External Structure Research Articles

Monitoring plant growth by analyzing their morphology using microfocus X‐ray CT

AbstractThe growth and development of embryophytes is deeply influenced by environmental stimuli, such as light, temperature, and soil nutrients. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the growth response of plants to environmental stimuli is crucial for agriculture. In this study, we examined the morphology of a flowering plant, Arabidopsis thaliana, using microfocus X‐ray computed tomography (µCT), which enables non‐destructive analysis of the external and internal structures of plants. Three‐dimensional (3D) images of the plant, which were reconstructed from X‐ray scanned data, clearly showed the shapes of its leaves, stems, and buds from any angle. At a higher magnification, the µCT also revealed the small hair‐like structures called trichomes on the Arabidopsis leaf epidermis. However, motion artifacts found in the 3D‐reconstructed images indicated that plant's growth rate was faster than scanning speed. Thus, scan parameters must be accordingly optimized. Additionally, CT‐based 3D printing can be used to design micro devices that can be further used to monitor plant growth. These results suggest that µCT is a useful technique for analyzing morphology of growing plants.

Affirmative action alters identity-related psychological processes: A phenomenological study in South Africa

As group identities form, they construct social structures. Reciprocally, policies that alter social structures also influence an individual’s identity-related psychological processes. This study investigated how affirmative action, by changing external social structures, affects identity-related psychological processes. Twenty-seven participants were furnished with a survey in which they listed twelve of their identities and evaluated each identity’s significance toward continuity, belonging, self-perception, distinctiveness, and meaning. Thereafter, detailed write-ups of their lived experiences in spaces with affirmative action were gathered. A thematic analysis revealed that affirmative action affected both identity enactment and self-verification processes. These included changing (1) the degree of centrality and salience of identity categories such as racial versus national identity (2) intergenerational continuity and continuity across spaces (3) striving for distinctiveness in those perceived as benefiting from the policy (4) self-perceptions based on self- or policy-attribution of success or failure experiences, and (5) forging of meaning for ‘pioneers’ among beneficiaries of the policy. Based on the similarity of experiences related to affirmative action, the study shares subgroups within those benefiting from the policy that highlight the significance of (1) perceptions about the policy and (2) self- versus policy-attribution by individuals in altering their identity-related psychological processes.

Enhancing rhythmic temporal expectations: The dominance of auditory modality under spatial uncertainty.

To effectively process the most relevant information, the brain anticipates the optimal timing for allocating attentional resources. Behavior can be optimized by automatically aligning attention with external rhythmic structures, whether visual or auditory. Although the auditory modality is known for its efficacy in representing temporal information, the current body of research has not conclusively determined whether visual or auditory rhythmic presentations have a definitive advantage in entraining temporal attention. The present study directly examined the effects of auditory and visual rhythmic cues on the discrimination of visual targets in Experiment 1 and on auditory targets in Experiment 2. Additionally, the role of endogenous spatial attention was also considered. When and where the target was the most likely to occur were cued by unimodal (visual or auditory) and bimodal (audiovisual) signals. A sequence of salient events was employed to elicit rhythm-based temporal expectations and a symbolic predictive cue served to orient spatial attention. The results suggest a superiority of auditory over visual rhythms, irrespective of spatial attention, whether the spatial cue and rhythm converge or not (unimodal or bimodal), and regardless of the target modality (visual or auditory). These findings are discussed in terms of a modality-specific rhythmic orienting, while considering a single, supramodal system operating in a top-down manner for endogenous spatial attention.

Ultrastructure of the antennal sensilla of the praying mantis Creobroter nebulosa Zheng (Mantedea: Hymenopodidae).

The praying mantis Creobroter nebulosa Zheng (Mantedea: Hymenopodidae) is an insect that has medicinal and esthetical importance, and being a natural enemy for many insects, the species is used as a biological control agent. In this publication, we used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study the fine morphology of antennae of males and females of this species. The antennae of both sexes are filiform and consist of three parts: scape, pedicel, and flagellum (differing in the number of segments). Based on the external morphology and the sensilla distribution, the antennal flagellum is could be divided into five regions. Seven sensilla types and eleven subtypes of sensilla were observed: grooved peg sensillum (Sgp), Bohm bristles (Bb), basiconic sensillum (Sb), trichoid sensillum (StI, StII), campaniform sensillum (Sca), chaetic sensillum (ScI, ScII, ScIII), and coeloconic sensillum (ScoI, ScoII). In Mantodea, the ScoII is observed for the first time, and it is located on the tip of the flagellum. The external structure and distribution of these sensilla are compared to those of other insects and possible functions of the antennal sensilla are discussed. The males and females of the mantis could be distinguished by the length of antennae and number of Sgp. Males have antennae about 1.5 times longer and have significantly larger number of Sgp compared to females. The sexual difference in distribution of the Sgp suggests that this type of sensilla may play a role in sex-pheromones detection in mantis.

Prosocial emotions predict individual differences in economic decision-making during ultimatum game with dynamic reciprocal contexts.

Social decision-making is known to be influenced by predictive emotions or the perceived reciprocity of partners. However, the connection between emotion, decision-making, and contextual reciprocity remains less understood. Moreover, arguments suggest that emotional experiences within a social context can be better conceptualised as prosocial rather than basic emotions, necessitating the inclusion of two social dimensions: focus, the degree of an emotion's relevance to oneself or others, and dominance, the degree to which one feels in control of an emotion. For better representation, these dimensions should be considered alongside the interoceptive dimensions of valence and arousal. In an ultimatum game involving fair, moderate, and unfair offers, this online study measured the emotions of 476 participants using a multidimensional affective rating scale. Using unsupervised classification algorithms, we identified individual differences in decisions and emotional experiences. Certain individuals exhibited consistent levels of acceptance behaviours and emotions, while reciprocal individuals' acceptance behaviours and emotions followed external reward value structures. Furthermore, individuals with distinct emotional responses to partners exhibited unique economic responses to their emotions, with only the reciprocal group exhibiting sensitivity to dominance prediction errors. The study illustrates a context-specific model capable of subtyping populations engaged in social interaction and exhibiting heterogeneous mental states.

Determining the influence of façade parameters and the width of a fire-proof eaves on preventing the spread of fire through external vertical structures of buildings

The object of this study is the process of fire propagation through the surface of external wall structures with facade thermal insulation. The paper examines the influence of facade parameters and the width of a fire-proof eaves on preventing the spread of fire by external vertical structures using the example of a residential building. With the use of FDS modeling, the relationships between the parameters of external enclosing structures and the fire-proof eaves on the processes of limiting the spread of fire were investigated. The influence of the minimum parameters of the height of the inter-floor windowsill in the absence of a fire-proof eaves on the spread of fire was determined. The dependence of temperature change near the surface of the facade on the width of the fire-proof eaves and the height of the window between floors was established. Based on a series of simulated experiments, it was established that with a height of 1.0 m between floors and the absence of a fire-proof eaves, the critical temperature value is 250 °C. This value corresponds to the destruction temperature of a standard metal-plastic window structure. For the case when the wall height is 1.0 m, and the width of the fire-proof eaves is 0.75 m, the temperature value is 180 °C. That is, the safety condition of 250 °C is met. Based on the research, a dependence was found on the criterion of not exceeding the critical temperature of 250 °C at the level of 1.4 m of the facade of the building floor located above the fire floor. The criterion holds when the width of a fire-proof eaves is at least 0.4 m and the height of the window partition is 1.0 m, as well as when the width of the eaves is 0.5 m, and the height of the window partition is 0.6 m. It was established that the height of a window interfloor partition has a smaller effect than the width of the fire-proof eaves that separates the floors that are located above

High potency of linalool-zinc oxide nanocomposite as a new agent for cystic echinococcosis treatment.

This current in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo research aims to evaluate and analyze the linalool-zinc oxide nanocomposite (Lin-ZNP) for treating cystic echinococcosis. Lin-ZNP was synthesized using an ethanolic solution of polyvinyl alcohol. The protoscolicidal effects of Lin-ZNP were tested on hydatid cyst protoscoleces (PTS) in both in vitro and ex vivo by eosin exclusion test. The study also examined the impact on caspase-3 gene expression and the external structure of PTS. The in vivo effect was measured by examining hydatid cysts' quantity, dimensions, and weight in mice intraperitoneally infected with 0.5 mL of PTS solution containing 1,000 PTS. The antioxidant and inflammatory cytokine gene expression levels were examined using real-time PCR. Lin-ZNP significantly (P < 0.001) killed the PTS in both in vitro and ex vivo in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The treated PTS exhibited creases and protrusions as a result of bleb formation and upregulation in the gene expression of caspase-3. Upon treatment with Lin-ZNP, there was a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in the number, diameter, and weight of the hydatid cysts. Treatment with Lin-ZNP nanocomposite led to a significant increase in the expression of antioxidant genes and a notable decrease in oxidative stress markers, and the expression levels of IL-4 and IL-10. Lin-ZNP has the potential to act as a scolicidal agent and demonstrates promise in controlling hydatid cysts in a mouse model, attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, additional studies in clinical trials are needed to confirm the use of Lin-ZNP for treating hydatidosis.

Facile Semiconductor p–n Homojunction Nanowires with Strategic p-Type Doping Engineering Combined with Surface Reconstruction for Biosensing Applications

HighlightsA novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) photosensor composed of GaN nanowire-on-Si platform demonstrates record-high responsivity of 247.8 mA W−1 with ultra-stable operation characteristics.Strategic internal and external band structure engineering of semiconductor nanowires promotes efficient PEC reaction via controlling carrier dynamics while preserving nanowires from material degradation.The glucose sensing system is constructed to successfully analyze blood glucose levels in real human serum samples, featuring a high sensitivity of 0.173 µA µM−1 cm−2 and a low detection limit of 0.07 µM.

Selective Enhancement of Viewing Angle Characteristics and Light Extraction Efficiency of Blue Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Organic Light-Emitting Diodes through an Easily Tailorable Si3N4 Nanofiber Structure.

We selectively improved the viewing angle characteristics and light extraction efficiency of blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) by tailoring a nanofiber-shaped Si3N4 layer, which was used as an internal scattering layer. The diameter of the polymer nanofibers changed according to the mass ratio of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) in the polymer solution for electrospinning. The Si3N4 nanofiber (SNF) structure was fabricated by etching an Si3N4 film using the PAN/PMMA nanofiber as a mask, making it easier to adjust parameters, such as the diameter, open ratio, and height, even though the SNF structure was randomly shaped. The SNF structures exhibited lower transmittance and higher haze with increasing diameter, showing little correlation with their height. However, all the structures demonstrated a total transmittance of over 80%. Finally, by applying the SNF structures to the blue TADF OLEDs, the external quantum efficiency was increased by 15.6%. In addition, the current and power efficiencies were enhanced by 23.0% and 25.6%, respectively. The internal light-extracting SNF structure also exhibited a synergistic effect with the external light-extracting structure. Furthermore, when the viewing angle changed from 0° to 60°, the peak wavelength and CIE coordinate shift decreased from 20 to 6 nm and from 0.0561 to 0.0243, respectively. These trends were explained by the application of Snell's law to the light path and were ultimately validated through finite-difference time-domain simulations.

Dynamic microvilli sculpt bristles at nanometric scale

Organisms generate shapes across size scales. Whereas patterning and morphogenesis of macroscopic tissues has been extensively studied, the principles underlying the formation of micrometric and submicrometric structures remain largely enigmatic. Individual cells of polychaete annelids, so-called chaetoblasts, are associated with the generation of chitinous bristles of highly stereotypic geometry. Here we show that bristle formation requires a chitin-producing enzyme specifically expressed in the chaetoblasts. Chaetoblasts exhibit dynamic cell surfaces with stereotypical patterns of actin-rich microvilli. These microvilli can be matched with internal and external structures of bristles reconstructed from serial block-face electron micrographs. Individual chitin teeth are deposited by microvilli in an extension-disassembly cycle resembling a biological 3D printer. Consistently, pharmacological interference with actin dynamics leads to defects in tooth formation. Our study reveals that both material and shape of bristles are encoded by the same cell, and that microvilli play a role in micro- to submicrometric sculpting of biomaterials.

Antennal chemoreceptors in the European ectoparasitoid Sclerodermus cereicollis (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae).

Sclerodermus cereicollis is a European flat wasp ectoparasitoid of some longhorn beetle species. This species is important as a suitable biological control agent against xylophagous pests. To better understand its chemical ecology, the ultrastructure of the antennal sensilla of the adult was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The sensilla are located mainly in the ventro-medial side of the antennae. We report a clearly sexual dimorphism with respect to antennae length, and to types, number, and distribution of chemosensilla. The antennae in males are significantly longer than those of females. We describe in detail the external and internal structure of different chemoreceptors represented by sensilla placodea, long sensilla basiconica, multiporous sensilla chaetica, grooved sensilla ampullacea, uniporous grooved sensilla chaetica. The potential involvement of the different kinds of chemoreceptors in inter- (mainly sexual recognition and social behavior-kin recognition) or intra-specific communication (mainly host selection) is discussed on the basis of behavioral and electrophysiological investigations performed on other parasitoid species belonging to the same family. Other sensilla with morphology that is not consistent with that of chemoreceptors are represented by grooved pegs, coeloconic pegs, trichoid sensilla. Such detailed ultrastructural investigation of the flagellar chemoreceptors of S. cereicollis, clarifying the number of chemosensory neurons innervating the different sensilla, is crucial for further electrophysiological investigations on this important species. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Evident sexual dimorphism concerning antennae length, type, number, and distribution of chemosensilla. Long sensilla basiconica (LSB) present only in females could play a role in host location and/or maternal care. Multiporous sensilla chaetica (MSC), significantly longer and mostly represented in males, could play a role in the perception of sexual pheromones. Detailed ultrastructural study is crucial for electrophysiological investigations on this important species.

Lythria (Microlythria subgen. nov.) venustata Staudinger, 1882 (Lepidoptera: Geometridae): distribution and description of the female, with a brief review of the genus

The article provides new localities for the little-known species Lythria venustata Staudinger, 1882; a map with all currently known locations is presented. A new subgenus, Microlythria subgen. nov., within Lythria Hübner is proposed for L. venustata. A morphological description of L. venustata female and illustration of its genital structure are given for the first time; some corrections in the description of the male genitalia are made. Both male and female genitalia of all other species of the genus are also shown, and a comparison of L. venustata with its congeners is made. Colour plates depicting males and females of all species of the genus Lythria are provided. The systematic position of the genus in the family Geometridae, and the implication of the features of L. venustata female genitalia for tribal association within the Sterrhinae are discussed. Identification keys (based on external morphology and genital structure) to Lythria species are given.

Conceptualizing Woman-Centred Care in Midwifery

Feminist values conceptualize health care service as a social relationship, and they approach the sharing of information as a self-help activity rather than one between experts and naïve recipients. Woman-centred care embraces these ideas and is a fundamental concept in midwifery, straddling both the biomedical model and feminist health care aspirations. The definition of woman-centred care relies on a list of attributes that highlight choice and control, alluding to continuity of care and empowerment. The midwife/ woman relationship is central to the provision of woman-centred care but is not without controversy. This relationship may not always be achievable due to external structures, a focus on “normal birth,” and concerns about work/life balance. Few formal evaluations exist. Regardless, women were dissatisfied with existing care and care providers, and exploring this model of care introduces the possibility for non-authoritarian, collaborative, and respectful care for women. This article has been peer reviewed.

Study on mechanical properties and bearing capacity calculation of eccentric compression of RC columns reinforced with prestressed lattice steel

The external steel structure and RC column under eccentric compression have a reduced ability to work together, and using prestressing technology can significantly improve their ability to work together. Therefore, the paper proposes a new prestressed column reinforcement technology by adopting a space profile steel structure instead of angle steel and combining prestressing technology with the bolted connection. By conducting eccentric compression test studies on 11 specimens with different reinforcement methods, prestressing and eccentricity, load-displacement curves, stress distribution laws, ultimate bearing capacity, damage modes and prestressing influence rules were obtained. The main conclusions are as follows: prestressing can significantly improve the ability of external reinforcement steel structure and core column to work together and inhibit the development of concrete cracks. Compared with the traditional angle steel reinforcement, the bearing capacity is increased by 17.5 %, the stiffness is increased by 26.6 %, and the ductility is increased by 12.3 %. However, the reinforcement effect will be reduced if the prestressing is too large. It is recommended that the prestressing should be applied according to the size of 0.09 fc of the unilateral area of the core column. According to the prestressed lattice steel constraint mechanism, a mechanical analysis model of the reinforced member was established. Finally, based on the cross-section equilibrium method, a calculation method of eccentric compressive ultimate bearing capacity was proposed, and the research results can provide a basis for the engineering application of the new reinforcement method.

Revision of the taxonomic status of Amathuxidia morishitai from Hainan, China (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

Based on the external characters, genital structures, distribution, and intermediate individuals from contact zones, the endemic species Amathuxidia morishitai Chou &amp; Gu, 1994 from Hainan, China is treated as conspecific with A. amythaon (Doubleday, 1847) and is downranked to a subspecies of the latter, i.e., Amathuxidia amythaon morishitai stat. nov. Meanwhile, two subspecies groups of A. amythaon are recognized by morphological and genetic evidence, termed amythaon-group (A. a. amythaon + A. a. dilucida (Honrath, 1884)) and annamensis-group (A. a. morishitai + A. a. annamensis Talbot, 1932) with the latter group showing a deeper divergence than normal on a subspecific level genetically.

Grinding-stimulated fluorescence enhancement in carbon nanoparticles/poly(vinyl chloride) composite

The physical damage of engineering materials is challenging to perceive, particularly when they occur with only a slight extent. To present the location of damage to engineering is still difficult to achieve. Mechanical responsive engineering materials are therefore highly desired. Herein, a type of composites comprised of carbon nanoparticles (CNP) and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was prepared via a heating incubation process. Notably, we found that these composites were in a metastable state and exhibited a grinding-stimulated fluorescence enhancement performance. After grinding stimulation, a bright orange-yellow color emission appeared and the fluorescence intensity of the composites exhibited a 75-fold enhancement. It was noted that grinding had no effect on the fluorescence of CNP alone. The fluorescence enhancement may be due to the change in the surface environment of CNP, as grinding facilitates the entry of CNP into PVC. In addition, fluorescence enhancement was also observed in tightening screw experiments using commercialized PVC films, demonstrating the abrasive-stimulated fluorescence enhancement properties of this CNP/PVC. Such remarkable mechanical response property and interesting combination between CNP and PVC will provide avenue to promote the development of smart engineering materials and have considerable potentials in external force response and structure damage surveying.

Managing protracted displacement: How anchoring shapes ‘agency-in-waiting’ among middle-class Ukrainian female refugees in Berlin

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 resulted in one of the largest refugee crises in Europe since World War II. A significant number of Ukrainian refugees, mostly women and children, have sought asylum in Germany, where they have been granted temporary protection status. These refugees found themselves in a state of protracted displacement, with uncertain futures. This article examines how middle-class Ukrainian women, with children, envision their futures and how this shapes their present. Engaging with the literature on protracted displacement and the concept of ‘agency-in-waiting’, we examine how this relatively privileged group variously respond to living in transit. To enable closer analysis of these variations, we extend examinations of protracted displacement with Grzymala-Kazlowska’s idea of anchors. This allows us to consider how previous social-class positioning, and also other external and internal structures in places migrated to, intersect to reveal the anchors facilitating or constraining ‘agency-in-waiting’.

Achievements in Preparation of Cyclodextrin–Based Porous Materials for Removal of Pollutants

Cyclodextrin–based porous materials have been widely applied in removing various organic pollutants from water environments, due to their unique physical and chemical properties, like the size–matching effect and hydrophobic interaction. Large numbers of hydroxyl groups in its external structure give cyclodextrin a high solubility in water, but the existence of these hydroxyl groups also endows cyclodextrin with the ability to be chemically modified with various functional groups to reduce its solubility in water and, meanwhile, to develop some novel functionalized cyclodextrin–based porous materials for selective removal of the target organic pollutants. This review focuses on the recent development in the synthesis of cyclodextrin–based porous materials (crosslinked cyclodextrin polymers and immobilized cyclodextrins), as well as highlighting their applications and mechanisms in the removal of dyes, endocrine disruptors, and mixed pollutants from water. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives in related research fields are discussed.

Analysis of thermal efficiency of external fencing made of innovative ceramic blocks

The paper presents a comprehensive theoretical study of the external fencing structure made of innovative Porortherm 38 ceramic blocks in comparison with traditional structures made of solid ceramic brick, hollow ceramic brick and gas block. The study was conducted in the climatic conditions of Shymkent city, South Kazakhstan. The middle temperature values of the frostiest 5 days with a provision of 0,92 were adopted as the external temperature. The results of the study of the actual resistance (Rf) of the structures under study showed that all adopted structures meet the condition Rf˃Rreq, while the actual resistance of the new structure is 1.3 times more efficient than traditional ones. The analysis of temperature fields showed that the new structure is 2% more efficient than traditional ones. Moreover, no additional insulation costs are required. The obtained results were also confirmed by computer modeling in the ELCUT software package. The results of calculating the humidity regime showed that a condensation area appears in almost all the structures under consideration. The results of calculating the amount of moisture evaporated from the multicoat structure of the external fencing during the torrefaction period showed that all the accumulated moisture will evaporate during the specified period, the calculation of the condition of inadmissibility of moisture accumulation in the structures of external fencings for an annual period and for the period of moisture accumulation showed that all the considered structures meet the requirement . The results of calculating the air regime of multicoat structures of external fencings also showed that all structures including the new one meet the condition . The result of calculating the value of thermal inertia (D) in the proposed structure is up to three times more efficient than traditional structures, which applies to structures with high inertia (7˂D). The obtained results of the study indicate that the new proposal of a structure made of ceramics is cost-effective, innovative blocks can be proposed as a supplement to the register of materials of existing standards.

Visualizing the Internal Nanocrystallinity of Calcite Due to Nonclassical Crystallization by 3D Coherent X-Ray Diffraction Imaging.

The internal crystallinity of calcite is investigated for samples synthesized using two approaches: precipitation from solution and the ammonium carbonate diffusion method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses reveal that the calcite products precipitated using both approaches have a well-defined rhombohedron shape, consistent with the euhedral crystal habit of the mineral. The internal structure of these calcite crystals is characterized using Bragg coherent diffraction imaging (BCDI) to determine the 3D electron density and the atomic displacement field. BCDI reconstructions for crystals synthesized using the ammonium carbonate diffusion approach have the expected euhedral shape, with internal strain fields and few internal defects. In contrast, the crystals synthesized by precipitation from solution have very complex external shapes and defective internal structures, presenting null electron density regions and pronounced displacement field distributions. These heterogeneities are interpreted as multiple crystalline domains, created by a nonclassical crystallization mechanism, where smaller nanoparticles coalescence into the final euhedral particles. The combined use of SEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and BCDI allows for structurally differentiating calcite crystals grown with different approaches, opening new opportunities to understand how grain boundaries and internal defects alter calcite reactivity.