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Arsenic (As) poses a significant environmental threat as a metalloid toxin, adversely affecting the health of both plants and animals. Strigolactones (SL) and nitric oxide (NO) are known to play crucial roles in plant physiology. Therefore, the present experiment was designed to investigate the potential cumulative role of SL (GR24–0.20 μM) and NO (100 μM) in mitigating the adverse effect of AsV (53 μM) by modulating physiological mechanisms in two genotypes of tomato (Riogrand and Super Strain 8). A sample randomized design with four replicates was used to arrange the experimental pots in the growth chamber. 45-d old both tomato cultivars under AsV toxicity exhibited reduced morphological attributes (root and shoot length, root and shoot fresh weight, and root and shoot dry weight) and physiological and biochemical characteristics [chlorophyll (Chl) a and b content, activity of δ -aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity (an enzyme responsible for Chl biosynthesis), and carbonic anhydrase activity (an enzyme responsible for photosynthesis), and enhanced Chl degradation, overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation due to enhanced malondialdehyde (MDA) content. However, the combined application of SL and NO was more effective in enhancing the tolerance of both varieties to AsV toxicity compared to individual application. The combined application of SL and NO improved growth parameters, biosynthesis of Chls, NO and proline. However, the combined application significantly suppressed cellular damage by inhibiting MDA and overproduction of ROS in leaves and roots, as confirmed by the fluorescent microscopy study and markedly upregulated the antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate dismutase and glutathione reductase) activity. This study provides clear evidence that the combined application of SL and NO supplementation significantly improves the resilience of tomato seedlings against AsV toxicity. The synergistic effect of SL and NO was confirmed by the application of cPTIO (an NO scavenger) with SL and NO. However, further molecular studies could be imperative to conclusively validate the simultaneous role of SL and NO in enhancing plant tolerance to abiotic stress. [Display omitted] • AsV toxicity impaired growth performance of tomato genotypes. • Combined SL and NO application promoted plant health by combating AsV toxicity. • SL plus NO suppressed cellular damage by inhibiting ROS overproduction and MDA accumulation in tomato seedlings. • Application of SL and NO together improved the biosynthesis of Chl, TSCs and proline. • SL Plus NO upregulated antioxidant enzyme activity and NO formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Harrat Lunayyir is an alkali basaltic, continental volcanic field in NW Saudi Arabia. Lava flows and cinder cones are basanite to alkali olivine basalt to trachy-basalt in composition. The field contains about 50 volcanic cones fed by fissures through Precambrian crystalline rocks along a N–S axis, lying about 200km east of the Red Sea spreading center. One of cones erupted as recently as the 10th century AD. Analysis of a recent earthquake swarm (2007–2009) indicates a ~10-km, NW-trending cluster of events at both shallow and deep crustal locations, concentrated in regions of higher velocity material. Six volcano-stratigraphic units are identified, based on super-position and morphology (degree of erosion). New 40Ar–39Ar incremental heating age determinations indicate that the entire volcanic history occurred within the last 600ka, with eruption rate decreasing with time. Major and minor element compositional variations are due almost entirely to crustal level fractionation (of mainly olivine, plagioclase, and clinopyroxene), or small differences in mantle partial melting. Primitive liquid composition, estimated by adding olivine to parental magma compositions, is consistent with ~10% melting of an upper mantle peridotitic source in the depth range of spinel to garnet stability (80–60km). There is no evidence for crustal assimilation. Trace element variations (in Dy/Yb, Ce/Yb) are consistent with shallowing of the asthenospheric melting region with time. Regional variations in trace element compositions among other harrats indicate a strong influence of the lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary in controlling mantle melting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A study has been executed to evaluate the performance of MBR treating synthetic-municipal wastewater at three various temperatures (25, 35 and 45°C), and two hydraulic fluxes (10 and 15LMH). The system was operated under MLSS ranged between 8000 and 10,000mg/L. The study demonstrates that the biomass reduction, the poor sludge settleability and the supernatant turbidity caused by temperature increase. The temperature increase led to increase in SMP carbohydrate and protein, and decrease in EPS protein and the ratio of EPS protein to carbohydrate. COD removal efficiencies decreased with temperature increase. At 25°C, COD BioRE was 90% and FinRE was 95%. COD BioRE dropped with temperature increase to −10% at 45°C. The lowest COD FinRE was 50% at 45°C and all other values of COD FinRE were higher than that. Both NH3–N removal efficiencies were very high up to 100% at 25 and 35°C while at 45°C they ranged between 27 and 57%. The viscosity decreased with temperature increase. TMP and BWP ascended with temperature and flux increase. The highest TMP values were 348 and 429mbar at 10 and 15LMH respectively at 45°C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Work of the Organisation of the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is outlined. • Advice on assistance and protection from OPCW Scientific Advisory Board is provided. • Advice addresses medical care and treatment of longer term injuries from nerve agents. • Scientific literature on the topics is reviewed and over 130 references included. • This advice will better inform toxicologists, medics and emergency responders. Abstract The Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has provided advice in relation to the Chemical Weapons Convention on assistance and protection. We present the SAB's response to a request from the OPCW Director-General in 2014 for information on the best practices for preventing and treating the health effects from acute, prolonged, and repeated organophosphorus nerve agent (NA) exposure. The report summarises pre- and post-exposure treatments, and developments in decontaminants and adsorbing materials, that at the time of the advice, were available for NAs. The updated information provided could assist medics and emergency responders unfamiliar with treatment and decontamination options related to exposure to NAs. The SAB recommended that developments in research on medical countermeasures and decontaminants for NAs should be monitored by the OPCW, and used in assistance and protection training courses and workshops organised through its capacity building programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A moderate (M ∼5) earthquake struck the northeastern United Arab Emirates (UAE) and northern Oman on March 11, 2002. The event was felt over a wide area of the northern Emirates and was accompanied by smaller (felt) events before and after the March 11 main shock. The event was large enough to be detected and located by global networks at teleseismic distances. We estimated focal mechanism and depth from broadband complete regional waveform modeling. We report a normal mechanism with a slight right-lateral strike-slip component consistent with the large-scale tectonics. The normal component suggests relaxation of obducted crust of the Semail ophiolite (specifically, the Khor Fakkan Block) while the right-lateral strike-slip component of the mechanism is consistent with shear across the Oman Line. Felt earthquakes are rare in the region, however no regional seismic network exists in the UAE to determine local seismicity. This event offers a unique opportunity to study the active tectonics of the region as well as inform future studies of seismic hazard in the UAE and northern Oman. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Present investigation reports the role of calcium (Ca2+) and hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) crosstalk associated with Vigna radiata seedlings subjected to K+ deficient conditions under short-term (24 h) and long-term (72 h) NaCl stress. Perusal of the data reveals that under short-term NaCl stress an initial decline in K+ level led to the elevation in Ca2+ and H 2 S levels along with improvement in antioxidant system and reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Under long-term NaCl stress a further decline in K+ content was deleterious that led to a lower K+/Na+ ratio. This was followed by reduction in antioxidant system along with excessive accumulation of ROS and methylglyoxal content, and increased membrane damage. However, supplementation of the seedling roots with Ca2+ enhanced biosynthesis of H 2 S through enhancing cysteine pool. The present findings suggest that synergistic action of Ca2+ and H 2 S induced the activity of H+-ATPase that created H+ gradient which in turn induced Na+/H+ antiport system that accelerated K+ influx and Na+ efflux. All of these together contributed to a higher K+/Na+ ratio, activation of antioxidative defense system, and maintenance of redox homeostasis and membrane integrity in Ca2+-supplemented stressed seedlings. Role of Ca2+ and H 2 S in the regulation of Na+/H+ antiport system was validated by the use of sodium orthovanadate (plasma membrane H+-ATPase inhibitor), tetraethylammonium chloride (K+ channel blocker), and amiloride (Na+/H+ antiporter inhibitor). Application of Ca2+-chelator EGTA (ethylene glycol-bis(b-aminoethylether)- N,N,Nʹ,Nʹ -tetraacetic acid) and H 2 S scavenger hypotaurine abolished the effect of Ca2+, suggesting the involvement of Ca2+ and H 2 S in the alleviation of NaCl stress. Moreover, use of EGTA and HT also substantiates the downstream functioning of H 2 S during Ca2+-mediated regulation of plant adaptive responses to NaCl stress. To sum up, present findings reveal the association of Ca2+ and H 2 S signaling in the regulation of ion homeostasis and antioxidant defense during K+-deficient NaCl stress. Image 1 • Short term NaCl-induced potassium (K+) deficiency regulates NaCl-induced impairments. • Under long term NaCl stress, further decline in K+ content was deleterious. • Calcium (Ca2+) regulates Na+/H+ antiport and defense system under NaCl stress. • Ca2+-dependent regulation of plant response to NaCl stress is mediated by hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S). • H 2 S functions downstream of Ca2+ during plant adaptive responses to NaCl stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) and nitric oxide (NO) have been known to affect vast number of processes in plants under abiotic stresses. Also, calcium (Ca) works as a second messenger in plants, which underpins the abiotic stress-induced damage. However, the sequence of action of these signaling molecules against cadmium (Cd)-induced cellular oxidative damage remains unidentified. Therefore, we studied the synergistic actions and/or relationship of signaling molecules and Ca-dependent activation of tolerance mechanisms in Vigna radiata seedlings under Cd stress. The present study shows that exogenous Ca supplemented to Cd-stressed V. radiata seedlings reduced Cd accumulation and improved the activity of nitrate reductase, and L/D-cysteine desulfhydrase (LCD/DCD) that resulted in improved synthesis of NO and H 2 S content. Application of Ca also elevated the level of cysteine (Cys) by upregulating the activity of Cys-synthesizing enzymes serine acetyltransferase and O -acetylserine(thiol)lyase in Cd-stressed seedlings. Maintenance of Cys pool under Cd stress contributed to improved H 2 S content which together with Ca and NO improved antioxidant enzymes and components of ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle. All these collectively regulated the activity of NADPH oxidase and glycolate oxidase, resulting in the inhibition of Cd-induced generation of reactive oxygen species. The elevated level of Cys also assisted the Cd-stressed seedlings in maintaining GSH pool which retained normal functioning of AsA-GSH cycle and led to enhanced content of phytochelatins coupled with reduced Cd content. The positive effect of these events manifested in an enhanced rate of photosynthesis, carbohydrate accumulation, and growth attributes of the plants. On the contrary, addition of NO scavenger cPTIO [2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide], H 2 S scavenger HT (Hypotaurine) and Ca-chelator EGTA (Ethylene glycol-bis(b-aminoethylether)- N,N,Nʹ,Nʹ -tetraacetic acid) again developed a condition similar to stress and positive effect of the signaling molecules was abolished. The findings of the study postulate that Ca in association with NO and H 2 S mitigates Cd-induced impairment and enhances the tolerance of the V. radiata plants against Cd stress. The results of the study also substantiate that Ca acts both upstream as well as downstream of NO signals whereas, H 2 S acts downstream of Ca and NO during Cd-stress responses of the plants. Image 1 • Cadmium (Cd)-toxicity hampered photosynthesis and growth of Vigna radiata. • Application of calcium (Ca) induced the biosynthesis of nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S). • Synergistic action of NO and H 2 S requires Ca for activation of defense system of the plants. • Interaction of Ca, NO and H 2 S maintain redox homeostasis. • Ca plays central role in the cross talk of NO and H 2 S under Cd toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present study is based on the use of Empirical Green's Function (EGF) deconvolution technique to retrieve the slip distribution of the 2014 M w 4.2 Jizan earthquake, Saudi Arabia. Two datasets of complex Source Time Functions (STFs) were retrieved using two appropriate EGF events. We inverted the STF datasets to recover the slip distribution over both nodal planes, using the Bayesian modeling followed by a linear least-squares method. The inversion was performed assuming both planes as the fault plane and examined the goodness of fit for each nodal plane. Based on a series of finite-source inversions using different rupture velocities, we resolved the rupture velocity at 2.7–2.8 km/s and the fault plane of NNW trending; paralleling the Red Sea rift. Using the estimated rupture velocities and the preferred fault plane, we imaged quite similar slip models, exhibiting two slip patches located to the updip and downdip directions from the hypocentre. The spatiotemporal slip distributions revealed a complex rupture history of such small-sized earthquake is likely to that reported for large-sized earthquakes. A seismic moment of 2.8–3.2E+15 NM and a corresponding moment magnitude of 4.2-4-3 are inferred. The stress drops obtained from the slip distribution models were 2.2–2.5 MPa; indicating a typical value that characterized the plate-boundary earthquakes. Highlights • Use EGF deconvolution technique to retrieve the STFs. • Invert STFS to obtain slip distribution model over the fault plane. • Two slip distribution models imaged two patches located to the up-dip and downdip directions from the hypocenter. • Low stress drops of 2.2–2.5 MPa indicated a typical value for plate-boundary earthquakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Work of the Organisation of the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is described. • Advice on assistance and protection from OPCW Scientific Advisory Board is presented. • The advice addresses medical care/treatment of injuries from nerve agents. • Scientific literature on the topics is reviewed and over 140 references highlighted. • This advice serves as a resource for toxicologists, medics and emergency responders. Abstract The Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has provided advice on assistance and protection in relation to the Chemical Weapons Convention. In this, the first of several papers describing the SAB's work on this topic, we describe advice given in response to questions from the OPCW Director-General in 2013 and 2014 on the status of available medical countermeasures and treatments to organophosphorus nerve agents. This paper provides the evidence base for this advice which recommended to the OPCW pretreatments, emergency care, and long-term treatments that were available at the time of the request for this class of chemical warfare agent (CWA). It includes a bibliography of over 140 scientific references, which can be used as a platform for watching future medical countermeasure developments. The information provided in this paper should serve as a valuable reference for medical professionals and emergency responders who may have no knowledge of the symptoms and treatment options of exposure to nerve agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has provided advice on the long-term storage and stability of samples collected in the context of chemical weapons investigations. The information they compiled and reviewed is beneficial to all laboratories that carry out analysis of samples related to chemical warfare agents and is described herein. The preparation of this report was undertaken on request from the OPCW Director-General. The main degradation products for chemicals on the Schedules in the Annex on Chemicals of the Chemical Weapons Convention are tabulated. The expertise of the 25 scientists comprising the SAB, a review of the scientific literature on environmental and biomedical sample analysis, and answers to a questionnaire from chemists of nine OPCW Designated Laboratories, were drawn upon to provide the advice. Ten recommendations to ensure the long-term storage and stability of samples collected in relation to the potential use of chemical weapons were provided and are repeated here for the consideration of all laboratories worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromium (Cr), a highly toxic redox-active metal cation in soil, seriously threatens global agriculture by affecting nutrient uptake and disturbing various physio-biochemical processes in plants, thereby reducing yields. Here, we examined the effects of different concentrations of Cr alone and in combination with hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) application on the growth and physio-biochemical performance of two mungbeans (Vigna radiata L.) varieties, viz. Pusa Vishal (PV; Cr tolerant) and Pusa Ratna (PR; Cr sensitive), growing in a pot in hydroponics. Plants were grown in the pot experiment to examine their growth, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels, electrolyte balance, and plasma membrane (PM) H+-ATPase activity. Furthermore, root anatomy and cell death were analysed 15 days after sowing both varieties in hydroponic systems. The Cr-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species caused cell death and affected the root anatomy and growth of both varieties. However, the extent of alteration in anatomical features was less in PV than in PR. Exogenous application of H 2 S promoted plant growth, thereby improving plant antioxidant activities and reducing cell death by suppressing Cr accumulation and translocation. Seedlings of both cultivars treated with H 2 S exhibited enhanced photosynthesis, ion uptake, glutathione, and proline levels and reduced oxidative stress. Interestingly, H 2 S restricted the translocation of Cr to aerial parts of plants by improving the nutrient profile and viability of root cells, thereby relieving plants from oxidative bursts by activating the antioxidant machinery through triggering the ascorbate-glutathione cycle. Overall, H 2 S application improved the nutrient profile and ionic homeostasis of Cr-stressed mungbean plants. These results highlight the importance of H 2 S application in protecting crops against Cr toxicity. Our findings can be utilised to develop management strategies to improve heavy metal tolerance among crops. [Display omitted] • Cr impairs growth, nutrient homeostasis and physiology of mungbean seedlings. • H 2 S enhanced photosynthetic pigments biosynthesis in mungbean genotypes. • H 2 S inhibits ROS production and increased nutrients accumulation. • H 2 S improves anatomical features, proline and antioxidant system of seedlings. • H 2 S application provides Cr stress tolerance in mungbean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive volcanic fields on the western Arabian Plate have erupted intermittently over the last 30 Ma following emplacement of the Afar flood basalts in Ethiopia. In an effort to better understand the origin of this volcanism in western Saudi Arabia, we analyzed 3 He/ 4 He, and He, CO 2 and trace element concentrations in minerals separated from xenoliths and lava flows from Harrat Hutaymah, supplemented with reconnaissance He isotope data from several other volcanic fields (Harrat Al Birk, Harrat Al Kishb and Harrat Ithnayn). Harrat Hutaymah is young (< 850 ka) and the northeasternmost of the volcanic fields. There is a remarkable homogeneity of 3 He/ 4 He trapped within most xenoliths, with a weighted mean of 7.54 ± 0.03 R A (2σ, n = 20). This homogeneity occurs over at least eight different xenolith types (including spinel lherzolite, amphibole clinopyroxenite, olivine websterite, clinopyroxenite and garnet websterite), and encompasses ten different volcanic centers within an area of ~ 2500 km 2 . The homogeneity is caused by volatile equilibration between the xenoliths and fluids derived from their host magma, as fluid inclusions are annealed during the infiltration of vapor-saturated magmas along crystalline grain boundaries. The notable exceptions are the anhydrous spinel lherzolites, which have a lower weighted mean 3 He/ 4 He of 6.8 ± 0.3 R A (2σ, n = 2), contain lower concentrations of trapped He, and have a distinctly depleted light rare earth element signature. 3 He/ 4 He values of ~ 6.8 R A are also commonly found in spinel lherzolites from harrats Ithnayn, Al Birk, and from Zabargad Island in the Red Sea. Olivine from non-xenolith-bearing lava flows at Hutaymah spans the He isotope range of the xenoliths. The lower 3 He/ 4 He in the anhydrous spinel lherzolites appears to be tied to remnant Proterozoic lithosphere prior to metasomatic fluid overprinting. Elevated 3 He/ 4 He in the western harrats has been observed only at Rahat (up to 11.8 R A ; Murcia et al., 2013), a volcanic field situated above thinned lithosphere beneath the Makkah-Medinah-Nafud volcanic lineament. Previous work established that spinel lherzolites at Hutaymah are sourced near the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB), while other xenolith types there are derived from shallower depths within the lithosphere itself (Thornber, 1992). Helium isotopes are consistent with melts originating near the LAB beneath many of the Arabian harrats, and any magma derived from the Afar mantle plume currently appears to be of minor importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harrat Hutaymah is an alkali basalt volcanic field in north-central Saudi Arabia, at the eastern margin of a large Neogene continental, intraplate magmatic province. Lava flow, tephra and spatter cone compositions in the field include alkali olivine basalts and basanites. These compositions contrast with the predominantly tholeiitic, fissure-fed basalts found along the eastern margin of the Red Sea. The Hutaymah lava flows were erupted through Proterozoic arc-associated plutonic and meta-sedimentary rocks of the Arabian shield, and commonly contain a range of sub-continental lithospheric xenoliths, although the lavas themselves show little indication of crustal contamination. Previous radiometric dating of this volcanic field (a single published K–Ar age; 1.8 Ma) is suspiciously old given the field measurement of normal magnetic polarity only (i.e. Brunhes interval, ≤ 780 Ka). We report new age determinations on 14 lava flows by the 40 Ar– 39 Ar laser step heating method, all younger than ~ 850 Ka, to better constrain the time frame of volcanism, and major, trace and rare earth element compositions to describe the chemical variation of volcanic activity at Harrat Hutaymah. Crystal fractionation was dominated by olivine ± clinopyroxene at a range of upper mantle and crustal pressures. Rapid ascent and eruption of magma is indicated by the array of lower crustal and lithospheric xenoliths observed in lava flows and tephra. Modeling suggests 1–7% melting of an enriched asthenospheric mantle source occurred beneath Harrat Hutaymah under a relatively thick lithospheric cap (60–80 km). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of untreated municipal wastewater (WW) contains toxic trace elements that pose a serious threat to the soil-plant-human continuum. The use of biochar (BC) is a promising approach to minimize trace element induced toxicity in the ecosystem. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of BC derived from wheat straw and iron oxide nanoparticles doped biochar (IO-BC) to reduce trace element buildup in soil and plants that consequently affect tomato plant growth and physiological activity under WW irrigation. The BC and IO-BC were applied at four levels (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5%) in WW irrigated soils. The results indicated that the addition of WW + BC and WW + IO-BC resulted in significant reduction in trace element mobility in soil. Interestingly, the application of WW + IO-BC (1.5%) was more effective in reducing trace element mobility and bioavailability in soil by 78% (As), 58% (Cr), 46% (Pb) and 50% (Cd) compared to WW irrigation, and thus reduced trace element accumulation and toxicity in plants. Results revealed that WW irrigation negatively affected tomato growth, fruit yield, physiology and antioxidative response. Addition of WW + BC and WW + IO-BC ameliorated the oxidative stress (up to 65% and 58% in H 2 O 2 and MDA) and increased plant tolerance (up to 49% in POD and APX activity). The risk indices also showed minimum human health risk (H1 < 1) from tomato after the addition of BC or IO-BC in WW irrigated soils. It is concluded that IO-BC addition in WW irrigated soil could assist in reducing trace elements accumulation and toxicity in tomato and associated human health risks. [Display omitted] • Trace elements accumulation impaired growth and physiology of tomato under wastewater (WW) irrigation. • Toxic ion accumulation resulted in limited uptake of essential nutrients and oxidative stress. • Iron oxide nanoparticles doped biochar (IO-BC) was more effective than biochar (BC). • IO-BC decreased oxidative stress by upregulating antioxidant enzymes. • Human health risk was greatly decreased in the presence of IO-BC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Work of the Organisation of the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is described. • Advice on assistance and protection from OPCW Scientific Advisory Board is provided. • The advice addresses medical care/treatment of injuries from sulfur mustard. • Scientific literature on the topics is reviewed and 243 references are included. • This advice serves as a resource for toxicologists, medics and emergency responders. Blister agents damage the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and subcutaneous tissues. Other toxic effects may occur after absorption. The response of the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to a request from the OPCW Director-General in 2013 on the status of medical countermeasures and treatments to blister agents is updated through the incorporation of the latest information. The physical and toxicological properties of sulfur mustard and clinical effects and treatments are summarised. The information should assist medics and emergency responders who may be unfamiliar with the toxidrome of sulfur mustard and its treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a prospective study to biometrically and molecularly characterize clinically diagnosed posterior microphthalmos. It mentions that the participants of this study underwent axial length measurement, corneal pachymetry and candidate gene analysis. The results indicated that corneal diameter decreases with decreasing axial length, suggesting posterior microphthalmos and nanophthalmos represent a spectrum of high hyperopia rather than distinct phenotypes.

Abstract: The Red Sea Rift, an archetype of a newly formed ocean basin, is an ideal environment in which to study the controversial processes associated with continental rifting. Different models have been proposed to explain how rifting in the Red Sea evolved; however, accurate constraints on lithospheric structure have not been available to discriminate rifting models. We use the S-wave receiver function technique to produce the first images of the lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary (LAB) structure along the Red Sea and throughout the Arabian Peninsula. Lithospheric thickness varies considerably, with thin lithosphere centered on the rift axis, thickening toward the Arabian interior. Gravity data are well fit by our structural model and indicate that high surface topography along the rift flank is not in isostatic equilibrium, requiring dynamic compensation for its support. While our derived structure is consistent with active rifting processes, previous studies demonstrated that the Red Sea initiated as a passive rift. Therefore, our results suggest a two-stage rifting history, where extension and erosion by flow in the underlying asthenosphere are responsible for variations in LAB depth. LAB topography guides asthenospheric flow beneath western Arabia and the Red Sea, demonstrating the important role lithospheric variations play in the thermal modification of tectonic environments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Arsenic (As) impaired growth and development of Vicia faba plants. • Mel pus Ca2+ suppressed As-induced program cell death in guard cells, roots and leaves. • Mel and Ca2+ improved photosynthesis, and biosynthesis of chlorophyll, carbohydrates, and proline. • Mel and Ca2+ alleviated As-induced DNA damage, and reactive oxygen species formation. • Mel and Ca2+ regulated ascorbate-glutathione pathway and proteins expression under As stress. The interplay between melatonin (Mel) and calcium (Ca2+) in enhancing tolerance to metalloid toxicity and underlying physiological and biochemical mechanisms of this relationship still remains unknown. The present study reveals that the signaling molecules Mel and/or Ca2+ enhanced tolerance of Vicia faba (cv. Tara) plant to metalloid arsenic (As) toxicity. However, a combination of Mel and Ca2+ was more efficient than alone. Plants grew with As exhibited enhanced hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion, electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation together with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) producing enzymes, such as NADPH oxidase and glycolate oxidase (GOX). On the contrary, an inhibition in chlorophyll (Chl) biosynthesis and gas exchange parameters (net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular carbon dioxide concentration) was observed. Under As toxicity conditions, the application of Mel and Ca2+ synergistically suppressed the plants' program cell death features (nucleus condensation and nucleus fragmentation) in guard cells of stomata, DNA damage, and formation of ROS in guard cells, leaves and roots. Moreover, it enhanced gas exchange parameters and activity of enzymes involved in photosynthesis process (carbonic anhydrase and RuBisco), Chl biosynthesis (δ -aminolevulinic acid dehydratase), and decreased activity of Chl degrading enzyme (chlorophyllase) under As toxicity conditions. Our investigation evidently established that expression of ATP synthase, Ca2+-ATPase, Ca2+-DPKase, Hsp17.6 and Hsp40 was found maximum in the plants treated with Mel + Ca2+, resulting in higher tolerance of plants to As stress. Also, increased total soluble carbohydrates, cysteine, and Pro accumulation with increased Pro synthesizing enzyme (Δ 1 -pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS) and decreased Pro degrading enzyme (proline dehydrogenase) in Mel + Ca2+ treated plants conferred As toxicity tolerance. The obtained results postulate strong evidence that the application of Mel along with Ca2+ enhances resilience against As toxicity by upregulating the activity of plasma membrane H+-ATPase, enzymes involved in antioxidant system, and ascorbate-glutathione pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rock varnishes are μm-thin, dark, manganese(Mn)-rich crusts that accrete in the order of few μm/ka on weathering-resistant lithologies. Although these crusts can form in all climates, they are best known in arid to semi-arid settings. Aeolian dust is understood as a major contributor to the distinct trace metal and REE enrichments in rock varnish. However, the exact proportions of abiotic and biotic formation mechanisms that may explain the oxidation-reactions of Mn2+ to Mn4+, present as Mn oxyhydroxides in the varnish, are still a matter of ongoing debate. We present here the first systematic study of trace element enrichment processes between the uppermost layer of the varnish sequence and their adjacent <50 μm and >50 μm dust fractions across a selection of 41 major and trace elements. This approach is used to investigate samples from three fully arid deserts: the An Nafud in Saudi Arabia, the Negev in Israel, and the Mojave in the USA, which are compared to the significantly different environment of the semi-arid Knersvlakte in South Africa. A new in situ trace element analysis protocol was developed to perform femto- and nanosecond sector-field LA-ICP-MS microanalyses at high-spatial resolution, which allows us to measure the most recent varnish layers for their comparison with recent dust. In agreement with previous studies, all varnishes are enriched in Mn, Pb, Ce, Co, Ba, Zn, Ni, and the Rare-Earth Elements (REE). Here we demonstrate that fine (<50 μm) dust is characterized by similar trace element trends as the varnishes, at overall lower mass fractions. Dust >50 μm has low trace element mass fractions, and enrichment patterns plotting distinctly away from varnish and fine dust. Based on these geochemical patterns, our results indicate a general enrichment mechanism from fine dust to varnish. Previous studies suggested dust to play an integral role in providing the trace elements that are incorporated into the varnish by pH-Eh fluctuations in short-term rain and fog events. We amalgamate and refine previous growth models by providing direct evidence that leaching of about 10% of the Mn and other trace elements from clay minerals in rain or fog droplets at pH ~5 and subsequent scavenging on varnish surfaces at pH ~8 leads integrated over time to the distinct enrichment patterns of the varnish, while initial Mn oxyhydroxide formation is suggested to follow pathways of metal oxide mediated photo-catalysis. For the semi-arid occurrence in the Knersvlakte we present a distinct growth model as both environment, varnish, and dust composition differ significantly from the arid settings. Here, thick, metallic-looking varnish occurs mainly on the rim of quartz pebbles, lacks microlamination, and likely has upscaled growth processes. Among other aspects, we suggest a more complex interplay between photo-catalysis, nocturnal condensation events on quartz pebbles with subsequent water trapping at the rock-soil-atmosphere interface, due to a salic top-soil layer, to mainly account for these differences. Unlabelled Image • First systematic study comparing youngest varnish layers to different fractions of recent dust • Higher similarity of varnish and fine dust excludes coarse fractions from varnish growth process. • Airborne and soil dust are geochemically alike, explaining similarities in varnishes from different geomorphological niches. • Differences between varnishes arise from environmental aspects, geomorphological position, and dust mineral assemblage. • Mn accumulation via 10% leaching from clays and metal-oxide-mediated photooxidation explain subaerial varnish growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]