Fan-like Structures Research Articles

Coordination-induced bond weakening in NiC3: An experimental and theoretical investigation.

Mass-selected photoelectron velocity-map imaging spectroscopy in conjunction with the density functional theory calculations was employed to investigate the geometrical and chemical bonding properties of NiC3-/0. Both the photoelectron spectrum and photoelectron angular distribution were measured from the spectra, yielding useful geometrical and electronic information about NiC3-/0. The complementary theoretical calculations suggest that the linear and fan-like structures were both populated experimentally in the cluster beam. Further comparative study on the synergistic donor-acceptor interactions in both isomers revealed the side-on coordination-induced bond weakening in the fan-like isomer as compared to the linear isomer. These findings will shed light on the structure-dependent reactivity of transition metal carbides.

Leaves that walk and eggs that stick: comparative functional morphology and evolution of the adhesive system of leaf insect eggs (Phasmatodea: Phylliidae)

Phylliidae are herbivorous insects exhibiting impressive cryptic masquerade and are colloquially called “walking leaves”. They imitate angiosperm leaves and their eggs often resemble plant seeds structurally and in some cases functionally. Despite overall morphological similarity of adult Phylliidae, their eggs reveal a significant diversity in overall shape and exochorionic surface features. Previous studies have shown that the eggs of most Phylliidae possess a specialised attachment mechanism with hierarchical exochorionic fan-like structures (pinnae), which are mantled by a film of an adhesive secretion (glue). The folded pinnae and glue respond to water contact, with the fibrous pinnae expanding and the glue being capable of reversible liquefaction. In general, the eggs of phylliids appear to exhibit varying structures that were suggested to represent specific adaptations to the different environments the eggs are deposited in. Here, we investigated the diversity of phylliid eggs and the functional morphology of their exochorionic structure. Based on the examination of all phylliid taxa for which the eggs are known, we were able to characterise eleven different morphological types. We explored the adhesiveness of these different egg morphotypes and experimentally compared the attachment performance on a broad range of substrates with different surface roughness, surface chemistry and tested whether the adhesion is replicable after detachment in multiple cycles. Furthermore, we used molecular phylogenetic methods to reconstruct the evolutionary history of different egg types and their adhesive systems within this lineage, based on 53 phylliid taxa. Our results suggest that the egg morphology is congruent with the phylogenetic relationships within Phylliidae. The morphological differences are likely caused by adaptations to the specific environmental requirements for the particular clades, as the egg morphology has an influence on the performance regarding the surface roughness. Furthermore, we show that different pinnae and the adhesive glue evolved convergently in different species. While the evolution of the Phylliidae in general appears to be non-adaptive judging on the strong similarity of the adults and nymphs of most species, the eggs represent a stage with complex and rather diverse functional adaptations including mechanisms for both fixation and dispersal of the eggs.

Re-appearance of precipitated aragonite crystal fans as evidence for expansion of oceanic dissolved inorganic carbon reservoir in the aftermath of the Lomagundi-Jatuli Event

The initial accumulation of atmospheric oxygen is marked by the unprecedented positive δ13Ccarb excursions of the Lomagundi-Jatuli Event (LJE) and records an interval of abnormal O2 production through elevated rates of organic carbon burial. Emerging evidence suggests that the post-LJE atmosphere-ocean system might have suffered a significant deoxygenation. These dynamic perturbations in the oceanic redox state and biogeochemical cycles would have led to fundamental changes in carbonate precipitation dynamics. Here, we report the discovery of centimeter-sized crystal fans in the post-LJE Huaiyincun Formation, Hutuo Supergroup in the North China Craton. The hexagonal cross-sections and square terminations suggest that these fan-like dolomitic structures were originally aragonite crystal fans (ACF). Variations of stromatolite morphology and frequent occurrences of storm-related deposits in the Huaiyincun Formation point to repeated cycles of sea level changes. The bedding-parallel distribution of the ACF and the homogeneous δ13C values of the ACF-bearing dolostones are consistent with a primary depositional origin for the ACF. An updated compilation of published records of ACF throughout geological history highlights a clear absence of ACF from the initiation of the Paleoproterozoic Great Oxidation Event until the end of the LJE, and a global reappearance of ACF in the post-LJE late Paleoproterozoic. We propose that the reappearance of ACF is in agreement with the expansion of the oceanic dissolved inorganic carbon reservoir. At the same time, consumption of dissolved oxygen during the oxidation of organic matter might have been stimulated by ferruginous deep seawater, facilitating the formation of Huiayincun ACF.

Classification and characterization of immune haemocytes in the larvae of the Indian fritillary, Papilio hyperbius (Lepidopetra: Nymphalidae)

In this study, haemocytes present in Papilio hyperbius Linnaeus were identified and characterized. Six different types of haemocyte were recorded in the haemocoel of this species of insect: prohaemocytes, plasmatocytes, granulocytes, spherulocytes, adipohaemocytes and oenocytoids. Of these the granulocytes were found to be responsible for cell-mediated immune responses such as phagocytosis. Granulocytes that were exposed to immunity inducers (carboxylate-modified polystyrene latex beads [CLBs] and Escherichia coli) had fan-like or pod-like structures on their cell membranes. The lysosomes in granulocytes were activated 2 h after injection with E. coli and after 12 h, all granulocytes exhibited highly activated lysosomes. After 24 and 48 h, the lysosome activity in granulocytes decreased. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that phagocytosis, which was mediated by granulocytes in the early hours of the E. coli infection, led to the formation of one phagosome for one E. coli within the cytosol. Moreover, as time passed, endosomes or lysosomes of different size developed. Subsequently, the phagosomes and lysosomes fused and E. coli were eliminated. After this series of immune responses, the nuclei of the granulocytes were indistinct and their cellular activity decreased. Hence, as old immune cells were replaced by new ones, active and healthy immune haemocytes were presumed to be maintained in the hemocoel.

Influence of partial fluorination on growth modes of organic molecules on amorphous silicon dioxide

We study the influence of fluorination on nucleation and growth of the organic parasexiphenyl molecule ($p$-6P) on amorphous silicon dioxide ($a\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{Si}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$) by means of atomistically resolved classical molecular dynamics computer simulations. We use a simulation model that mimics the experimental deposition from the vapor and subsequent self-assembly onto the underlying surface. Our model reproduces the experimentally observed orientational changes from lying to upright standing configurations of the grown layers. We demonstrate that the increase in the number of fluorinated groups inside the $p$-6P leads to a smoother, layer-by-layer growth on the $a\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{Si}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ surface: We observe that in the first layers, due to strong molecule-substrate interactions the molecules first grow in chiral (fan-like) structures, where each consecutive molecule has a higher angle, supported by molecules lying underneath. Subsequently deposited molecules bind to the already standing molecules of the chiral structures until all molecules are standing. The growth of chiral islands is the main mechanism for growth of the fluorinated $p$-6P derivative, while the $p$-6P, due to the lower interaction with the underlying substrate, forms less chiral structures. The higher degree of chirality leads to a lower-energy barrier for step-edge crossing for the fluorinated molecules. We find that partial fluorination of the $p$-6P molecule can, in this way, significantly alter its growth behavior by modifying rough, three-dimensional growth into smooth, layer-by-layer growth. This has implications for the rational design of molecules and their functionalized forms, which could be tailored for a desired growth behavior and structure formation.

Identifying the complexity of the holographic structures in strong field ionization

We present numerical investigations of the strong-field attosecond photoelectron holography by analyzing the holographic interference structures in the two-dimensional photoelectron momentum distribution (PMD) in hydrogen atom target induced by a strong infrared laser pulse. The PMDs are calculated by solving the full-dimensional time-dependent Schrödinger equation. The effect of the number of optical cycles on the PMD is considered and analyzed. We show how the complex interference patterns are formed from a single-cycle pulse to multi-cycle pulses. Furthermore, snapshots of the PMD during the time evolution are presented for a single-cycle pulse in order to track the formation of the so-called fish-bone like holographic structure. The spider- and fan-like holographic structures are also identified and investigated. We found that the fan-like structure could only be identified clearly for pulses with three or more optical cycles and its symmetry depends closely on the number of optical cycles. In addition, we found that the intensity and wavelength of the laser pulse affect the density of interference fringes in the holographic patterns. We show that the longer the wavelength, the more the holographic structures are confined to the polarization axis.

Crowder and surface effects on self-organization of microtubules

Microtubules are an essential physical building block of cellular systems. They are organized using specific crosslinkers, motors, and influencers of nucleation and growth. With the addition of antiparallel crosslinkers, microtubule self-organization patterns go through a transition from fanlike structures to homogeneous tactoid condensates in vitro. Tactoids are reminiscent of biological mitotic spindles, the cell division machinery. To create these organizations, we previously used polymer crowding agents. Here we study how altering the properties of the crowders, such as type, size, and molecular weight, affects microtubule organization. Comparing simulations with experiments, we observe a scaling law associated with the fanlike patterns in the absence of crosslinkers. Tactoids formed in the presence of crosslinkers show variable length, depending on the crowders. We correlate the subtle differences to filament contour length changes, affected by nucleation and growth rate changes induced by the polymers in solution. Using quantitative image analysis, we deduce that the tactoids differ from traditional liquid crystal organization, as they are limited in width irrespective of crowders and surfaces, and behave as solidlike condensates.

MMP20-generated amelogenin cleavage products prevent formation of fan-shaped enamel malformations

Dental enamel forms extracellularly as thin ribbons of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) that initiate on dentin mineral in close proximity to the ameloblast distal membrane. Secreted proteins are critical for this process. Enam−/− and Ambn−/− mice fail to form enamel. We characterize enamel ribbon formation in wild-type (WT), Amelx−/− and Mmp20−/− mouse mandibular incisors using focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) in inverted backscatter mode. In Amelx−/− mice, initial enamel mineral ribbons extending from dentin are similar in form to those of WT mice. As early enamel development progresses, the Amelx−/− mineral ribbons develop multiple branches, resembling the staves of a Japanese fan. These striking fan-shaped structures cease growing after attaining ~ 20 µm of enamel thickness (WT is ~ 120 µm). The initial enamel mineral ribbons in Mmp20−/− mice, like those of the Amelx−/− and WT, extend from the dentin surface to the ameloblast membrane, but appear to be fewer in number and coated on their sides with organic material. Remarkably, Mmp20−/− mineral ribbons also form fan-like structures that extend to ~ 20 µm from the dentin surface. However, these fans are subsequently capped with a hard, disorganized outer mineral layer. Amelogenin cleavage products are the only matrix components absent in both Amelx−/− and Mmp20−/− mice. We conclude that MMP20 and amelogenin are not critical for enamel mineral ribbon initiation, orientation, or initial shape. The pathological fan-like plates in these mice may form from the lack of amelogenin cleavage products, which appear necessary to form ordered hydroxyapatite.

The Temperature-Dependent Damping of Propagating Slow Magnetoacoustic Waves

The rapid damping of slow magnetoacoustic waves in the solar corona has been extensively studied in previous years. Most studies suggest that thermal conduction is a dominant contributor to this damping, albeit with a few exceptions. Employing extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) imaging data from SDO/AIA, we measure the damping lengths of propagating slow magnetoacoustic waves observed in several fan-like loop structures using two independent methods. \textbf{The dependence of the damping length on temperature has been studied for the first time. The results do not indicate any apparent decrease} in damping length with temperature, which is in contrast to the existing viewpoint. Comparing with the corresponding theoretical values calculated from damping due to thermal conduction, it is inferred that thermal conduction is suppressed in hotter loops. An alternative interpretation that suggests thermal conduction is not the dominant damping mechanism, even for short period waves in warm active region loops, is also presented.

Multielectron polarization effects in strong-field ionization: Narrowing of momentum distributions and imprints in interference structures

We extend the semiclassical two-step model [Phys. Rev. A 94, 013415 (2016)] to include a multielectron polarization-induced dipole potential. Using this model we investigate the imprints of multielectron effects in the momentum distributions of photoelectrons ionized by a linearly polarized laser pulse. We predict narrowing of the longitudinal momentum distributions due to electron focusing by the induced dipole potential. We show that the polarization of the core also modifies interference structures in the photoelectron momentum distributions. Specifically, the number of fanlike interference structures in the low-energy part of the electron momentum distribution may be altered. We analyze the mechanisms underlying this interference effect. The account of the multielectron dipole potential seems to improve the agreement between theory and experiment.

The Great Australian Bight – from AVO prospectivity screening to potentially drillable targets in one of the world's remaining untapped basins

The Ceduna Sub-basin in Australia’s southern margin offers an untapped opportunity for significant petroleum resource as part of the global exploration portfolio. Analogous to the prolific Niger delta in both size and structural style, this highly-extensional province contains up to 15 km of largely untested post-rift sediments including two widespread Late Cretaceous deltas linked to world-class oil-prone marine Cretaceous source rocks. Regional interpretation of legacy 2D seismic across the Bight Basin brings the sheer scale and structural complexity of this giant Cretaceous depocentre into perspective, but it is only through the detailed analysis of 8001 km2 of dual-sensor towed streamer 3D seismic that its true potential can be quantified. Rigorous phase and amplitude AVO QC of the pre-stack information, coupled with optimised velocity models fed into the depth migration sequence, have ensured amplitude fidelity and phase stability across all offset ranges. This has enabled a systematic and robust exploration workflow of AVO analysis and pre-stack inversion despite limited well data. Numerous dual-sensor case studies have nevertheless demonstrated these Relative Acoustic Impedance and Vp/Vs volumes to be reliably robust for prospect de-risking because of the extended low frequency bandwidth. Frontier screening supported by a partially-automated high-resolution stratigraphic framework has led to the identification of numerous prospects at multiple stratigraphic levels across the survey area. This includes isolation of laterally extensive and vertically amalgamated fan-like structures within the shallow Hammerhead delta using horizon-constrained high-definition spectral decomposition, and the extraction of potential AVO anomalies within the deeper structurally-controlled White Pointer sands draped across large gravity-driven listric growth faults.

Nanostructured Ti–Ta thin films synthesized by combinatorial glancing angle sputter deposition

Ti–Ta alloys are attractive materials for applications in actuators as well as biomedical implants. When fabricated as thin films, these alloys can potentially be employed as microactuators, components for micro-implantable devices and coatings on surgical implants. In this study, Ti100−xTax (x = 21, 30) nanocolumnar thin films are fabricated by glancing angle deposition (GLAD) at room temperature using Ti73Ta27 and Ta sputter targets. Crystal structure, morphology and microstructure of the nanostructured thin films are systematically investigated by XRD, SEM and TEM, respectively. Nanocolumns of ∼150–160 nm in width are oriented perpendicular to the substrate for both Ti79Ta21 and Ti70Ta30 compositions. The disordered α″ martensite phase with orthorhombic structure is formed in room temperature as-deposited thin films. The columns are found to be elongated small single crystals which are aligned perpendicular to the and planes of α″ martensite, indicating that the films’ growth orientation is mainly dominated by these crystallographic planes. Laser pre-patterned substrates are utilized to obtain periodic nanocolumnar arrays. The differences in seed pattern, and inter-seed distances lead to growth of multi-level porous nanostructures. Using a unique sputter deposition geometry consisting of Ti73Ta27 and Ta sputter sources, a nanocolumnar Ti–Ta materials library was fabricated on a static substrate by a co-deposition process (combinatorial–GLAD approach). In this library, a composition spread developed between Ti72.8Ta27.2 and Ti64.4Ta35.6, as confirmed by high-throughput EDX analysis. The morphology over the materials library varies from well-isolated nanocolumns to fan-like nanocolumnar structures. The influence of two sputter sources is investigated by studying the resulting column angle on the materials library. The presented nanostructuring methods including the use of the GLAD technique along with pre-patterning and a combinatorial materials library fabrication strategy offer a promising technological approach for investigating Ti–Ta thin films for a range of applications. The proposed approaches can be similarly implemented for other materials systems which can benefit from the formation of a nanocolumnar morphology.

Ultrastructure of early amelogenesis in wild-type, Amelx-/-, and Enam-/- mice: enamel ribbon initiation on dentin mineral and ribbon orientation by ameloblasts.

IntroductionDental enamel is comprised of highly organized, oriented apatite crystals, but how they form is unclear.MethodsWe used focused ion beam (FIB) scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate early enamel formation in 7‐week‐old incisors from wild‐type, Amelx ‐/‐, and Enam ‐/‐ C56BL/6 mice. FIB surface imaging scans thicker samples so that the thin enamel ribbons do not pass as readily out of the plane of section, and generates serial images by a mill and view approach for computerized tomography.ResultsWe demonstrate that wild‐type enamel ribbons initiate on dentin mineral on the sides and tips of mineralized collagen fibers, and extend in clusters from dentin to the ameloblast membrane. The clustering suggested that groups of enamel ribbons were initiated and then extended by finger‐like membrane processes as they retracted back into the ameloblast distal membrane. These findings support the conclusions that no organic nucleator is necessary for enamel ribbon initiation (although no ribbons form in the Enam ‐/‐ mice), and that enamel ribbons elongate along the ameloblast membrane and orient in the direction of its retrograde movement. Tomographic reconstruction videos revealed a complex of ameloblast membrane processes and invaginations associated with intercellular junctions proximal to the mineralization front and also highlighted interproximal extracellular enamel matrix accumulations proximal to the interrod growth sites, which we propose are important for expanding the interrod matrix and extending interrod enamel ribbons. Amelx ‐/‐ mice produce oriented enamel ribbons, but the ribbons fuse into fan‐like structures. The matrix does not expand sufficiently to support formation of the Tomes process or establish rod and interrod organization.ConclusionAmelogenin does not directly nucleate, shape, or orient enamel ribbons, but separates and supports the enamel ribbons, and expands the enamel matrix to accommodate continued ribbon elongation, retrograde ameloblast movement, and rod/interrod organization.

Histoquímica de la corteza de cinco angiospermas de una selva baja de Oaxaca

Se estudiaron algunas características anatómicas e histoquímicas de la corteza de cinco angiospermas: Cercidium plurifoliolatum Micheli, Ipomea pauciflora Martens & Galeotti, Jatropha andrieuxii Muell. Arg., Lysiloma divaricata (Jacq.) MacBride, Ziziphus amole (Sessé & Mociño) M.C. Johnston, provenientes de una selva baja de Oaxaca. Se obtuvieron porciones de corteza que incluyeran albura y se elaboraron cortes transversales, tangenciales y radiales. Para los caracteres anatómicos se usó la terminología propuesta por Trokenbrodt (1990) y se localizaron: lípidos, pectinas, pectatos de calcio, ligninas, polifenoles, hemicelulosas y celulosa. En cuanto a los radios se observan dos grupos: en uno se forman abanicos que después constituyen bandas tangenciales; en el otro los radios son interrumpidos por alguna estructura tangencial como son: bandas de parénquima axial, fibras o grupos de esclereidas. Resalta el arreglo radial del parénquima axial en Jatropha. En la localización de pectatos de calcio, resaltó una reacción intensa en la mayoría de las células de los cinco ejemplares. Los contenidos celulares muestran una diversidad en su composición resaltando los canales de Jatropha que presentan reacciones intensas a polifenoles, pectatos de calcio y lípidos. El resto de las reacciones muestran un proceso de lignificación del parénquima axial hacia el exterior. Hay presencia importante de cristales en los cinco ejemplares. Se presentan los resultados, en detalle, de las diferencias histoquímicas de la corteza de estas plantas.

Insights on the structural and electronic properties of ScC n + , YC n + , LaC n + (n = 3–6) systems

The nature of the chemical bonds in the EC3 +, EC4 +, EC5 +, and EC6 + species (E = Sc, Y and La) has been examined in depth using a combination of different theoretical strategies. Firstly, exhaustive explorations of the relevant potential energy surfaces using a combination of stochastic and gradient-based search procedures provide us with fan-like structures in singlet and triplet spin states as the most energetically stable configurations. Secondly, the chemical bonding analysis, using natural bond orbital theory, energy decomposition analysis, quantum theory of atoms in molecules, and the adaptive natural density partitioning analysis, indicate that metal–carbon interaction in these species is best described as an intermediate point between ionic and covalent.

Degenerations of toric varieties over valuation rings

We develop a theory of multi-stage degenerations of toric varieties over finite rank valuation rings, extending the Mumford--Gubler theory in rank one. Such degenerations are constructed from fan-like structures over totally ordered abelian groups of finite rank. Our main theorem describes the geometry of successive special fibers in the degeneration in terms of the polyhedral geometry of a system of recession complexes associated to the fan.

Enigmatic Fossils from the Lower Carboniferous Shrimp Bed, Granton, Scotland.

The Lower Carboniferous (Visean) Granton Lagerstätte (Edinburgh, Scotland) is principally known for the discovery of the conodont animal, but has also yielded numerous crustaceans and other faunas. Here we report on small branching colonies, reaching 10 mm in length. They are small, erect, arborescent, and irregularly branched with predominant monopodial and dichotomous growth. They bud in a single plane. In one specimen the wall microstructure is well preserved and it is composed of evenly spaced, linear fibers, running parallel to the axis of the stems, and connected by transverse bars. We discuss possible biological affinities of these organisms; we consider algal, poriferan, hydrozoan and bryozoan affinities. The general pattern of branching, presence of fan-like structures (interpreted here as possible gonophores) and microstructure suggests affinity to Hydrozoa, affinity to non-calcifying algae is less likely. Assuming hydrozoan nature; the microstructure might suggest affinities with the extant family Solanderiidae Marshall, 1892 that possess an internal chitinous skeleton. The EDS analysis shows that fossils discussed here are preserved as phosphates. The skeletons were probably not mineralized, the presence of phosphorus suggests that the colonies were originally composed of chitin. We describe these organisms as Caledonicratis caridum gen. et sp. nov. (Solanderiidae?, Capitata?). Colonies of C. caridum gen et. sp. nov. sometimes encrust the exuviae of crustaceans, which very probably lived in fresh to brackish water thus indicating a likely habitat of Caledonicratis.

Circulating Hemocytes from Larvae of the Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle Allomyrina dichotoma (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) and the Cellular Immune Response to Microorganisms.

Hemocytes of the last larva of the Japanese rhinoceros beetle A. dichotoma (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) were classified as granulocytes, plasmatocytes, oenocytoids, spherulocytes, prohemocytes, and adipohemocytes. Among these cell types, only the granulocytes became immunologically activated with obvious morphological changes, displaying large amoeba-like, lobopodia-like, and fan-like structures. In addition, their cytoplasmic granules became larger and greatly increased in number. To explore whether these granules could be immunologically generated as phagosomes, total hemocytes were stained with LysoTracker. Greater than 90% of the granulocytes retained the LysoTracker dye at 4 h post-bacterial infection. In flow cytometry analysis, the red fluorescent signal was highly increased at 4 h post-bacterial infection (60.36%) compared to controls (5.08%), as was confirmed by fluorescent microscopy. After 12 h post-infection, these signals returned to basal levels. The uptake of pathogens by granulocytes rapidly triggered the translocation of the microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 alpha (LC3) to the phagosome, which may result in enhanced pathogen killing.

Behaviour of oscillations in loop structures above active regions

In this study we combine the multiwavelength ultraviolet–optical (Solar Dynamics Observatory, SDO) and radio (Nobeyama Radioheliograph, NoRH) observations to get further insight into space-frequency distribution of oscillations at different atmospheric levels of the Sun. We processed the observational data on NOAA 11711 active region and found oscillations propagating from the photospheric level through the transition region upward into the corona. The power maps of low-frequency (1–2mHz) oscillations reproduce well the fan-like coronal structures visible in the Feix 171Å line. High frequency oscillations (5–7mHz) propagate along the vertical magnetic field lines and concentrate inside small-scale elements in the umbra and at the umbra–penumbra boundary. We investigated the dependence of the dominant oscillation frequency upon the distance from the sunspot barycentre to estimate inclination of magnetic tubes in higher levels of sunspots where it cannot be measured directly, and found that this angle is close to 40° above the umbra boundaries in the transition region.

Complex Collagen Fiber and Membrane Morphologies of the Whole Porcine Aortic Valve

ObjectivesReplacement aortic valves endeavor to mimic native valve function at the organ, tissue, and in the case of bioprosthetic valves, the cellular levels. There is a wealth of information about valve macro and micro structure; however, there presently is limited information on the morphology of the whole valve fiber architecture. The objective of this study was to provide qualitative and quantitative analyses of whole valve and leaflet fiber bundle branching patterns using a novel imaging system.MethodsWe developed a custom automated microscope system with motor and imaging control. Whole leaflets (n = 25) were imaged at high resolution (e.g. 30,000×20,000 pixels) using elliptically polarized light to enhance contrast between structures without the need for staining or other methods. Key morphologies such as fiber bundle size and branching were measured for analyses.ResultsThe left coronary leaflet displayed large asymmetry in fiber bundle organization relative to the right coronary and non-coronary leaflets. We observed and analyzed three main patterns of fiber branching; tree-like, fan-like, and pinnate structures. High resolution images and quantitative metrics are presented such as fiber bundle sizes, positions, and branching morphological parameters.SignificanceTo our knowledge there are currently no high resolution images of whole fresh leaflets available in the literature. The images of fiber/membrane structures and analyses presented here could be highly valuable for improving the design and development of more advanced bioprosthetic and/or bio-mimetic synthetic valve replacements.