Biomass-derived wastes as the additive of non-degradable plastics have been paid more attention due to the ever-growing environmental pollution and energy crisis. Herein, the spent coffee grounds (SCG) have been used as fillers in polypropylene (PP) after the heat treatment to realize its recycling utilization. The effect of the heat treatment atmosphere on the properties of the obtained SCG and SCG/PP composites has been investigated systematically. The results show that the residual coffee oil can be removed more thoroughly under an air atmosphere than under a nitrogen atmosphere at a relatively low cost and an eco-friendly process. The lower residual oil rate of SCG is beneficial to improve the comminution and further enhance the affinity with the PP matrix. The obtained SCG/PP composite holds lower water absorption, higher hydrophobicity, and better mechanical properties, implying its potential applications in the field of food packaging.

Understanding the physical, chemical and biological changes that occur during the drying of a bloodstain is important in many aspects of forensic science including bloodstain pattern analysis and time since deposition estimation. This research assesses the use of optical profilometry to analyze changes in the surface morphology of degrading bloodstains created using three different volumes (4, 11, and 20 µL) up to four weeks after deposition. We analyzed six surface characteristics, including surface average roughness, kurtosis, skewness, maximum height, number of cracks and pits, and height distributions from the topographical scans obtained from bloodstains. Full and partial optical profiles were obtained to examine long-term (minimum of 1.5 hour intervals) and short-term (5 minute intervals) changes. The majority of the changes in surface characteristics occurred within the first 35 minutes after bloodstain deposition, in agreement with current research in bloodstain drying. Optical profilometry is a non-destructive and efficient method to obtain surface profiles of bloodstains, and can be integrated easily into additional research workflows including but not limited to time since deposition estimation.

This is a very first attempt to study various parameters of a medicinal plant, Delphinium suave Huth. The plant is erect, geophytic, herbaceous, with tuberous root, trifid in a palmatipartite, strigose cuneate leaf and white spurred zygomorphic flower. The root was isodiametric phellem with single non-glandular trichomes. The stem revealed single-layered cuticle, multiseriate epidermis, cortex, pith ray and uniserate bowed non-glandular trichomes. The leaf was amphistomatic, showed tapering trichomes, prismatic crystals and ranunculaceous stomata with circumference 144.66-182.67 µm. Pollen grains in Light Microscopy (LM), were prolate, spheroidal trizonocolpate, isopolar, radiosymmetric, scabrate, elliptic and monads. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) pollen surface was scabrate, monad, size varied from 18.06 µm-16.67µm, colpus to inaperturate, tricolpate, ornamented, echinus, isopolar, isodiametric and circular. SEM roots showed sclerenchymatic tissues, stellate, glandular, non-glandular trichomes and crystals. The stem showed scalariform, pitted vessels, warty protuberances, unicellular, silicified, non-glandular trichomes. Leaves powder revealed, simple, unicellular, tapered headed, uniseriate, sessile, capitate, unbranched glandular, non-glandular, trichomes with crystals. Capitate, stellate, circular, unicellular, branchy trichomes were observed for the first time through SEM. Powder drug study of root, stem leaves through LM also revealed different tissues. Preliminary phytochemical revealed alkaloids, anthocyanins, anthraquinones, coumarins, flavones, mucilages, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, volatile oils and proteins. GC/MS showed 36 compounds in roots 33 in stem while 40 in leaves. Fluorescence analysis of roots, stem and leaves showed variation in colour when treated with chemicals. This study will assist pharmacognostic exploration, authentication from adulterants/allied species for consistent quality, resulting in safe use, preservation and efficacy.

The depth discrimination in confocal microscopy is based on the digital analysis of depth response signals obtained by each camera pixel during measurement. Various signal processing algorithms are used for this purpose. The accuracy of these algorithms is inter alia restricted by the axial symmetry of the signals. However, in practice response signals are rather asymmetrical especially in case of measurement objects with critical surface structures such as edges or steep flanks. We present a novel signal processing algorithm based on an exponential function with a cubic argument to handle asymmetrical and also symmetrical depth response signals. Results obtained by this algorithm are compared to those of commonly used signal processing algorithms. It turns out that the novel algorithm is more robust, more accurate and exhibits a repeatability of a similar order compared to other algorithms.

ABSTRACT The double-spined spruce bark beetle, Ips duplicatus has become an infamous secondary pest of Norway spruce, causing extensive ecological and economic destruction in many Central European countries. Antennae are the primary olfactory organs that play fundamental role in insect-host chemical communication; therefore, understanding morphology is crucial before conducting electrophysiological investigations. Here, we present our analysis of sensilla types on the antennal surface of I. duplicatus for the first time, using high-resolution-scanning electron microscopy. We studied the external morphological characteristics of antennae and the types, numbers, and distribution of the antennal sensilla in males and females. Our results revealed the presence of five different types of morphologically distinct sensilla: sensilla chaetica, sensilla basiconica, sensilla trichodea, sensilla coeloconica, and Bӧhm’s bristles. We observed two subtypes in sensilla chaetica (SChI and SChII), four subtypes in sensilla basiconica (SBI, SBII, SBIII and SBIV), three subtypes in sensilla trichodea (STrII, STrIII and STrIV) and two subtypes in sensilla coeloconica (SCoI and SCoII), respectively in I. duplicatus males and females. Minor differences in length and numbers between the sexes for some sensilla types were found. Distribution maps for different sensillar types were constructed and specific areas for the respective sensilla were found. Possible functions of observed sensilla types are discussed. The present study provides a basis for future electrophysiological studies aimed at understanding how I. duplicatus detects ecologically important olfactory cues.

Sperm morphology is considered a species-specific character and has been used as a tool in the classification of numerous mammalian taxa. Neotropical bats have been poorly studied, and important aspects on sperm morphology have not been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to describe and compare the sperm morphology and morphometry of Molossus molossus and Molossops temminckii. 14 adults specimens were analyzed from the Colección Mamíferos Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán: five Molossus molossus and nine Molossops temminckii. The epididymis were extracted and macerated in Farmer’s solution, followed by a coloration with different stains. To carry out the description and morphometric analysis, microphotographs were taken under an optical, epifluorescence and scanning electron microscope. A total of 50 sperm from each individual were measured for morphometric analysis. The length and width of the head, midpiece and tail were taken as variables. Sperm from M. molossus and M. temminckii were practically identical, both morphologically and morphometrically. In both species, a distal bulge was observed at the end of the intermediate piece in a percentage greater than 85%. The main characteristics shared between the species were: presence of acrosomal blebs in the upper half of the head of the spermatozoa; cephalic equatorial segment with filiform ornamentations; intermembrane space of head apex wedge-shaped; helical middle piece and annulus at the end of middle piece. In the present study, scanning electron microscopy allowed us to visualize structures, such as acrosomal vesicles, that were not detected with other types of microscopy.

This study provides a comprehensive account of the various types of calcium oxalate crystals found in the genus Baccharis and assesses the exceptional value of crystal macropatterns for the taxonomy of the genus. The morphotype, occurrence and chemical composition of the crystals found in the stems and leaves are studied. The 44 species included in this study were selected based on a broad phylogeny-based sampling covering seven subgenera and 31 sections. These species were chosen to represent all the main phylogenetic lineages of Baccharis; thus, the sampling also represents a comprehensive coverage concerning evolutionary significance for such a large and environmentally and economically important plant group. The samples were analyzed by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Several morphotypes of crystals, including druses, crystal sand, styloids and prisms, were present. Based on their chemical composition, the crystals were classified as pure calcium oxalate, mixtures of oxalates and sulfates, and mixtures of oxalates, sulfates and silica. The crystal macropatterns observed in this study aid in the species identification and provide novel data for the taxonomy of Baccharis.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the cyclic and torsional fatigue resistance of a new nickel-titanium (Flat File 25.04) instrument on continuous and reciprocating motion. Methods: Sixty instruments of the ProDesign Logic2 25.03 and 25.05 (Easy Equipamentos Odontológicos, Belo Horizonte, Brazil), and MK Flat File 25.04 (n=20) (MK Life, Porto Alegre, Brazil) were used. For the cyclic fatigue test, an artificial stainless steel simulated canal with an angle of 60° and a radius of curvature of 5mm located 5mm from its tip was used. Torque and angle of rotation at failure of instruments on torsional fatigue test was based on the ISO 3630-1 protocol, in which the 3mm tip of each instrument was fixed and connected to an electric motor and a load cell. The fractured surface of each fragment was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s test with a significance level of 5%. Results: Flat File 25.04 had lower cyclic fatigue in both kinematics than the Logic instruments (P < .05). Reciprocating motion improved the cyclic fatigue of the tested instruments (P < .05). Flat File 25.04 had similar torque to Logic2 25.05 (P < .05), and both were superior to Logic2 25.03 (P < .05). The angular deflection values were different for the three tested instruments (P < .05), in the decreasing order: Logic2 25.03, 25.05, and Flat File 25.04. Conclusion: Flat File presented acceptable resistance to cyclic and torsional fatigue resistance. Reciprocating motion improved the cyclic fatigue resistance of the instruments and can be considered when using programmable motors.

Recent advances in computing power triggered the use of Artificial Intelligence in image analysis in life sciences. To train these algorithms, a large enough set of certified labelled data is required. The trained neural network is then capable of producing accurate instance segmentation results, that will then need to be re-assembled into the original dataset: the entire process requires substantial expertise and time to achieve quantifiable results. To speed-up the process, from cell organelle detection to quantification across modalities, we propose a deep learning based approach for Fast AutoMatic Outline Segmentation (FAMOUS), that involves organelle detection combined with image morphology, and 3D meshing to automatically segment, visualize and quantify cell organelles within volume electron microscopy datasets. From start to finish, FAMOUS provides full segmentation results within a week on previously unseen datasets. FAMOUS was showcased on a dataset acquired using a focused ion beam scanning electron microscope (FIBSEM), and on yeast cells acquired by transmission electron microscopy.

We investigated the gross and ultrastructure morphology of the mandibles, labial palpus and mandibular palpus of adult male and female Glenea cantor beetles using scanning electron microscopy. There were significant differences between males and females in the gross and ultrastructure morphology of these parts. Observation of the gross morphology of the mandible, labial palpus and mandibular palpus revealed that their lengths were significantly greater in females, which is mainly related to the oviposition mechanism. In terms of the ultrastructural morphology of the mandibles, labial palpus and mandibular palpus, seven types of sensilla were found on these parts: sensilla twig basiconica (STB I, II, III, and IV), sensilla chaetica (SCh IV and V), Böhm’s bristles (Bb), sensilla placodea (SP), sensilla trichodea (ST II), sensilla plate (SP), sensilla coeloconica (SC) and sensilla campaniformia (SCa). Females have significantly more ST I and SCh III on their mandibles than males. The mechanical sensors SCh and Bb, olfactory sensor ST II, taste sensor STB IV, and carbon dioxide sensor and temperature and humidity sensors SC, SP and SCa were significantly more developed on female than male labial and maxillary palps, which also further explained the important role of the oral appendages in oviposition behavior. These results will help us further understand the host selection and oviposition behavior of adult G. cantor and promote the information-based design of pest control methods.

Detecting RNA molecules within their natural environment inside intact arthropods has long been challenging, particularly in small organisms covered by a tanned and pigmented cuticle. Here, we have developed a methodology that enables high-resolution analysis of the spatial distribution of transcripts of interest without having to dissect tiny organs or tissues, thereby preserving their integrity. We have combined an in situ amplification approach based on Hybridization Chain Reaction, which enhances the signal-to-noise ratio, and a clearing approach that allows the visualization of inner organs beneath the cuticle. We have implemented this methodology for the first time in Hemiptera, mapping two salivary aphid ( Acyrthosiphon pisum) transcripts, the effector c002 and the salivary sheath protein SHP. With a multiplex approach, we could simultaneously detect different mRNAs in whole-mount pea aphid head-thorax samples and show that they were distributed in distinct secretory cells of salivary glands.

The scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) plays a fundamental role in stabilizing the wrist bones, and its disruption is a frequent cause of wrist arthrosis and disfunction. Traditionally, this structure is considered to be a variety of fibrocartilaginous tissue and consists of three regions: dorsal, membranous and palmar. Despite its functional relevance, the exact composition of the human SLIL is not well understood. In the present work, we have analyzed the human SLIL and control tissues from the human hand using an array of histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical methods to characterize each region of this structure. Results reveal that the SLIL is heterogeneous, and each region can be subdivided in two zones that are histologically different to the other zones. Analysis of collagen and elastic fibers, collagens types I, III and IV, proteoglycans, glycoproteins and versican confirmed that the different regions can be subdivided in two zones that have their own structure and composition. The first part of the dorsal region (zone D1) resembles the control tendons and ligaments, whereas the rest of the SLIL are more similar to the control articular cartilage, especially the first part of the membranous region (zone M1). Cells showing a chondrocyte-like phenotype as determined by S100 were more abundant in M1, whereas the zone containing more CD73-positive stem cells was D2. These results confirm the heterogeneity of the human SLIL and could contribute to explain why certain zones of this structure are more prone to structural damage and why other zones have specific regeneration potential.

Aim: This study aimed to use the micro-computed tomography to evaluate the interfacial adaptation and the presence of gaps of NeoMTA Plus, BioRoot RCS, and MTA in the root-end cavities. Methodology: Thirty standardized bovine roots measuring 15 mm in length were selected. Chemical-mechanical preparation was performed up to instrument #80 and obturation with the cold lateral compaction technique with cement based on zinc oxide and eugenol. The roots were kept at 37º C for seven days. Afterward, apicectomy of the apical 3mm and a root-end filling cavity was performed at 3mm depth. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was performed to measure the volume of the retroactivity. The roots were divided by stratified randomization into three groups according to the retro-end filling material: NeoMTA Plus, BioRoot RCS, and MTA. A new micro-CT was performed to assess the presence of voids in the root-end filling material and between it and the canal wall. One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests were performed using the BioEstat 4.0 program. Results: There was no difference in the initial volume values of the root-end cavities (P > 0.05). After the insertion of root-end filling materials, the most significant volumes of voids were observed in the NeoMTA Plus group (P < 0.05), with no difference for the BioRoot RCS and MTA Angelus groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Micro-computed tomography showed that MTA and BioRoot RCS have better interfacial adaptation and presented fewer number of gaps than NeoMTA Plus when used as root-end filling materials.

Beetle hindwings have the unique advantages of lightweight and high strength, which play a key role in flight. In this study, the beetle hindwings were cut along the chordal direction, then the first groove microstructure of different vein cross sections was investigated using the 3D microscope system and LSCM. It was found that the position of the first groove relative to the entire chordal cross-section of the wing gradually moves backwards, which has an effect on the flying aerodynamic behaviors of the beetle. Next, three corrugated airfoils (CA models) learned from the microscopy imaging of ladybird beetle hindwing were designed. Then aerodynamic behaviors were calculated by ANSYS Fluent software, it was confirmed that the position of the first groove microstructure affects the aerodynamic performance of the airfoil. For further study the influence of corrugated structural and motion parameters on the aerodynamic, 2D ‘simplified’ airfoil models with triangular corrugations (TWA models) were developed and studied.

In this article we present a new method called PSF-Radon transform algorithm. This algorithm consists on recovering the instrument point spread function (PSF) from the Radon tranform (in the line direction axis) of the Line Spread function (that is, the image of a line). We present the method and tested with synthetic images, and real images from macro lens camera and microscopy. A stand-alone program along with a tutorial is available, for any interested user, in [? ] .

Here, we describe for the first time the sperm morphology of Tingidae (Heteroptera). They are small insects presenting lacy patterns on their pronotum and hemielytra and are exclusively phytophagous, with many economically important species. We studied five species of the tribe Tingini (Tinginae): Teleonemia scrupulosa, Vatiga illudens, Gargaphia lunulata, Leptopharsa sp., and Corythucha arcuata. Their spermiogenesis process is similar to other Heteroptera, with some differences in the formation of the centriole adjunct. This structure extends in the anteroposterior spermatid axis, flanking the nucleus, possibly contributing to nucleus remodelling and sperm elongation. The mature sperm of Tingidae is also similar to that of other Heteroptera, with features that corroborate the group’s monophyly. Our data support previous results for their sister family, Miridae, which exhibits some characteristics exclusive to this taxon, not present in Tingidae or other Heteroptera. They also support the sister relationship of the genera Gargaphia and Leptopharsa and suggest closer relationship between Vatiga and Corythucha. Overall, this study sheds light on the sperm ultrastructure of Tingidae and provides information for understanding the evolution and diversity of Heteroptera.