Comparative Morphology Research Articles

A new species of Wongia (Papulosaceae, Sordariomycetes) from Taiwan

Wongia miscanthi sp. nov. from decaying culms of Miscanthus floridulus submerged in freshwater streams at Wufeng District, Taiwan, is described and illustrated, based on two collections. This new species was identified based on morphological comparison and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, LSU, SSU, rpb2, and tef1a sequence dataset. Intraspecific variability between the two collections is discussed. A synopsis of Wongia species is compiled for comparison and a taxonomic key to the species is provided as an aid to their identification.

Ovicillium sinense, a new species from Guizhou, China

A new species, Ovicillium sinense, which was isolated from an infected pupa, is introduced. Morphological comparisons with extant species and DNA-based phylogenies from analysis of a multigene dataset of combined ITS, LSU and TEF sequence data support the establishment of the new species. It differs from other species by its phialides that are attenuated from the middle to the apex, the conidia aggregated in large globose to subglobose heads, and having shorter phialides and smaller conidia.

Testing the patterning cascade model of cusp development in Macaca fascicularis mandibular molars

ObjectiveMolar crown configuration plays an important role in systematics, and functional and comparative morphology. In particular, the number of cusps on primate molars is often used to identify fossil species and infer their phylogenetic relationships. However, this variability deserves renewed consideration as a number of studies now highlight important developmental mechanisms that may be responsible for the presence of molar cusps in some mammalian taxa. Experimental studies of rodent molars suggest that cusps form under a morphodynamic, patterning cascade model of development (PCM) that involve the iterative formation of enamel knots. This model posits that the size, shape and location of the first-forming cusps determines the presence and positioning of later-forming cusps. DesignHere we test whether variation in accessory cusp presence in 13 Macaca fascicularis mandibular second molars (M2s) is consistent with predictions of the PCM. Using micro-CT, we imaged these M2s and employed geometric morphometrics to examine whether shape variation in the enamel-dentine junction (EDJ) correlates with accessory cusp presence. ResultsWe find that accessory cusp patterning in macaque M2s is broadly consistent with the PCM. Molars with accessory cusps were larger in size and possessed shorter relative cusp heights compared to molars without accessory cusps. Peripheral cusp formation was also associated with more centrally positioned primary cusps, as predicted by the PCM. ConclusionsWhile these results demonstrate that a patterning cascade model is broadly appropriate for interpreting cusp variation in Macaca fascicularis molars, it does not explain all manifestations of accessory cusp expression in this sample.

Unroughing the cat’s tongue mushrooms: Four new species of Pseudohydnum from Brazil based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic evidence

ABSTRACT Pseudohydnum, commonly known as cat’s tongue mushrooms, is a monophyletic assemblage within Auriculariales, which encompasses species with gelatinous basidiomata, spathulate, flabellate, or shell-shaped pileus, hydnoid hymenophore, globose to ellipsoidal basidiospores, and longitudinally cruciate-septate basidia. According to the available literature, 16 species have been described in Pseudohydnum, mostly represented in temperate-boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere. However, the limited morphological, molecular, and ecological information, especially from the Southern Hemisphere ecosystems, does not presently allow a reliable assessment of its taxonomic boundaries nor provide a complete picture of the species diversity in the genus. In an ongoing effort to examine specimens collected in dense and mixed ombrophilous forest fragments (Atlantic Rainforest domain) from Southeastern and Southern Brazil, additional taxa assigned to Pseudohydnum were identified. Four new species are recognized based mostly on characters of the pileus surface, stipe, hymenium, and basidiospores. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS barcode), partial nuc rDNA 28S, and partial RNA polymerase II largest subunit (RPB1) sequences supported the description of these new taxa. Here, we propose Pseudohydnum brasiliense, P. brunneovelutinum, P. cupulisnymphae, and P. viridimontanum as new species. Morphological descriptions, line drawings, habitat photos, and comparisons with closely related taxa are provided. A dichotomous key for identification of currently known Southern Hemisphere Pseudohydnum species is presented.

First Report of Neofusicoccum yunnanense Causing Leaf Spot on Ivy in Yunnan Province, China.

Ivy (Hedera nepalensis var. sinensis (Tobl.) Rehd) is an evergreen root-climbing vine, widely cultivated in eastern Asia because of its ornamental, environmental, and medicinal value (Wu et al. 2019). In October 2023, the leaf spot symptom of Ivy was observed in the Kunming Botanical Garden in Yunnan Province, China (25.14°N, 102.75°E), and the disease incidence was up to 38% (76 of 200 leaves). Initially, dark-brown or black small spots appeared on the leaves. As the lesions progressed, their center emerged tawny, and the black halos were expanded around the lesions. In severe cases, small spots could link together to form leaf blight even resulting in blade death. In order to obtain pure isolates, 10 diseased leaves were collected and cut into 1 mm × 1 mm pieces, surface disinfected with 75 % ethanol for 30 s, followed by 3% NaClO for 3 min, and finally washed three times with sterilized water. The pieces were placed on the potato dextrose agar (PDA) media, which was incubated at 25°C for 3 days. Individual hyphal tips from the developing fungal colonies were placed on PDA and incubated for 5 to 10 days. Six strains (6 out of 10) were obtained with same colony morphology. Conidia were hyaline, unicellular, nonseptate, ellipsoidal or fusiform, thin walled, externally smooth and ranged from 15.0 to 22.0 (avg. 18.4) μm × 5.0 to 8.0 (avg. 7.2) μm (n=30). Morphological comparison proposed that the present fungi belonged to Neofusicoccum (Zhang et al. 2021). Two isolates (GUCC23-0141 and GUCC23-0142) were selected for multi-gene phylogenetic analyses. The PCR reaction of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-α (EF1-α), and β-tubulin genes were run using primers ITS1/ ITS4 (White et al. 1990), EF1-728F/ EF1-986R (Carbone and Kohn 1999), and Bt2a/ Bt2b (Glass and Donaldson 1995). The accession numbers of DNA sequences of GUCC23-0141 and GUCC23-0142 are ITS: PP728109 and PP728110; TUB2: PP744490 and PP744491; and TEF1-α: PP744488 and PP744489. BLAST analysis showed 100% identity for ITS and TUB2, and 98.97% for TEF1-α with the Neofusicoccum yunnanense (CSF6142). Phylogenetic analyses also supported that our isolates kept a close relationship to N. yunnanense. Three one-year plants were used for pathogenicity test, two of which were inoculated with PDA plugs containing N. yunnanense and one of which was inoculated with blank PDA plugs and used as control. For each plant, three leaves were selected to conduct the test, whose surfaces were sterilized with 75% alcohol. All the leaves were covered with cotton moistened with sterilized water on top. All plants were placed in a greenhouse with 25℃ and 75% humidity. Few small black spots were observed at the inoculation site after 3 days, which were enlarged gradually after 7 days. However, control plants remained healthy. N. yunnanense was reisolated from the diseased tissues and identified based on morphological and molecular characteristics. On basis of pathogen identification and Koch's test, we proposed the leaf spot of Ivy caused by N. yunnanense. This was the first report about N. yunnanense causing the disease of Ivy. This result provides a theoretical basis for further research into the control of the disease. As an important ornamental plant, we should pay attention to the management of this disease.

Two new taxa of Clematis subsection Pierotianae (Ranunculaceae) in Taiwan

Based on a taxonomic study of Clematis subsect. Pierotianae in Taiwan using morphological evidence, two new taxa are proposed: C. parviloba Gard. ex Champ. subsp. shengzhenii Y.H. Cheng & T.Y.A. Yang and C. pengii Y.H. Cheng & T.Y.A. Yang. Both taxa, endemic to Taiwan, are here described and illustrated and distribution maps of both taxa are presented. Morphological comparisons and a key for identification of the taxa of Clematis subsect. Pierotianae in Taiwan are also given.

A new taxonomic treatment and comprehensive evaluation of the genus Aegokeras (Apiaceae) endemic to Turkey

The systematic position of the species Pimpinella ibradiensis, a narrow endemic to Turkey, was evaluated on the basis of morphological data and nrDNA ITS sequences. The species Pimpinella ibradiensis has been classified within the genus Pimpinella, particularly due to the similarity of leaf characteristics. However, the presence of trifoliolate leaves has been observed in both the isotype specimens and newly collected specimens from the field. Field observations, detailed morphological comparison, mericarp anatomy, and nrITS sequences data have supported the inclusion of this species within the genus Aegokeras. Furthermore, the description of the species P. ibradiensis has been emended, and the diagnostic morphological characters of all Aegokeras species are discussed. Additionally, the geographical distribution of the genus Aegokeras species is mapped, and an identification key with a description of all species is provided.

A description of a new species of Mongolodiaptomus Kiefer, 1937 (Copepoda, Calanoida, Diaptomidae) from Thailand with an up-to-date key to the genus.

The genus Mongolodiaptomus is widely distributed in stagnant water bodies in Southeast Asia. During a comprehensive collection of freshwater copepods from different areas in Thailand, a previously unknown species of calanoid copepod, Mongolodiaptomusphutakaensis sp. nov., was recorded. Representatives were found in a natural swamp located in the Kok Phutaka community forest in Khon Kaen Province, northeastern Thailand. The new species belongs to the "M.loeiensis species group" and most closely resembles M.loeiensis and M.mekongensis by having a distinct shape of the second exopodal segment of the male right P5, with enlarged proximal and distal parts of the outer margin as well as a bent and twisted principal lateral spine. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by various characters in the males. The ventral surface of the right caudal ramus has two chitinous teeth and two knobs. The intercoxal plate is slightly produced distally and without any spine. The right P5 basis lacks a hyaline membrane on the inner margin but has a distinct spur-like chitinous process at the mid-distal margin on the posterior surface. The left P5 basis has a thin, longer hyaline lamella on the inner margin. The new species is rare, having been observed in only one out of approximately 5,000 surveyed locations in Thailand. A detailed morphological comparison and an up-to-date key to the Mongolodiaptomus species are presented. Their taxonomic characters, interspecies relationships, and biogeography are discussed.

Phylogenetic Insights Reveal New Taxa in Thyridariaceae and Massarinaceae.

Pleosporales is a highly diverse (and the largest) order in Dothideomycetes, and it is widespread in decaying plants in various environments around the world. During a survey of fungal diversity in Sichuan Province, China, specimens of hyphomycetous and Thyridaria-like fungi were collected from dead branches of pine trees and cherry trees. These taxa were initially identified as members of Massarinaceae and Thyridariaceae through morphological examination. Phylogenetic analyses of the Thyridariaceae, combining ITS, SSU, LSU, RPB2, and TEF1 sequence data, indicated a distinct clade sister to Pseudothyridariella and Thyridariella, distinct from any genus in the family. Thus, a new genus, Vaginospora, is proposed to accommodate the type species Vaginospora sichuanensis, which is characterized by semi-immersed globose to oblong ascomata with an ostiolar neck, cylindrical to clavate asci with an ocular chamber, and hyaline to dark brown, fusiform, 3-5-transversely septate ascospores with an inconspicuous mucilaginous sheath. Based on the morphological comparisons and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses (ITS, SSU, LSU, RPB2, and TEF1) of the Massarinaceae, we have identified three collections belonging to the genus Helminthosporium, leading us to propose H. filamentosa sp. nov., H. pini sp. nov., and H. velutinum as a new host record. According to Phylogenetic analysis, H. pini formed an independent clade sister to H. austriacum and H. yunnanense, and H. filamentosa represents the closest sister clade to H. quercinum. Helminthosporium pini is distinct from H. austriacum by the shorter conidiophores and H. yunnanense by the longer and wider conidia. The H. filamentosa differs from H. quercinum in having longer conidiophores and smaller conidia. This study extends our understanding of diversity within Thyridariaceae and Helminthosporium. Our findings underscore the rich biodiversity and potential for discovering novel fungal taxa within these groups.

Comparative physiology and morphology of BLA-projecting NBM/SI cholinergic neurons in mouse and macaque.

Cholinergic projection neurons of the nucleus basalis and substantia innominata (NBM/SI) densely innervate the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and have been shown to contribute to the encoding of fundamental and life-threatening experiences. Given the vital importance of these circuits in the acquisition and retention of memories that are essential for survival in a changing environment, it is not surprising that the basic anatomical organization of the NBM/SI is well conserved across animal classes as diverse as teleost and mammal. What is not known is the extent to which the physiology and morphology of NBM/SI neurons have also been conserved. To address this issue, we made patch-clamp recordings from NBM/SI neurons in ex vivo slices of two widely divergent mammalian species, mouse and rhesus macaque, focusing our efforts on cholinergic neurons that project to the BLA. We then reconstructed most of these recorded neurons post hoc to characterize neuronal morphology. We found that rhesus macaque BLA-projecting cholinergic neurons were both more intrinsically excitable and less morphologically compact than their mouse homologs. Combining measurements of 18 physiological features and 13 morphological features, we illustrate the extent of the separation. Although macaque and mouse neurons both exhibited considerable within-group diversity and overlapped with each other on multiple individual metrics, a combined morpho-electric analysis demonstrates that they form two distinct neuronal classes. Given the shared purpose of the circuits in which these neurons participate, this finding raises questions about (and offers constraints on) how these distinct classes result in similar behavior.

Comparative morphology in the context of facial reduction: Modularity in primate, dog, and bat crania.

Biological variation in the mammalian skull is the product of a series of factors including changes in gene expression, developmental timing, and environmental pressures. When considering the diversity of extant mammalian crania, it is important to understand these mechanisms that contribute to cranial growth and in turn, how differences in cranial morphology have been attained. Various researchers, including Dr. Sue Herring, have proposed a variety of mechanisms to explain the process of cranial growth. This work has set the foundation on which modern analysis of craniofacial morphology happens today. This study focused on the analysis of modularity in three mammalian taxa, all of which exhibit facial reduction. Specifically, we examined facial reduction as a morphological phenomenon through the use of two-module and six-module modularity hypotheses. We recorded three-dimensional coordinate data for 55 cranial landmarks that allowed us to analyze differences in cranial shape in these three taxa (primates n = 88, bats n = 64, dogs n = 81). When assessing modularity within the two-module modularity hypothesis specifically, dogs exhibited the lowest levels of modularity, while bats and primates both showed a slightly more modular covariance structure. We further assessed modularity in the same sample using the Goswami six-module model, where again dogs exhibited a low degree of modularity, with bats and primates being more moderate. We then broke the sample into subsets by analyzing each morphotype separately. We hypothesized that the modularity would be more pronounced in the brachycephalic morphotype. Surprisingly, we found that in brachycephalic dogs, normocephalic dogs, brachycephalic primates, and normocephalic primates, there was a moderate degree of modularity. Brachycephalic bats had a low degree of modularity, while normocephalic bats were the most modular group observed in this study. Based on these results, it is evident that facial reduction is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon with unique morphological changes observed in each of the three taxa studied.

Comparison of the Occurrence Morphology of Phase Scintillation of GPS and Beidou Signals at Zhongshan Station, Antarctica

AbstractThe characteristics of phase scintillation (represented by the phase scintillation indices, σφ) from GPS and Beidou are statistically analyzed using a ground‐based receiver at Zhongshan Station, Antarctica, from 2020 to 2022 for the first time. The phase scintillation of the GPS and Beidou signals present a similar pattern of occurrence. The statistical results on the occurrence morphology of phase scintillation show that the phase scintillation predominately occurs in the magnetic pre‐noon and pre‐midnight sectors. Moreover, phase scintillation performs a dependence on solar and geomagnetic activities. Furthermore, the phase scintillation also gives a seasonal variation with the maximum occurrence happened at the autumn and the minimum occurrence during the summer. Consequently, these results improve understanding of the morphological characteristics of the phase fluctuations in the less studied Antarctic region. The study also demonstrates the use of the combined data set to improve the coverage in the Antarctic region.

Gemini cationic surfactant of 1, 3-bis (dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) propane as a novel excellent inhibitor for the corrosion of cold rolled steel in HCl solution

Gemini surfactants have become the research focus of novel excellent inhibitors because of their special structure (two amphiphilic moieties covalently connected at head group by a spacer) and excellent surface properties. It is proved by theoretical calculations that 1, 3-bis (dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) propane (BDDACP) molecules can perform electron transfer with Fe (110). And it has a small fraction free volume, thus greatly reducing the diffusion and migration degree of corrosive particles. The potentiodynamic polarization curve showed that coefficients of cathodic and anodic reaction less than 1 and polarization resistance increased to 1602.9 Ω cm−2 after added BDDACP, confirming that BDDACP significantly inhibited the corrosion reaction by occupying the active site. The electrochemical impedance spectrum of imperfect semi-circle shows that the system resistance increases and double layer capacitance after added BDDACP. Weight loss tests also confirmed that BDDACP forms protective film by occupying the active sites on steel surface, and the maximum inhibition efficiency is 92 %. Comparison of the microscopic morphology showed that steel surface roughness was significantly reduced after added BDDACP. The results of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry show that steel surface contains some elements from BDDACP, which confirms the adsorption of BDDACP on steel surface.

The La Voulte-sur-Rhône Konservat-Lagerstätte reveals the male and female internal anatomy of the Middle Jurassic clawed lobster Eryma ventrosum

The biology of extinct animals is usually reconstructed from external morphological characters and comparison with present-day analogues. Internal soft organs are very rarely preserved in fossils and require high-tech approaches for visualization. Here, we report the internal anatomy of a female and male of the ~ 162 Myr-old lobster Eryma ventrosum from the Jurassic La Voulte-sur-Rhône Konservat-Lagerstätte in France using X-ray synchrotron tomography. The Erymidae is an extinct, species-rich, widespread and ecologically important Mesozoic family of decapod crustaceans. Our investigation revealed the anatomy of the locomotory, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, digestive, nervous and sensory, and reproductive systems at a resolution resembling low-magnification histology. Particularly notable is the detailed preservation of the small brain and the fragile hepatopancreas, the main metabolic organ of decapods that decays rapidly post-mortem. The remarkable preservation shows that the internal anatomy of Eryma ventrosum is closer to that of Nephropidae (clawed lobsters) than Astacidae (freshwater crayfish), their closest living relatives based on skeletal morphology. The microanatomy of the gonads and hepatopancreas indicates that the two specimens investigated were a young, well-nourished female and male prior to sexual maturity. The analysis of the soft anatomy reveals remarkable conservatism over 160 Myr and offers new insights into feeding, reproduction, life history and lifestyle of an important component of the macrozoobenthos of Middle Jurassic seas.

Comparative anatomical characteristics of the distal parts of bear and human limbs

BACKGROUND: The comparative morphology of the human and animal skeletons has been incompletely described in the forensic medical and anthropological literature. Moreover, bones of the distal parts of bear limbs are anatomically similar to those of humans. Together with some features of the bear’s skeleton, poor preservation, absence of claws, and incomplete remains, difficulties and errors may occur during identification. AIM: To create an illustrative material describing morphological features important for the identification of each element of the distal parts of bear limbs in comparison with humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preparations of the distal parts of the right thoracic and right pelvic extremities of the bear were made using osteological materials. The missing talon phalanges of a bear and bones of a human hand and foot were taken from the institute collections. The International Veterinary Anatomical Nomenclature was used to describe the anatomical features of bear bones, and the latest recommendations of International Anatomical Terminology were considered for human bones. RESULTS: Each bone of the bear’s hand and foot was described in comparison with a similar human bone. For greater versatility, descriptions were made in terms of the international zoological nomenclature. For all bones, except for distal sesamoid bones, high-quality photos are provided for aspects that are important for identification. Comparative anatomical analysis showed that the bones of the wrist differ to a greater extent, whereas all tarsal bones, which are part of the human foot, had analogs in the bear foot and had closer measurements. The articular surfaces of the heads of the metacarpals and metatarsals showed specific ridges articulating with the cutouts at the bases of the proximal phalanges of the fingers. In addition, the bear’s hand and foot contained numerous inset sesamoid bones and claw-like processes on the distal phalanges of the fingers. CONCLUSION: Comparative anatomical analysis showed similarities in the structures of the bones of the hand and foot of a brown bear and a human caused by foot walking. Owing to the morphological similarity, bone identification can be difficult. The set of features described in the article, which are specific to bear bones, in combination with illustrative material will help in identifying bones more accurately, even for individual bones.

Comparative morphology of tumour microenvironment in claudin-low and claudin-high breast cancers

BackgroundClaudin-low breast cancers (BCs) exhibit more aggressive behaviour compared to claudin-high types. Claudin-low BCs are often characterized by features such as a higher grade, enrichment of stemness characteristics, and a propensity for metastasis. Tumour microenvironment (TME) defined as the intricate network of surrounding cells, blood vessels, and extracellular matrix components influences the behaviour of cancer cells within the breast tissue. Understanding the TME is crucial for comprehending the aggressive characteristics of claudin-low BCs. MethodsIn this study, we have studied the morphology of immune and non-immune TME using Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained slides of 15 claudin-low and 12 claudin-high tissue samples of BC. ResultsTME of claudin-low BCs was observed to have a significantly higher frequency of retraction clefts (66.6 %; n = 10/15), immature desmoplastic response (40 %; n = 6/15), higher stromal cellularity (60 %; n = 9/15); and fibroblastic proliferation (53.3 %; n = 8/15) with a low prevalence of elastosis (66.6 %; n = 10/15). The immune microenvironment revealed a higher frequency of total (80 %; n = 12/15) as well as stromal (86.67 %; n = 13/15) and intra-tumoural TILs (60 %; n = 9/15) in them. ConclusionThe above morphology-based study revealed that claudin-low tumours have unique immune and non-immune TME as compared to claudin-high tumours. Future studies exploring the molecular correlates of each of the above morphological features can help in identifying novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of claudin-low BCs.

Creep-fatigue behavior of thermal barrier coated single-crystal nickel-based superalloys

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) reduce the surface temperature of superalloy components but may affect the mechanical properties of the substrate. This study investigates the creep-fatigue behavior of TBC-coated single-crystal superalloys under 1 s, 60 s, and 180 s dwell times. The results indicate that TBCs are beneficial at a 1 s dwell time. The comparison of fracture morphology between coated and uncoated samples showed no change in the failure mechanism due to TBCs under creep-fatigue loading. A creep-fatigue lifetime prediction method based on continuous damage mechanics was also proposed. The predicted results were all within a double dispersion coefficient, showing good agreement with the experimental results. This study provides insights into the durability of TBC-coated single-crystal superalloys under creep-fatigue loading.

New Species and Records of Pleurotheciaceae from Karst Landscapes in Yunnan Province, China.

Pleurotheciaceae is a genera-rich and highly diverse family of fungi with a worldwide distribution in aquatic and terrestrial habitats. During the investigation of lignicolous freshwater fungi from karst landscapes in Yunnan Province, China, 15 fresh strains were obtained from submerged decaying wood. Based on the morphology and phylogenetic analysis of a combined LSU, ITS, SSU, and rpb2 sequence dataset, Obliquifusoideum triseptatum, Phaeoisaria obovata, Pleurotheciella brachyspora, Pl. longidenticulata, and Pl. obliqua were introduced as new species, P. synnematica and Rhexoacrodictys melanospora were reported as new habitat records, and P. sedimenticola and Pl. hyalospora were reported as new collections. In addition, based on morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analysis, we accepted Obliquifusoideum into in the family Pleurotheciaceae (Pleurotheciales, Savoryellomycetidae). Freshwater habitats are the primary habitats of Pleurotheciaceae species, and Yunnan Province has the highest concentration and species diversity of Pleurotheciaceae in China.

Comparison of cell morphology and mechanical properties of wheat straw powder/HDPE parts molded by supercritical fluid foamed injection with and without gas counter pressure technology

AbstractComposites were fabricated using maleic anhydride‐grafted high‐density polyethylene as the matrix material and wheat straw as the filler. Differential scanning calorimetry and rheological properties of these composites were investigated to determine the processing parameters for supercritical fluid (SCF) microcellular injection with and without gas counter pressure (GCP) technology. The impacts of different proportions and dimensions of wheat straw, along with process parameters related to GCP, were determined on both the cellular structure and mechanical characteristics of foamed injection molded components. Experimental results revealed that an increase in the ratio of wheat straw and a reduction in its size led to enhancements in both storage modulus and complex viscosity of the composites, while also improving their cell structure when foamed with SCF. By adjusting GCP process parameters, it was possible to regulate both cell morphology and mechanical properties of foamed injection molded parts. Higher GCP or longer GCP holding time resulted in increased skin thickness and tensile strength but decreased notched Izod impact strength.Highlights Built relations between GCP technology parameters and cell morphologies. Compared the influence of wheat straw powder and GCP parameters quantitatively. Explored the correlation between cellular morphology and mechanical properties. The regulatory mechanism of cell morphology, size ratio, and distribution. GCP effectively modulates cell morphologies and mechanical properties.

Improving understanding of nematode communities in agricultural settings: a comparison of mitometagenomics and morphology

Florida’s strawberry production provides significant economic benefit for the State; however, plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) pose a significant barrier to production. A better understanding of the distribution of nematode diversity in these fields could help to evaluate the potential risk to crops in agricultural fields and support more sustainable PPN management, but accurate analysis of constituent nematode species is key. The use of targeted mitometagenomics (mtMG) to identify nematode species has shown promise with nematode mock communities, but it remains unclear how it compares in natural agricultural settings and to the more traditional morphology-based approach. In this study, we performed a diversity survey of nematode communities across four different strawberry fields at four depths in the State of Florida using both mtMG and morphological methods. We observed significant differences in nematode community richness and composition between the two methods. Both methods failed to detect taxa recovered by the other method, due to method-specific biases resulting from differential detection of trophic groups. Importantly, both methods did agree on the detection and distribution of Meloidogyne, the most abundant PPNs with the added benefit of the mtMG precisely describing specific species. Despite significant community differences, both methods pointed to the important role of both field and depth in shaping these communities and provided evidence of PPN migration across the soil profile. In conclusion, our findings support the complementary use of multiple detection/identification methods when evaluating nematode diversity, particularly for PPNs.