of in vitro-propagated Nepeta cyrenaica (Lamiaceae).

INTRODUCTION: The endemic species Nepeta cyrenaica Quézel & Zaffran, native to northeastern Libya, is valued as an important honey-bearing plant. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to examine the micromorphology, phytochemistry, and bioactivity of in vitro-propagated N. cyrenaica for the first time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The leaf indumentum was examined using light and scanning electron microscopy and further characterised for histochemistry. The chemical composition of essential oil (EO) was performed using GC-MS analysis, while dichloromethane (DCM), methanol (ME), ethanol (ET), and aqueous (AQ) extracts were analysed using qualitative and quantitative LC/MS analyses. The antioxidant activities of EO and extracts were assessed using three parallel assays, while enzyme-inhibiting effects were evaluated against four enzymes. RESULTS: The leaves bear various types of glandular trichomes, with lipophilic secretion predominating. The main EO component of EO was 1,8-cineole. A considerable number of phenolics and iridoids were tentatively identified in the ME extract. Quantitative LC/MS analysis confirmed that ferulic acid, rosmarinic acid, and epigallocatechin gallate were present in the highest amount in the extracts, in which three iridoids were also quantified. Although the ME extract contained the highest amount of polyphenolics and iridoids, the DCM extract showed the best overall biological potential. Additionally, EO exerted the strongest acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibition. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the endemic N. cyrenaica can be efficiently grown under in vitro conditions, where it develops various glandular trichomes that are thought to secrete and/or accumulate bioactive compounds with valuable medicinal potential.

Phylogenetical Position versus Pollination Syndromes: Floral Trichomes of Central American and Mexican Pinguicula.

Central American and Mexican Pinguicula species are characterized by enormous divergence in size and color of flowers and are pollinated by butterflies, flies, bees, and hummingbirds. It is known that floral trichomes are key characters in plant-pollinator interaction. The main aim of our study was to verify our hypothesis that the distribution and diversity of non-glandular and glandular trichomes are related to the pollinator syndromes rather than the phylogenetic relationships. The studied sample consisted of Central American and Mexican species. In our study, we relied on light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with a phylogenetic perspective based on ITS DNA sequences. The flower morphology of species pollinated by butterflies and hummingbirds was similar in contrast to species pollinated by flies and bees. Species pollinated by butterflies and hummingbirds contained low diversity of non-glandular trichomes, which occurred mostly in the tube and basal part of the spur. Surprisingly, in P. esseriana and P. mesophytica, non-glandular trichomes also occurred at the base of lower lip petals. In the case of species pollinated by flies/bees, we observed a high variety of non-glandular trichomes, which occurred on the surface of corolla petals, in the tube, and at the entrance to the spur. Furthermore, we did not identify any non-glandular trichomes in the spur. The capitate glandular trichomes were of similar morphology in all examined species. There were minor differences in the shape of the trichome head, as well as the length and the number of stalk cells. The distribution and the diversity of non-glandular and glandular trichomes and pollinator syndromes were mapped onto a phylogenetic reconstruction of the genus. Most micromorphological characters appear to be associated more with floral adaptation to pollinators and less with phylogeny.

The Influence of Pedo-Climatic Conditions on the Micromorphological, Phytochemical Features, and Biological Properties of Leaves of Saponaria sicula Raf.

Saponaria sicula Raf. grows in Sicily, Sardinia, and Algeria on limestone cliffs and volcanic sands 1300-2500 m above sea level. The aim of the present study was to investigate how the pedo-climatic conditions influence the micromorphological, phytochemical, and biological properties of Sicilian S. sicula leaves collected in the Madonie Mountains (SsM) and on Etna Mt (SsE). Micromorphological investigations revealed that leaves from SsM had a higher amount of calcium oxalate druses in the mesophyll and a more intense blue-green staining with Toluidine blue O, indicating a higher content of polyphenols. These data were confirmed by phytochemical analyses carried out on hydroalcoholic extracts, which showed a higher content of total phenols (8.56 ± 0.57 g GAE/100 g DE) and flavonoids (6.09 ± 0.17 g RE/100 g DE) in SsM. Sixty-four compounds were identified by LC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis with propelargonidin dimer as the most abundant compound (10.49% and 10.19% in SsM and SsE, respectively). The higher polyphenol content of SsM leaves matches also with their biological activity, identifying SsM extract as the strongest plant complex (IC50 2.75-477.30 µg/mL). In conclusion, the present study experimentally demonstrates that not only climatic differences but also soil characteristics affect the micromorphological, phytochemical, and biological features of this plant species.

Mineralogy, geochemistry, and micromorphology of human kidney stones (urolithiasis) from Mersin, the southern Turkey.

This study describes the primary characteristics of the selected kidney stones surgically removed from the patients at the Mersin University Hospital in the southern Turkey and interprets their formation via petrographic, geochemical, XRD, SEM-EDX, and ICP-MS/OES analyses. The analytical results revealed that the kidney stones are composed of the minerals whewellite, struvite, hydroxyapatite, and uric acid alone or in different combinations. The samples occur in staghorn, bean-shaped composite, and individual rounded particle shapes, which are controlled by the shape of the nucleus and the site of stone formation. The cross-section of the samples shows concentric growth layers due to variations in saturation, characterizing the metastable phase. Kidney stone formation includes two main stages: (i) nucleation and (ii) aggregation and/or growth. Nucleation was either Randall plaque of hydroxyapatite in tissue on the surface of the papilla or a coating of whewellite on the plaque, or crystallization as free particles in the urine. Subsequently, aggregation or growth occurs by precipitation of stone-forming materials around the plaque or coating carried into the urine, or around the nucleus formed in situ in the urine. Urinary supersaturation is the main driving force of crystallization processes; and is controlled by many factors including bacterially induced supersaturation.

Seed macro- and micromorphology in Allium (Amaryllidaceae) and its phylogenetic significance.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Macro- and micromorphology of seeds are diagnostic characteristics of importance in delimiting taxa in Allium (Amaryllidaceae). However, there is no consensus on the phylogenetic significance of testa cell characteristics and whether they reflect the different evolutionary levels recognized in Allium. METHODS: Seeds of 95 species (98 samples) representing 14 subgenera and 58 sections of Allium were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for such traits as periclinal wall surface area of ten testa cells, distance between testa cells (macromorphology), testa cell shapes, and arrangement and structure of anticlinal and periclinal walls (micromorphology). The data matrix was subjected to cladistic analysis. The produced phylogenetic tree was examined against the molecular tree obtained from publically available ITS sequences. KEY RESULTS: The periclinal wall surface area of ten testa cells and the distance between them, examined for the first time, were found useful for delimitation of species in Allium. Based on seed macro- and micromorphology, we present a taxonomic key and a hypothetical reconstruction of the migration routes during the early stages of evolution of Allium. CONCLUSIONS: The ancestors of Allium originated in an area bounded by the Caucasus, Central Asia and Iran. The seed testa morphology-based evolutionary state of a species is determined by two parameters: the shape of the periclinal walls and curvature of the anticlinal walls.

Notes on the Newly Identified Asperula cankiriense B. Sahin & Sagiroglu (Rubiaceae) from Turkey Based on a Light and Scanning Electron Microscopic Study.

Micromorphological features of vegetative and reproductive organs in plants are considered important because they can be used as taxonomic characters. Asperula cankiriense B. Sahin & Sagiroglu, commonly known as "Çankiri belumu", belongs to the family Rubiaceae and generally occurs in gypsum steppes. This research reports for the first time the micromorphological characteristics of the vegetative and reproductive organs of A. cankiriense using light and scanning electron microscopy. Taxonomically critical diagnostic features, such as raphide crystals, presence and shape of trichomes, leaf cross-section shape, flower structure, and epidermal ornamentation, were described in detail. This study provided up-to-date information on the micromorphology of this newly described species and provided additional systematic information on A. cankiriense. New data about the species are reported here and will contribute to the knowledge about the family Rubiaceae.

Rumen Epithelial Development- and Metabolism-Related Genes Regulate Their Micromorphology and VFAs Mediating Plateau Adaptability at Different Ages in Tibetan Sheep.

The rumen is an important hallmark organ of ruminants and plays an important role in the metabolism and immune barrier of Tibetan sheep on the Plateau. However, there are few studies on rumen development and metabolism regulation in Tibetan sheep at different ages. Here, we comprehensively analyzed the immune function, fermentation function, rumen epithelial micromorphology and transcriptome profile of Tibetan sheep at different ages. The results showed that the concentration of IgG decreased and the concentration of IgM increased with age (p < 0.05), and the highest concentration of IgA was observed at 1.5 and 3.5 years of age. In terms of rumen fermentation characteristics, VFAs of 4-month-old lambs were the highest, followed by VFAs and NH3-N of Tibetan sheep at 3.5 years of age. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy section examination of rumen epithelial tissue showed that the rumen papilla width increased with age (p < 0.001), the thickness of the stratum corneum decreased, the cells in the stratum corneum showed accelerated migration and the thickness of the rumen muscle layer increased (p < 0.001). Desmosomal junctions between the layers of rumen epithelium increased at 1.5 and 3.5 years old, forming a compact barrier structure, and the basal layer had more mitochondria involved in the regulation of energy metabolism. RNA-seq analysis revealed that a total of 1006 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at four ages. The DEGs of Tibetan sheep aged 4 months and 6 years were mainly enriched in the oxidation−reduction process and ISG15-protein conjugation pathway. The 1.5 and 3.5-year-olds were mainly enriched in skeletal muscle thin filament assembly, mesenchyme migration and the tight junction pathway. WGCNA showed that DEGs related to rumen microbiota metabolite VFAs and epithelial morphology were enriched in "Metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, PPAR signaling pathway, Butanoate metabolism pathways" and participated in the regulation of rumen epithelial immune and fermentation metabolism functions of Tibetan sheep at different ages. This study systematically revealed the regulatory mechanism of rumen epithelial development and metabolism in the plateau adaptation of Tibetan sheep, providing a new approach for the study of plateau adaptation.

Micromorphology of Labellum in Selected Dendrobium Sw. (Orchidaceae, Dendrobieae).

Dendrobium is one of the most species-rich genera of the Paleotropical orchids. It embraces more than 1000 species, most of which are epiphytes. The strong variation in floral characters causes many identification difficulties within this genus. One of the key structures, often sufficient in identification on a species level, is the labellum, which in many species of Dendrobium possesses a thickened callus and various types of trichomes and papillae. The aim of this study is to identify and describe the structures present on the labellum surface of the analyzed species, determine their distribution and density, as well as to check whether the obtained data have taxonomic value. In this paper, we present the results of a micromorphological study on the labellum of 21 species of Dendrobium, representing 13 sections, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Our studies revealed the presence of both uni- and multicellular structures on the surface of the labellum. We observed three types of trichomes (conical, cylindrical, ellipsoidal) and three types of papillae (conical, cylindrical, semicircular). Neither trichomes nor papillae were recorded for five species. In addition, we made diagrams showing the distribution and density of structures on the labellum. Based on the micromorphological results combined with the phylogenetic tree performed, we suggest that the presence/absence of labellum structures does not necessarily reflect the phylogenetic relationship and might be misleading, as in some cases, they arise due to convergence.

Anti-Inflammatory and Wound Healing Properties of Leaf and Rhizome Extracts from the Medicinal Plant Peucedanum ostruthium (L.) W. D. J. Koch

Peucedanum ostruthium (L.) W. D. J. Koch (Apiaceae) is a worldwide perennial herb native to the mountains of central Southern Europe. The rhizome has a long tradition in popular medicine, while ethnobotanical surveys have revealed local uses of leaves for superficial injuries. To experimentally validate these uses, plant material was collected in the Gran Paradiso National Park, Aosta Valley, Italy, and the rhizome and leaves were micromorphologically and phytochemically characterized. Polyphenol-enriched hydroalcoholic rhizome and leaf extracts, used in cell-free assays, showed strong and concentration-dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In vitro tests revealed cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibition by the leaf extract, while the rhizome extract induced only lipoxygenase inhibition. MTT assays on HaCaT keratinocytes and L929 fibroblasts showed low cytotoxicity of extracts. In vitro scratch wound test on HaCaT resulted in a strong induction of wound closure with the leaf extract, while the effect of the rhizome extract was lower. The same test on L929 cells showed similar wound closure induction with both extracts. The results confirmed the traditional medicinal uses of the rhizome as an anti-inflammatory and wound healing remedy for superficial injuries but also highlighted that the leaves can be exploited for these purposes with equal or superior effectiveness.

Site formation processes at Manot Cave, Israel: Interplay between strata accumulation in the occupation area and the talus.

Manot Cave contains important human fossils and archaeological assemblages related to the origin and dispersal of anatomically modern humans and the Upper Paleolithic period. This record is divided between an elevated in situ occupation area and a connecting talus. We, thus, investigated the interplay between the accumulation of the sediments and their associated artifacts in the occupation areas and the translocation of part of these sediments and artifacts down the talus. We examined the lithostratigraphy of two excavation locations in the occupation area (areas E and I), and two in the talus (areas C and D). We also assessed the diagenetic processes that have affected all these areas. A linear array of stalagmites and stalactites separates the occupation area from the talus, demarcating a major topographic barrier between the two. We infer that during human occupation, sediment accumulation of soil, wood ash, and bone was rapid and that some sediments with their associated artifacts overflowed the barrier and translocated down the talus. During periods of nonoccupation, the ash in the occupation area partially dissolved owing to the release of acid from the degrading bat and bird guano, and the layer thicknesses decreased. The south side of the talus (area C) has a normally stratified archaeological record, with the older archaeological materials underlying the younger materials. This suggests that the barrier between the occupation area and area C was relatively shallow and allowed a fairly continuous sediment accumulation in the talus. In the central part of the talus (area D), the stratigraphy is complex and shows mixing, presumably owing to the steep underlying bedrock topography and the mixing that occurs when sediments move down a steep slope. Finally, the distribution of secondary phosphates is consistent with the location of a main cave entrance to the south of the Paleolithic occupation area.

Effect of aging and rejuvenation on adhesion properties of modified asphalt binder based on AFM.

The adhesion between asphalt binder and aggregate is very important to the performance and durability of asphalt pavement. In order to explore the characterisation of modified asphalt binder in microstructure during aging and rejuvenation, the virgin asphalt binder and three kinds of modified asphalt binder (styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS), rubber powder and high viscosity and high elasticity [HVHE] modifier) in different aging and rejuvenation condition were prepared. The micromorphology and surface adhesion were measured by atomic force microscopy. The average roughness value was used as the index to evaluate the micromorphology of asphalt binder. The surface adhesion was used as the index to evaluate the adhesion properties of asphalt binder. Results show that the "bee" structure of SBS-modified asphalt binder increased slightly after long-term aging, and the recovery effect of aromatics oil was the closest to that of the unaged one. The rubber powder-modified asphalt binder and HVHE-modified asphalt binder showed the spot structure. And no matter for short-term aging or long-term aging, aromatics oil had the best recovery effect on micro morphology. The adhesion of the three modified asphalts would decrease gradually after aging. The effects of three kinds of rejuvenator on the adhesion of SBS-modified asphalt binder and rubber powder-modified asphalt binder were different. Rejuvenator, aromatic oil and warm mix asphalt mixture (WMA) additive could rejuvenate the loss of adhesion of HVHE-modified asphalt binder to a certain extent.