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Unique Morphology (unique + morphology)
Selected AbstractsTemplate-Directed Control of Crystal MorphologiesMACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE, Issue 2 2007Fiona C. Meldrum Abstract Biominerals are characterised by unique morphologies, and it is a long-term synthetic goal to reproduce these synthetically. We here apply a range of templating routes to investigate whether a fascinating category of biominerals, the single crystals with complex forms, can be produced using simple synthetic methods. Macroporous crystals with sponge-like morphologies identical to that of sea urchin skeletal plates were produced on templating with a sponge-like polymer membrane. Similarly, patterning of individual crystal faces was achieved from the micrometer to nanometer scale through crystallisation on colloidal particle monolayers and patterned polymer thin films. These experiments demonstrate the versatility of a templating approach to producing single crystals with unique morphologies. [source] Template Synthesis of Aligned Carbon Nanotube Arrays using Glucose as a Carbon Source: Pt Decoration of Inner and Outer Nanotube Surfaces for Fuel-Cell Catalysts,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 6 2008Zhenhai Wen A facile method is developed to synthesize aligned arrays of open-ended carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via in situ glucose polymerization in the inner pores of anodic aluminum oxide templates under hydrothermal conditions, followed by carbonization at high temperature. Pt nanoparticles are decorated on the surfaces of the as-prepared CNTs using the incipient wet method based on the use of NaBH4 as a reductant. Characterization of the resulting structures by transmission electron microscopy and field-emission scanning electron microscopy demonstrates that the Pt nanoparticles are anchored on both the inner and outer walls of CNTs, thus giving rise to a shell,core,shell-like nanotube composite. The electrocatalytic properties of the Pt,CNT,Pt electrodes are investigated for methanol oxidation by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometric measurements. It is found that the hybrid electrodes show superior catalytic performance compared to commercial carbon-black-supported Pt. The increased catalytic efficiency of Pt might be a result of the unique morphology of these structures. [source] Morphology and function of the forelimb in arboreal frogs: specializations for grasping ability?JOURNAL OF ANATOMY, Issue 3 2008Adriana S. Manzano Abstract Frogs are characterized by a unique morphology associated with their saltatory lifestyle. Although variation in the form and function of the pelvic girdle and associated appendicular system related to specialized locomotor modes such as swimming or burrowing has been documented, the forelimbs have typically been viewed as relatively unspecialized. Yet, previous authors have noted versatility in forelimb function among arboreal frogs associated with feeding. Here we study the morphology and function of the forelimb and hand during locomotion in two species of arboreal frogs (Litoria caerulea and Phyllomedusa bicolor). Our data show a complex arrangement of the distal forelimb and hand musculature with some notable differences between species. Analyses of high-speed video and video fluoroscopy recordings show that forelimbs are used in alternating fashion in a diagonal sequence footfall pattern and that the position of the hand is adjusted when walking on substrates of different diameters. Electromyographic recordings show that the flexors of the hand are active during substrate contact, suggesting the use of gripping to generate a stabilizing torque. Measurements of grasping forces in vivo and during stimulation experiments show that both species, are capable of executing a so-called power grip but also indicates marked differences between species, in the magnitude of forces generated. Stimulation experiments showed an increased control of digit flexion in the more specialized of the two species, allowing it to execute a precision grip paralleled only by that seen in primates. [source] Prenatal growth and development of the modern human labyrinthJOURNAL OF ANATOMY, Issue 2 2004Nathan Jeffery Abstract The modern human bony labyrinth is morphologically distinct from that of all other primates, showing derived features linked with vestibular function and the overall shape of the cranial base. However, little is known of how this unique morphology emerges prenatally. This study examines in detail the developing fetal human labyrinth, both to document this basic aspect of cranial biology, and more specifically, to gain insight into the ontogenetic basis of its phylogenetically derived morphology. Forty-one post-mortem human fetuses, ranging from 9 to 29 weeks gestation, were investigated with high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. Quantitative analyses of the labyrinthine morphology revealed a number of interesting age-related trends. In addition, our findings show that: (1) the prenatal labyrinth attains an adult equivalent size between 17 and 19 weeks gestation; (2) within the period investigated, shape changes to all or most of the labyrinth cease after the 17,19-week size maturation point or after the otic capsule ossifies; (3) fetal cochlea development correlates with the surrounding petrosal morphology, but not with the midline basicranium; (4) gestational age-related rotations of the ampullae and cochlea relative to the lateral canal, and posterior canal torsion are similar to documented phylogenetic trends whereas other trends remain distinct. Findings are discussed in terms of the ontogenetic processes and mechanisms that most likely led, in part, to the emergence of the phylogenetically derived adult modern human labyrinth. [source] Controlled/living heterogeneous radical polymerization in supercritical carbon dioxideJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 15 2009Per B. Zetterlund Abstract Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) is an inexpensive and environmentally friendly medium for radical polymerizations. ScCO2 is suited for heterogeneous controlled/living radical polymerizations (CLRPs), since the monomer, initiator, and control reagents (nitroxide, etc.) are soluble, but the polymer formed is insoluble beyond a critical degree of polymerization (Jcrit). The precipitated polymer can continue growing in (only) the particle phase giving living polymer of controlled well-defined microstructure. The addition of a colloidal stabilizer gives a dispersion polymerization with well-defined colloidal particles being formed. In recent years, nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP), atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), and reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization have all been conducted as heterogeneous polymerizations in scCO2. This Highlight reviews this recent body of work, and describes the unique characteristics of scCO2 that allows composite particle formation of unique morphology to be achieved. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3711,3728, 2009 [source] Preparation of single-walled carbon nanotubes-induced poly(p -oxybenzoyl) crystalsJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 4 2008Kazufumi Kobashi Abstract Crystallization of oligomers was applied for the preparation of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs)/poly(p -oxybenzoyl) (POB) crystals using SWNTs as a nucleating agent. Polymerization conditions were investigated to induce the crystallization of POB oligomers through SWNTs. SWNTs/POB plate-like or lozenge-shaped crystals were successfully prepared by direct polymerization of p -hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA) in a mixed solvent of DMF/Py with TsCl in the presence of functionalized SWNTs. The size of the plate-like crystals were ,200 nm to 3 ,m. The crystals consisted of some layers, ,3 nm thick plates. Model reactions showed that esterification reactions proceed between functionalized SWNTs and HBA monomers in the polymerization system. The obtained crystals exhibited unique morphology and high crystallinity, producing a novel SWNT/POB hybrid. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 1265,1277, 2008 [source] Role of motor unit structure in defining functionMUSCLE AND NERVE, Issue 7 2001Ryan J. Monti PhD Abstract Motor units, defined as a motoneuron and all of its associated muscle fibers, are the basic functional units of skeletal muscle. Their activity represents the final output of the central nervous system, and their role in motor control has been widely studied. However, there has been relatively little work focused on the mechanical significance of recruiting variable numbers of motor units during different motor tasks. This review focuses on factors ranging from molecular to macroanatomical components that influence the mechanical output of a motor unit in the context of the whole muscle. These factors range from the mechanical properties of different muscle fiber types to the unique morphology of the muscle fibers constituting a motor unit of a given type and to the arrangement of those motor unit fibers in three dimensions within the muscle. We suggest that as a result of the integration of multiple levels of structural and physiological levels of organization, unique mechanical properties of motor units are likely to emerge. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 24: 848,866, 2001 [source] Unique structure of ZnO films deposited by chemical bath depositionPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 11 2009Dewei Chu Abstract The unique structure of ZnO films obtained from aqueous solution method was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analyses indicate that unique morphology and structure of the region where precipitation on the substrate may occur in parallel with other regions. This is accompanied by a decrease of the electrical resistivity in the absorbed region. A possible mechanism for the resistivity transformation was discussed. [source] The Nature of Exocytosis in the Yolk Trophoblastic Layer of Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) Juvenile, the Representative of Ancient Teleost FishesTHE ANATOMICAL RECORD : ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 11 2009Marta Jaroszewska Abstract We have chosen the silver arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum), a representative of the most ancient teleost family Osteoglossidae, to address the question of yolk nutrients utilization. Silver arowana have particularly large eggs (1,1.5 cm of diameter) and a unique morphology of the yolk. We present evidence that the yolk cytoplasmic zone (ycz) in the "yolksac juveniles" is a very complex structure involved in sequential processes of yolk hydrolysis, lipoprotein particles synthesis, their transport, and exocytosis. Vacuoles filled with yolk granules in different stages of digestion move from the vitellolysis zone through the ycz to be emptied into the microvillar interspace in the process of exocytosis. The area of the ycz with the abundance of the mitochondria must play an important role in providing energy for both the transport of vacuoles and the release of their contents. Therefore, we postulate that the function of yolk syncytial layer (ysl) as the "early embryonic patterning center" transforms in fish larvae or yolksac juveniles into a predominantly specialized role as the yolk trophoblastic layer (ytl) involved in yolk nutrients utilization. In addition to discovering the mechanism of transformation of the ysl function into ytl function, we suggest that the machinery involved in nutrient mobilization and exocytosis in yolk of arowana yolksac juveniles can be very attractive system for studies of regulatory processes in almost all secretory pathways in animal cells. Anat Rec, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Analysis of the morphological attributes of a sweetpotato collectionANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2010M.M. Manifesto The knowledge about the distribution of descriptors of a collection constitutes a useful tool for the management of genetic resources. The object of this work was to evaluate the composition and morphological characterisation of the ,in vitro' collection kept at the Gene Bank of the Biological Resources Institute (IRB), INTA Castelar, Argentina, to establish conservation criteria and make available useful data for breeding programmes. This collection, comprising 310 sweetpotato clones, includes landraces, worldwide clones, commercial varieties and breeding material. The descriptors, which presented the highest correlation values, were leaf lobe types, the shape of central leaf lobes and general leaf outline. Cluster analyses showed eight major groups with an average similarity of 0.42 (SE ± 0.005). About 76% of the clones presented unique morphology, whereas 34% of them were distributed in 22 groups that could not be distinguished with this technique. Worldwide germplasm formed a separate group with values of diversity higher than those of the Argentinean clones and no duplicates. A projection of the phenotypic variation among cultivars was obtained through Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoorA), which confirmed the results obtained by UPGMA analysis, predominant skin colour, secondary skin colour, number of leaf lobes, general leaf outline, petiole pigmentation and predominant colour of vine were the variables that made the highest contribution. Collection composition in reference to flesh and skin colour was also analysed. [source] | |||||||||||||