Wall Pattern Research Articles

Important ultrasonography and CT findings and prognostic factors of incidentally detected gallbladder cancer

Aims: To evaluate important imaging findings and prognostic factors of incidentally detected gallbladder cancer (IDGC). Materials and methods: Patients with surgically proven IDGC (n=85) and benign GB diseases (n=100) were retrospectively enrolled. All patients had preoperative CT and eighty-two patients had US images. Two radiologists independently assessed image findings and analyzed findings suggestive of IDGC and recurrence after surgery. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify significant predictors for IDGC and recurrence.Results: 87% (74/85) of IDGC belonged to early cancer. On US, mucosal irregularity (odds ratio (OR), 26.29; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.66-259.42; p=0.005) was a significant predictor of IDGC. Enhancement pattern of wall (OR, 7.78; 95% CI, 2.84-21.39; p<0.001), and maximum wall thickness (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.11-1.55; p=0.002) were significant predictors of IDGC on CT. Twenty-two patients showed recurrence. For clinical factors, T-, N-stage were associated with recurrence (p<0.001). For imaging, focal wall thickening (OR, 8.74; 95% CI, 1.13-67.49, p=0.038) on US and lymph node enlargement (LNE) (OR, 8.93; 95% CI, 1.44-55.19, p=0.018) on CT were significant predictors of recurrence.Conclusion: Image findings are useful to predict IDGC using mucosal disruption, maximum wall thickness, enhancement pattern of wall. In addition, focal wall thickening and LNE were useful for predicting recurrence.

Enhanced Acoustic Mixing in Silicon-Based Chips with Sharp-Edged Micro-Structures

The small dimensions of microfluidic channels allow for fast diffusive or passive mixing, which is beneficial for time-sensitive applications such as chemical reactions, biological assays, and the transport of to-be-detected species to sensors. In microfluidics, the need for fast mixing within milliseconds arises primarily because these devices are often used in fields where rapid and efficient mixing significantly impacts the performance and outcome of the processes. Active mixing with acoustics in microfluidic devices involves using acoustic waves to enhance the mixing of fluids within microchannels. Using sharp corners and wall patterns in acoustofluidic devices significantly enhances the mixing by acoustic streaming around these features. The streaming patterns around the sharp edges are particularly effective for the mixing because they can produce strong lateral flows that rapidly homogenize liquids. This work presents extensive characterizations of the effect of sharp-edged structures on acoustic mixing in bulk acoustic wave (BAW) mode in a silicon microdevice. The effect of side wall patterns in different angles and shapes, their positions, the type of piezoelectric transducer, and its amplitude and frequency have been studied. Following the patterning of the channel walls, a mixing time of 25 times faster was reached, compared to channels with smooth side walls exhibiting conventional BAW behavior. The average locally determined acoustic streaming velocity inside the channel becomes 14 times faster if sharp corners of 10° are added to the wall.

First Report on Taxonomic Significance of Foliar Microanatomy of Lamiaceae Taxa from Pakistan; A Correct Tool for Taxa Authentication

The foliar epidermal, stomatal and trichome properties are frequently used as plant microscopic attributes from a taxonomic or ecological perspective. Among the angiosperm families, the Lamiaceae is one of the most taxonomically difficult, economically significant, and medicinally important families. To better understand the foliar microanatomy of Lamiaceae taxa obtained from Northern Pakistan, this study attempts to determine the variational and diagnostic features of 27 species that were analyzed using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). UPGMA cluster analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) and semantic differential chart (SDC) were used to characterize, visualize, and compare the leaf micromorphology across all species. Three different types of epidermal cell types were examined on both foliar surfaces i.e., irregular, hexagonal, and polygonal. Anticlinal wall pattern also shows variation. Anomocytic stomata is dominant in 8 studied species followed by paractic in 5 species, anisocytic in 4 species and diacytic in 2 species. The trichomes could be broadly classified into two groups, glandular trichomes (GTs) and non-glandular trichomes (NGTs). Lamiaceae has two types of glandular trichomes, small capitate and large peltate, which differ in size, structure, and distribution. In present research five distinct forms of non-glandular trichomes are unicellular, multicellular, stellate, branched, and unbranched trichomes. The results that characterized, illustrated, and contrasted the leaf anatomical characteristics of the Lamiaceae taxa can be better understood with the aid of statistical analysis. Future research will depend on these findings to improve the systematics of Lamiaceae taxa. These characteristics have a large taxonomic potential when considered as a whole.

Investigation of The Effect of CNC Milling Cutting Process on The Tensile Test of PLA Samples Produced Using Two Different 3D Printers with The FDM Method

One of the most commonly used materials in additive manufacturing with the fused deposition modeling (FDM) method is polylactic acid (PLA) filaments. In 3-dimensional (3D) printed products, an external wall is also used in addition to the internal structure pattern. The exterior wall pattern differs from the interior structure pattern. The 3D products obtained by this method contain two different pattern structures, which is not desired when determining the mechanical properties. In this study, tensile test specimens were produced with two different 3D printers using 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm diameter PLA filaments. Some tensile test specimens were directly produced in ASTM D638-14 Type 1 dimensions and subjected to tensile testing. The rest of the specimens were produced in a rectangular shape with 19 mm x 165 mm dimensions and the side edges of those specimens, produced in rectangular shape, were cut with CNC milling to bring their dimensions to ASTM D638-14 Type 1. All tensile test specimens were manufactured with a thickness of 4 mm. The test specimens cut with CNC milling after 3D printing were compared with the specimens tested only by 3D printing. The effects of CNC milling cutting on the tensile test properties of specimens produced on two different 3D printers using 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm diameter PLA filaments were investigated. Consequently, it was observed that cutting the side edges with CNC milling eliminated irregularities caused by 3D printing due to the tensile stress in those areas and allowed for more regular and consistent fractures of test specimens. When compared with only the 3D-printed specimens, the elongation at break of the tensile test specimens whose side edges were cut with CNC milling resulted in 13.45% and 33.55% higher using 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm PLA filaments, respectively. It was determined that the toughness of the samples cut by CNC milling was higher than the test samples that were only 3D printed.

Pharmacognostic Study and Phytochemical Profilling of Dichloromethane Extracts of the Leaf and Stem of Vernonia conferta Benth and Vernonia colorata Drake Asteraceae

Aims: The study determines various taxonomic, pharmacognostic and phytochemical standards helpful to ensure the identity, purity, safety and efficacy of Vernonia colorata and Vernonia conferta. Study Design: To study these two species of Vernonia for their epidermal cell shapes, stomatal types and distribution, trichome types, chemomicroscopic and fluorescence characters, flow properties, ash values, extractive solvents and phytoconstituents of dichlormethane fractions using GC-MS. Place and Duration: This study was conducted at the Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo from June 2023 to December 2023. Methodology: The pharmacognostic characterization was determined following the guidelines given by the World Health Organization (WHO). Parameters determined included microscopy, powder microscopy, chemomicroscopy, micromeritic properties, ash values, extractive values, fluorescence analysis while phytochemical analysis was done using Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometer. Results: Epidermal cell shapes were both irregular with undulate and sinuous anticlinal wall pattern for both V. colorata and C. conferta respectively. Stomatal distribution was hypostomatic with paracytic stomata on the abaxial surface for C. conferta while amphistomatic with anomocytic stomata in V. colorata. Stomatal index was highest in V. conferta with 27.31% and least in V. colorata 21.52%. Unicellular trichomes were observed in V. colorata and V. conferta epidermal surfaces. The chemomicroscopic study revealed the presence of lignin, starch, cellulose, oils, calcium oxalate crystals, mucilage and protein for both leaf and stem respectively. The fluorescence characteristics showed the presence of different colours supporting the presence of various phytoconstituents for both leaf and stem. The quantitative epidermal studies, chemomicroscopic and fluorescence characteristics revealed characteristic features for the drug. The flow properties for both leaf and stem were poor. The total ash values for both leaf and stem ranges between (2.40 – 9.30 and 10.60 – 11.06), acid-insoluble ash values were low, moisture contents were between 8 - 14%w/w, water and methanol extracted more constituents. In total, 12 chemical constituents each were recorded for the leaves of V. colorata and V. conferta, respectively, while 10 and 12 were also recorded for the dichloromethane stem extracts of V. colorata and V. conferta, respectively. Conclusion: This study is useful in pharmacognostic standardization of Vernonia colorata and Vernonia conferta.

Innovative silica aerogel fiberglass walls and roofs: A path to lower carbon emissions and higher energy savings

ABSTRACT Buildings account for a significant portion of global energy use and consumption. Buildings have substantial energy consumption due to the use of heating, ventilation, and cooling systems. It is evident that the insulation materials used in the design of building envelopes can efficiently reduce the cost of air conditioning by reducing external heat gains and losses. Additionally, the use of environmentally friendly and cost-effective can be beneficial from an environmental standpoint. This paper aims to evaluate the potential for cost savings in the air conditioning of buildings incorporated with silica aerogel fiberglass insulation in hollow concrete bricks (wall) and hollow roof tile (roof). Silica aerogel fiberglass insulation is extensively used for heat insulation purposes, including building insulations, due to its superior thermal insulation and flame retardant properties. The thermo-physical properties of silica fiberglass insulation and building materials were determined experimentally as per ASTM D 5334 standards. Twenty distinct building design concepts are investigated in this study, each featuring insulation-integrated concrete blocks composed of silica aerogel fiberglass: (WEM1) insulation layer in the outer side, (WEM2) insulation layer in the center, (WEM3) insulation layer in the inner side, (WEM4) insulation layers in the outer-middle, (WEM5) insulation layers in the middle-inner, and (WEM6) insulation layers in the outer-inner sides. Additionally, two arrangements of insulation-stuffed roof tiles, REM1 above the RCC and REM2 below the RCC. In addition, novel building designs integrated with insulation were analyzed numerically, related to environmental conditions that refer to two different scenarios in India (hot dry and composite climates). Thermo-economic analysis of novel wall and roof designs with silica fiberglass insulation materials on air-conditioning costs, carbon dioxide emissions, and payback time are compared with conventional roof and wall patterns. The thermo-economic analysis was carried out based on the number of degree-hours of heating and cooling to determine the building’s annual energy usage. The building model arrangement (WEM6-REM1), which consists of an insulation composite wall (WEM6) and insulation roof tile (REM1), demonstrated the greatest annual air conditioning cost savings of 3.4 $/m2/year and 1.74 $/m2/year when compared to conventional building design for climatic conditions of Kurnool and Gauhati. The building model arrangement (WEM6-REM1) composed of silica fiberglass aerogel insulation exhibits the highest reduction in carbon emissions of 65 kg/kWh and 33 kg/kWh, when compared to conventional building design analyzed in both hot-arid; (Kurnool) and composite (Gauhati) climatic conditions. The placement of insulation in the roof alone (REM1) has the shortest payback duration of 2.15 years. The results of this study point to a viable approach to enhancing building design decision-making and narrowing the performance gap in sustainable and energy-efficient strategies.

Hybrid simulation testing of two-storey low-aspect-ratio nuclear RC shear walls with normal- and high-strength reinforcement: Seismic performance evaluation and economic assessment

Low-aspect-ratio reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls have been commonly used in several nuclear facilities in containment and safety-related structures. Despite being a potential alternative to reduce rebar congestion and subsequently minimize complex construction activities typically associated with nuclear facilities, there has been limited experimental research on investigating the impact of using high-strength reinforcement (HSR) on the seismic performance of such walls, particularly in a multi-storey context. This lack of research is mainly due to considerable challenges imposed when testing such multi-storey nuclear RC shear walls in most laboratories. Therefore, the current study presents the experimental results of two two-storey low-aspect-ratio nuclear RC shear walls that were tested utilizing the seismic hybrid simulation testing technique. In this respect, walls W1-NSR and W2-HSR were designed using normal-strength reinforcement (NSR) and HSR, respectively, where the two test walls had comparable capacities to allow for direct comparisons. Both walls were subjected to various ground motion levels, spanning from operational to design and beyond-design earthquake scenarios. The experimental findings are then presented to include the force-displacement responses, the multi-storey effects, ductility capacities, lateral and rotational stiffnesses, rebar strains, and cracking patterns of the test walls. Subsequently, an economic assessment was carried out to quantify the total rebar weights and the corresponding construction costs of such walls. In addition, the expected seismic repair costs were determined based on a three-dimensional digital image correlation technique that provided information on the damage states of the test walls under different earthquake levels. The results show that although W1-NSR and W2-HSR attained similar force and moment capacities, W2-HSR achieved a relatively higher ductility capacity than W1-NSR. However, larger cracks were observed in W2-HSR compared to W1-NSR, which was attributed to the associated larger rebar spacing in the former relative to the latter. The economic assessment results demonstrate that using HSR minimized the rebar weights and construction costs, while both walls had similar seismic repair costs at their design and beyond-design earthquake levels. Both the seismic performance and economic assessment results presented in the current study are expected to aid future editions of relevant design standards in adopting HSR in nuclear construction practice.

An epigenetically mediated double negative cascade from EFD to HB21 regulates anther development

Epigenetic modifications are crucial for plant development. EFD (ExineFormationDefect) encodes a SAM-dependent methyltransferase that is essential for the pollen wall pattern formation and male fertility in Arabidopsis. In this study, we find that the expression of DRM2, a de novo DNA methyltransferase in plants, complements for the defects in efd, suggesting its potential de novo DNA methyltransferase activity. Genetic analysis indicates that EFD functions through HB21, as the knockout of HB21 fully restores fertility in efd mutants. DNA methylation and histone modification analyses reveal that EFD represses the transcription of HB21 through epigenetic mechanisms. Additionally, we demonstrate that HB21 directly represses the expression of genes crucial for pollen formation and anther dehiscence, including CalS5, RPG1/SWEET8, CYP703A2 and NST2. Collectively, our findings unveil a double negative regulatory cascade mediated by epigenetic modifications that coordinates anther development, offering insights into the epigenetic regulation of this process.

Young wall realizations of level 1 irreducible highest weight and Fock space crystals of quantum affine algebras in type E

We construct Young wall models for the crystal bases of level 1 irreducible highest weight representations and Fock space representations of quantum affine algebras in types E6(1), E7(1) and E8(1). In each case, Young walls consist of coloured blocks stacked inside the relevant Young wall pattern which satisfy a certain combinatorial condition. Moreover the crystal structure is described entirely in terms of adding and removing blocks.

How polymer structure affects secondary cell wall patterns: A look at transdifferentiating protoplasts.

How polymer structure affects secondary cell wall patterns: A look at transdifferentiating protoplasts.

Contrast enhancement patterns associated with acute stroke in moyamoya disease using MR vessel wall imaging.

High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) can provide valuable insights into the histopathological characteristics of moyamoya disease (MMD). However, the patterns of vessel wall contrast enhancement have not been well established. We aimed to identify the contrast enhancement patterns of the vessel walls associated with acute cerebral infarction using HR-MRI in MMD. In this retrospective study, we conducted genetic tests for Ring Finger Protein 213 (RNF213) and performed HR-MRI on patients suspected of having MMD. We analyzed wall enhancement patterns including concentric, eccentric, or mixed enhancement types, and the occurrence of acute cerebral infarction in patients who simultaneously tested positive for RNF213 and exhibited definite features of MMD on HR-MRI. Among 306 patients who underwent RNF213 tests for the evaluation of MMD, 56 showed positive RNF213, and HR-MRI was performed on 32 of them. Among the patients with acute cerebral infarction, the incidence rate was significantly higher in the group with concentric wall enhancement compared to patients without acute cerebral infarction (73.3%vs. 17.0%, p<.002). Furthermore, the incidence was notably elevated, even in patients with pure concentric wall enhancement (40.0%vs. 5.9%, p=.033). The area under the curve (AUC) for the group with any concentric wall enhancement showed a significant result of.78 (95% confidence interval [CI]:.61-.95, p=.007), whereas the predictive ability for pure concentric wall enhancement did not reach significance (AUC=.67, 95% CI:.48-.86, p=.100). Concentric wall enhancement was a significant predictor of acute cerebral infarction in patients with MMD.

Taxonomical implications of foliar epidermal anatomy of Impatiens L. species (Balsaminaceae) in the Nilgiris, Southern Western Ghats, India

The foliar epidermal anatomy of 22 Impatiens species from the family Balsaminaceae was studied. The study intended to determine whether the micromorphological characteristics of the genus Impatiens were taxonomically significant and would aid in the precise identification of the species. The qualitative and quantitative traits as well as diagnostic characteristics were identified using a Light microscope. Variations were observed in both adaxial and abaxial leaf micromorphological characters like the shape of the epidermal and guard cells, anticlinal wall pattern, lobes per cell, stomatal pore, distribution of stomata, type of stomata and the presence and nature of trichomes. Anomocyic stomata exclusively occurred in all the studied Impatiens species. Stomata were present on both the surface of I. scabriscula B. Heyne ex Walland I. balsamina L., while in rest of the studied species stomata restricted on abaxial surface. An elliptical pore is the dominant type of stomatal pore among the investigated impatiens taxa. Uniseriate multicellular trichomes were observed (I. tenella B.Heyne ex Hook., I. fruticosa Lesch ex DC, I. gardeneriana Wight, I. minor (DC.) Bennet, I. rufescens Benth ex Wight & Arn). For accurate species delineation and identification in the genus Impatiens, taxonomic keys have been developed based on foliar micromorphology.

Enhancing fusion welding in die-cast Mg alloys: A combined ultrasonic vibration and hot rolling approach for porosity reduction, microstructure refinement, and mechanical property improvement

Severe weld porosity has led the industry to believe that die-cast magnesium alloys cannot be fusion welded. To address this challenge, a new process of ultrasonic vibration coupled with hot rolling was employed to eliminate porosity, and the mechanism associated with weld porosity in die-cast magnesium alloys was analyzed in detail. Unlike conventional welding processes, ultrasonic vibration coupled with hot rolling is effective and efficient. In this study, a roller with ultrasonic vibrations is synchronized with the molten pool to apply pressure to the weld, which is in a semi-solid state on the upper surface. The results showed that hot rolling and ultrasonic vibration coupled with hot rolling could eliminate 78.12 % and 85.5 % of the porosity, respectively. Compared to hot rolling, the ultrasonic vibration coupled with the hot rolling process resulted in smaller and fewer porosities and finer β-Mg17Al12. This is attributed to the cavitation effect of ultrasonic vibration that promotes bubble overflow and breaks the β-Mg17Al12 dendrites in the melt pool, as well as the thermal effect that improves the plasticity of the weld. Furthermore, after closing the porosity under pressure, recrystallized grains will be produced around it. Tensile test results indicated that hot rolling was able to increase the ultimate tensile strength by 84.21 % and elongation by 44.03, whereas ultrasonic vibration coupled with hot rolling was able to increase the ultimate tensile strength by 244.46 % and elongation by 71.70 %. Combining the micron-scale industrial computed tomography results with theoretical calculations, it is found that the porosity of die-cast magnesium alloys is mainly caused by nitrogen, and they originate from gas entrapment during the die-casting process; further, the formation mechanism of die-cast magnesium alloys' fusion-welding porosity is revealed in detail. A physical model of the formation process of welded porosity morphology was established, and the analysis suggested that the pattern of the inner wall of the porosity was related to the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability. This research is expected to improve the weld quality of alloys manufactured by the die-casting process.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Eupatorium odoratum Against Cell- Wall Anchored Proteins (CWAPs) of Streptococcus Mutans (Gram Positive Bacteria) Responsible for Dental Disorders in Humans

Aim: In the environmentally friendly manufacturing of silver nanoparticles, plant components like carbohydrates, lipids, enzymes, flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, and alkaloids are employed as reducing agents. We aimed to green synthesize the silver nanopartciles (AgNPs) and study their effect on the expressive patterns of the cell wall anchored proteins in S. mutans. Methods: Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles were done using Eupatorium odoratum leaf extract and were screened for antibacterial properties against Streptococcus mutans using UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier infrared spectroscopy. Further we studied the antibacterial activity of the AgNPs by well diffusion, MIC, Biofilm and gene expression studies. Results: Utilizing optical inspection, it was found the nanoparticle production was successful when the yellow fluid turned brown. When compared to zone of inhibition (30mm) for the positive control at 50µg/ml, the zone of inhibition of the synthesised AgNPs was almost significantly similar (26mm) (p&lt;0.05). The size of the silver nanoparticles (SNPs) produced in the current work ranged between 30 and 70nm and were biosynthesized utilising an aqueous extract of E.odoratum which acted as reducing agent. Conclusion: The large-scale manufacture of NPs and the creation of biomedicines can be benefitted by this method of SNP synthesis that uses green chemistry. We conclude the potent antibacterial activity of the AgNPs synthesized at the molecular level.

CELLULOSE SYNTHASE-LIKE C proteins modulate cell wall establishment during ethylene-mediated root growth inhibition in rice.

The cell wall shapes plant cell morphogenesis and affects the plasticity of organ growth. However, the way in which cell wall establishment is regulated by ethylene remains largely elusive. Here, by analyzing cell wall patterns, cell wall composition and gene expression in rice (Oryza sativa, L.) roots, we found that ethylene induces cell wall thickening and the expression of cell wall synthesis-related genes, including CELLULOSE SYNTHASE-LIKE C1, 2, 7, 9, 10 (OsCSLC1, 2, 7, 9, 10) and CELLULOSE SYNTHASE A3, 4, 7, 9 (OsCESA3, 4, 7, 9). Overexpression and mutant analyses revealed that OsCSLC2 and its homologs function in ethylene-mediated induction of xyloglucan biosynthesis mainly in the cell wall of root epidermal cells. Moreover, OsCESA-catalyzed cellulose deposition in the cell wall was enhanced by ethylene. OsCSLC-mediated xyloglucan biosynthesis likely plays an important role in restricting cell wall extension and cell elongation during the ethylene response in rice roots. Genetically, OsCSLC2 acts downstream of ETHYLENE-INSENSITIVE3-LIKE1 (OsEIL1)-mediated ethylene signaling, and OsCSLC1, 2, 7, 9 are directly activated by OsEIL1. Furthermore, the auxin signaling pathway is synergistically involved in these regulatory processes. These findings link plant hormone signaling with cell wall establishment, broadening our understanding of root growth plasticity in rice and other crops.

The Micromorphology and Its Taxonomic Value of the Genus Sanicula L. in China (Apiaceae).

The genus Sanicula L. possesses many medically important plants, belonging to the family Apiaceae. It is one of the most taxonomically difficult taxa, largely due to the great variability in habit, foliage, flowers and fruits. Previous studies have mainly focused on the molecular studies of this genus, and the morphological research for this genus was limited, especially in the micromorphological research. In the current study, we newly obtained leaf materials from twenty-two Sanicula members, fruit and pollen materials from twenty Sanicula members and performed comprehensively micromorphological analyses for this complicated genus. The results of the leaf epidermis showed that the upper and lower epidermis were smooth and glabrous, and the cell shape was polygonal or irregular. The patterns of anticlinal wall were shallowly undulating, deeply undulating, subflat or flat. The cuticular membrane ornamentations were diverse, and some species had epidermal appendage. All Sanicula species observed the stomata in the lower epidermis, and only five species (S. rugulosa, S. elongata, S. hacquetioides, S. tienmuensis and S. elata) observed stomata in the upper epidermis, which can easily identify them from other Sanicula members. In addition, we found that the fruits scarcely compressed, and some fruits had their distinctive shape, such as the fruit shape of S. tienmuensis was subglobose, S. subgiraldii was broadly ovate and S. pengshuiensis was ellipsoid. All Sanicula taxa fruits surfaces were covered with prickles, bristles, protuberance, or tubercles, prickles were either long or short, uncinate or straight, rarely scale-like, ribs inconspicuous or slightly prominent, but the prickles/bristles/tubercles were different in shape, sparseness and arrangement. The vittae were distinct in S. rubriflora, S. chinensis, S. caerulescens, S. pengshuiensis, S. pauciflora, S. lamelligera, S. oviformis, S. flavovirens and S. elata, and the remaining taxa were obscure. These findings indicated that the fruits can clearly distinguish these Sanicula members. Furthermore, the micromorphological characteristics of pollen showed that the equatorial view included four shapes: ellipsoid, subrectangular, equatorially constricted and super-rectangular-equatorially constricted; and the polar view possessed four shapes: triangular, triangular-circular, suborbicular and trilobate circular. The germ furrow and the outer wall ornamentation of all Sanicula taxa were quite similar, indicating that the genus was a natural unit. In summary, our study promoted the improvement of a taxonomic system for the genus and also provided additional evidence for future taxonomic study of the genus Sanicula.

Tubulin participates in establishing protoxylem vessel reinforcement patterns and hydraulic conductivity in maize

Abstract Water transportation to developing tissues relies on the structure and function of plant xylem cells. Plant microtubules govern the direction of cellulose microfibrils and guide secondary cell wall formation and morphogenesis. However, the relevance of microtubule-determined xylem wall thickening patterns in plant hydraulic conductivity remains unclear. In the present study, we identified a maize (Zea mays) semi-dominant mutant, designated drought-overly-sensitive1 (ZmDos1), the upper leaves of which wilted even when exposed to well-watered conditions during growth; the wilting phenotype was aggravated by increased temperatures and decreased humidity. Protoxylem vessels in the stem and leaves of the mutant showed altered thickening patterns of the secondary cell wall (from annular to spiral), decreased inner diameters, and limited water transport efficiency. The causal mutation for this phenotype was found to be a G-to-A mutation in the maize gene α-tubulin4, resulting in a single amino acid substitution at position 196 (E196K). Ectopic expression of the mutant α-tubulin4 in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) changed the orientation of microtubule arrays, suggesting a determinant role of this gene in microtubule assembly and secondary cell wall thickening. Our findings suggest that the spiral wall thickenings triggered by the α-tubulin mutation are stretched during organ elongation, causing a smaller inner diameter of the protoxylem vessels and affecting water transport in maize. This study underscores the importance of tubulin-mediated protoxylem wall thickening in regulating plant hydraulics, improves our understanding of the relationships between protoxylem structural features and functions, and offers candidate genes for the genetic enhancement of maize.

A case study of the response of support structure and stratum deformation caused by deep foundation pit excavation in soft area

Investigating the spatial distribution and evolution patterns of deformations during foundation pit excavation is crucial for safeguarding the surrounding environment. This study focuses on a deep excavation case in Nanjing and discusses the strata deformation and the response of the retaining structure through the excavation phase, informed by on-site monitoring data. A three-dimensional finite element model of the excavation was developed, with comparisons between predicted values and on-site deformation monitoring data underscoring the accuracy of the numerical simulation results. This analysis delved into the deformation spatial distribution within the retaining structure and ground surface settlement throughout the excavation. Moreover, the three-dimensional deformation patterns of the diaphragm wall at various excavation depths were scrutinized, mapping the evolution pattern and spatial distribution of ground surface settlement around the foundation pit across different excavation stages. The findings reveal a pronounced spatial effect in both the diaphragm wall deformation and ground movements behind the wall, with the greatest deformation manifesting near the symmetric plane of the excavation center and markedly less deformation near the excavation corners. Furthermore, the deformation scope broadens with increasing excavation depth. These research outcomes aim to furnish a substantive reference for practical engineering implementations.

LEAF ANATOMICAL ADAPTATIONS OF FOURTEEN TREE SPECIES GROWING IN LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY, OJO CAMPUS. LAGOS, NIGERIA

Plants growing in different locations exhibit various anatomical adaptations which make them survive in their various habitats. Therefore, this study examined the leaf anatomical adaptations of fourteen tree species namely Acacia auriculiformis, Albizia lebbeck, Anacardium occidentale, Azadirachta indica, Carica papaya, Delonix regia, Gmelina arborea, Lagestroemia speciosa, Mangifera indica, Polyalthia longifolia, Tectona grandis, Terminalia catappa, Terminalia ivoriensis and Yucca gigantea growing in Lagos State University, Ojo Campus.. The leaf epidermal layers were isolated using nail polish; and were observed under the light microscope to determine the stomata features, epidermal cell and trichome types. The results showed that all the species were hypostomatic, with the exception of Acacia auriculiformis and Terminalia ivorensis that were amphistomatic. Eight stomatal complex types such as anomotetracytic, staurocytic, anisosytic, brachyparacytic, paracytic, pericytic, brachyparatetracytic and anomocytic were observed among the species. The stomatal density ranged from 46.05 mm-2 342.11 mm-2 on both leaf surfaces. The stomatal index ranged from 16.17% - 91.23% on both leaf surfaces. Trichomes were found in Albizia lebbeck, Delonix regia, Gmelina arborea, Polyalthia longifolia, Tectona grandis and Terminali aivorensis. The anticlinal cell wall patterns observed were round, curved, wavy and straight; while the epidermal cell shapes were irregular, isodiametric and polygonal. This study revealed that leaf anatomical adaptations such as amphistomatic leaf type, presence of stomatal complex types (anomocytic, anomotetracytic, brachyparatetracytic, staurocytic and anisocytic) with many subsidiary cells; high stomatal density and index; absence of trichomes; and wavy anticlinal cell wall pattern might be responsible for survival of the species in their locations.

Taxonomic implications of normal and abnormal stomatal complexes in Indigofera L. (Indigofereae, Faboideae, Fabaceae)

This study is the first to report the foliar and stem epidermal micro-morphology of 13 taxa of Indigofera L. (Fabaceae) using light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The micro-morphological characteristics studied here are related to the epidermal cell shape, size, frequency, anticlinal wall pattern, and stomatal complex types, size, position, frequency, and index. The study revealed 19 major normal stomatal types with eight subtypes and seven major abnormal stomatal types with 13 subtypes. The stomatal index was lower on the abaxial leaf surface than on the adaxial surface. Notably, the adaxial surface of I. hochstetteri had the highest stomatal index (27.46%), while the abaxial surface of I. oblongifolia had the lowest (9.95%). The adaxial surface of I. hochstetteri also displayed the highest average stomatal frequency (38.67), while the adaxial surface of I. spinosa had the lowest average frequency (9.37). SEM analysis revealed that most leaves had slightly sunken to sunken stomata, while stem stomata were positioned at the same level as epidermal cells in most taxa. Indigofera's foliar and stem epidermal anatomy recommends their application as baseline data coupled with other taxonomic data for the delimitation and differentiation of closely related taxa in the genus. The study provides a comprehensive description, illustrations, images, and micrographs of the stomatal types, as well as a taxonomic key for distinguishing the studied taxa of Indigofera.