A geometric theory of form, profile, and orientation tolerances

This article develops a geometric theory which unifies the formulation and computation of form (straightness, flatness, cylindricity, and circularity), profile and orientation tolerances stipulated in ANSI Y14.5M standard. The theory rests on an important observation that a toleranced feature exhibits a symmetry subgroup G₀ under the action of the Euclidean group, SE(3). Thus, the configuration space of a toleranced (or a symmetric) feature can be identified with the homogeneous space SE(3)/G₀ of the Euclidean group. Geometric properties of SE(3)/G₀, especially its exponential coordinates carried over from that of SE(3), are analyzed. We show that all cases of form, profile and orientation tolerances can be formulated as a minimization or constrained minimization problem on the space SE(3)/G₀, with G₀ being the symmetry subgroup of the underlying feature. We develop a simple geometric algorithm, called the Symmetric Minimum Zone (SMZ) algorithm, to unify the computation of form, profile, and orientation tolerances. Finally, we use numerical simulation results comparing the performances of the SMZ algorithm against the best known algorithms in the literature.     

材质气孔率和气孔大小与表面粗糙度的数学模拟与特征

为提高光学系统的成像质量,研究了光学系统中镜片表面粗糙度与镜片材质中的颗粒大小、缺陷、气孔率、气孔大小的关系.通过几何方法,建立了气孔率与气孔大小和数量的关系模型,分别给出了单位体积和单位面积中气孔率与气孔大小和数量的关系表达式.最后用数学方法建立了材质中气孔率、气孔大小与表面粗糙度的定量模型,给出了表面粗糙度与材质气孔率和气孔大小的关系表达式,表明表面粗糙度近似与材质中的气孔率成正比,与气孔大小成正比.     

Morphological,microscopic, and physicochemical studies of Diospyros montana

Adulteration is the root cause of producing not only a chemically and pharmacologically inferior but also in some instances hazardous or poisonous drug. Despite availability of several techniques, microscopy and physicochemical analyses are the most practical approaches for crude drug authentication. Hence, the present study aimed to evaluate morphological, microscopic, and physicochemical properties of root, bark, leaf, and fruit of Diospyros montana Morphological properties were determined by sensory organs, whereas microscopic features of cross‐sections and powders were determined by light and scanning electron microscopy. The proximate and fluorescence analyses were performed using the standard guidelines. The physical examination of fresh, shade‐dried, and powdered material showed no significant change in color. The identifying cellular structures included cuboidal cork, pitted tracheids, scalariform, reticulate and spiral xylary vessels, and rosettes, raphide, and cuboidal calcium oxalate crystals. The stomatal number, stomatal index, vein‐islet and vein‐termination number, and palisade ratio in the leaf were found to be 293.91 ± 32.68 mm^?2, 64.18 ± 3.42%, 22.00 ± 3.81 mm^?2 and 38.40 ± 5.81 mm^?2, and 3.85 ± 0.60, respectively. Total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash and sulfated ash of leaf (9.00 ± 0.50%, 1.67 ± 0.23%, 2.00 ± 0.22% and 14.50 ± 0.99%, respectively), foaming index of bark and root (111.11 ± 2.11), and swelling index of fruit (19.00 ± 3.45) were higher than the other parts. The powder of different parts showed characteristic colors in the daylight and UV light upon treatment with various regents. The plant was found to be rich in saponins, fibers, and flavonoids. The results of the present study may serve as identifiers of different parts of Diospyros montana.     

Evaluation of various denture cleansers on color stability and surface topography of polyetherketoneketone,polyamide, and polymethylmethacrylate

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sodium perborate effervescent tablets and citric acid solution on the color stability and surface topography of a new generation of high‐performance polymer polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), thermoinjection‐molded polyamide, and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Fifty disc‐shaped specimens were fabricated (10 mm × 2 mm) from PEKK (P group), polyamide (D group), and PMMA (M group). These groups were divided into five subgroups (n = 10) according to the storage media. The test groups were immersed in the following solutions: distilled water (Control), Corega, Protefix, Perlodent, and Curaprox. The color stability values (ΔE) were measured using a spectrophotometer before and after immersion in distilled water and four different denture cleansers for 8 hr/day for 140 days. Topography alterations after treatments were assessed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed by one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's Honest Significant Difference test. The p < .05 was considered significant. All denture cleansers increased the ΔE values relative to the baseline values in the M, D, and P groups (p < .05). The Perlodent denture cleanser demonstrated the highest ΔE value in all groups, which was unacceptable. Curaprox denture cleanser showed the lowest ΔE value in the M and D groups (p < .05). Curaprox in all groups showed a ?E value less than 3.7. For patients who have PEKK‐ and polyamide‐based prosthesis, the use of citric acid‐based cleansers may be more recommended than sodium perborate‐containing cleansers because of its clinically acceptable color changes on polymers in terms of color stability.     

Stability, bifurcation and chaos of closed flexible cylindrical shells

Complex vibrations of closed cylindrical shells of infinite length and circular cross-section subjected to transversal local load in the frame of the classical non-linear theories are studied. A transition from partial differential equations (PDEs) to ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is carried out using a higher-order Bubnov–Galerkin approach and Fourier representation. On the other hand, the Cauchy problem is solved using the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method.In the first part of this work, static problems of the theory of closed cylindrical shells are studied. Reliability of the obtained results is verified by comparing them with the results taken from literature. The second part is devoted to the analysis of stability, bifurcation and chaos of closed cylindrical shells. In particular, an influence of sign-changeable external pressure and the control parameters such as magnitude of pressure measured by ₀, relative linear shell dimension λ=L/R, frequency ω_p and amplitude q₀ of external transversal load, on the shell's non-linear dynamics is studied.     

Diagnostic and prognostic significance of the lymphocyte/C-reactive protein ratio,neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio,and D-dimer values in patients with COVID-19

In this study, our aim was to examine the diagnostic and prognostic significance of lymphocyte/C-reactive protein ratio (LCR), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and D-dimer parameters in COVID-19 infection. The LCR, NLR, neutrophil count, mean platelet volume (MPV), C-reactive protein (CRP), and D-dimer parameters were evaluated retrospectively. This was a retrospective cohort study with 1000 COVID-19 positive and 1000 healthy control groups, all over the age of 18 years. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) values were calculated for each parameter found to be statistically significant in the univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Herein, 127 (12.7%) of the COVID-19⁺ patients, whose data was included in this study, died. The neutrophil, MPV, CRP, D-dimer, and NLR values were higher in the COVID-19⁺/deceased group than in the COVID-19⁺/alive and control groups (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). The lymphocyte and LCR values were lower in the COVID-19⁺/deceased group than in the COVID-19⁺/alive and control groups (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Variables with statistically significance in predicting COVID-19 infection were lymphocyte, LCR, D-dimer, NLR, CRP, MPV, PLT, and neutrophil values. Statistically significant variables in predicting mortality due to COVID-19 were LCR, CRP, NLR, lymphocyte, D-dimer, neutrophil, and MPV values. A low LCR and high NLR are associated with the presence, prognosis, and mortality due to COVID-19. LCR and NLR parameters can thus be used in clinical monitoring to reduce morbidity and mortality rates.     

The use of quadrats and test systems in stereology,including magnification corrections

At present a model-free, design-based theory of unbiased estimation, and a model-based one of linear unbiased estimation of minimum variance, are available for stereology. The main developments rest upon the nested scheme {section (quadrat)}, whence the raw data are expressible in terms of area, length and number. The main aim of this paper is to complete the available model-based theory by introducing the step in which sections are analysed by point-counting via coherent test systems (CTSs). Using this development, the stereologist should be able to handle raw point and intersection counts optimally, in order to find the best estimator of a ratio R in a given specimen in a wide range of circumstances. The latter include, for instance, the use of different CTSs on different sections and of double CTSs on each section, as well as the case—(not uncommon in electron microscopy)—in which different sections from the same sample are observed at slightly different magnifications but analysed by quadrats (via automatic or semi-automatic image analysers, for instance), or CTSs of fixed sizes. The main conclusion pertaining to the latter case is that the estimators obtained via section-wise magnification corrections are in general superior to those corrected via a global, average magnification. In order to illustrate the methodology, a synthetic numerical example, and a real one, are given.     

Palyno-anatomical characters and their systematic significance in the family Apiaceae from Chitral,eastern Hindu Kush,Pakistan

The present study was performed to provide a detailed explanation of leaf epidermal anatomy and pollen micromorphological features of selected species of family Apiaceae from Chitral, eastern Hindu Kush region as the basis of forthcoming studies. In the present article pollen morphology of eight species and foliar epidermal of seven species of family Apiaceae have been examined through microscopic techniques. In results two types of pollen prolate (five species) and perprolate (three species) with three colpi have been recorded. The exine ornamentation was found to be regulate, striate, and cerebroid. Largest pollen was found in Heracleum leucocarpum with the polar diameter of 43.25 μm and equatorial diameter of 21.6 μm. Smallest pollen was observed in Elaeosticta chitralica with the polar diameter of 18.4 μm. The P/E ratio varied from 1.59 to 2.16. Regarding to foliar epidermal anatomy, three types of epidermal cells including rectangular, irregular, and polygonal with variation in anticlinal wall pattern were determined. In the selected species three kinds of stomata comprising anisocytic, anomocytic, and paracytic type were reported in the current research. The size of epidermal cells ranged from 106 × 42.50 μm in Bupleurum falcatum subsp. cernuum and 77.25 × 26.35 μm in Prangos pabularia in adaxial surface. Largest stomatal complex was found in Prangos pabularia both in adaxial 33.55 × 20.05 μm and abaxial 50.25 × 39.40 μm. All the observed quantitative and qualitative features of the species were proved to be useful in the delimitation of species at generic and species level.     

Expression of the male reproduction‐related gene in spermatic ducts of the blue swimming crab,Portunus pelagicus,and transfer of modified protein to the sperm acrosome

Expression of a sex‐specific gene in Macrobrachium rosenbergii (Mr‐Mrr), encoding a male reproduction‐related (Mrr) protein, has been identified in the spermatic ducts (SDs) and postulated to be involved in sperm maturation processes. M. rosenbergii is the only decapod that the expression and fate of the Mrr protein has been studied. To determine that this protein was conserved in decapods, we firstly used cloning techniques to identify the Mrr gene in two crabs, Portunus pelagicus (Pp‐Mrr) and Scylla serrata (Ss‐Mrr). We then investigated expression of Pp‐Mrr by in situ hybridization, and immunolocalization, as well as phosphorylation and glycosylation modifications, and the fate of the protein in the male reproductive tract. Pp‐Mrr was shown to have 632 nucleotides, and a deduced protein of 110 amino acids, with an unmodified molecular weight of 11.79 kDa and a mature protein with molecular weight of 9.16 kDa. In situ hybridization showed that Pp‐Mrr is expressed in the epithelium of the proximal, middle, distal SDs, and ejaculatory ducts. In Western blotting, proteins of 10.9 and 17.2 kDa from SDs were all positive using anti‐Mrr, antiphosphoserine/threonine, and antiphosphotyrosine. PAS staining showed they were also glycosylated. Immunolocalization studies showed Pp‐Mrr in the SD epithelium, lumen, and on the acrosomes of spermatozoa. Immunofluorescence staining indicated the acrosome of spermatozoa contained the Mrr protein, which is phosphorylated with serine/threonine and tyrosine, and also glycosylated. The Mrr is likely to be involved in acrosomal activation during fertilization of eggs. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Presenilin and Alzheimer’s disease interactions with aging,exercise and high-fat diet: A systematic review

Presenilin (Psn) protein is associated with organismal aging. Mutations in the Psn gene may lead to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and many age-dependent degenerative diseases. These diseases seriously affect the quality of life and longevity of the population and place a huge burden on health care and economic systems around the world. Humans have two types of Psn, presenilin-1 (PSEN1) and presenilin-2 (PSEN2). Mutations in the genes encoding PSEN1, PSEN2, and amyloid precursor protein (APP) have been identified as the major genetic causes of AD. Psn is a complex gene strongly influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The effects of exercise, training, and a high-fat diet on the Psn gene expressed in the heart and its related pathways are not fully understood. Fortunately, relevant aspects of the mutational effects on Psn can be studied experimentally in easily handled animal models, including Drosophila, mice, and other animals, all of which share orthologous genes of Psn with humans. Many previous studies have linked aging, exercise training, and a high-fat diet to the Psn gene. This review discusses the interrelationship between aging, exercise training, and a high-fat diet on the Psn gene and its associated disease, AD. The aim is to understand the adverse effects of Psn gene mutations on the body and the diseases caused by AD, find ways to alleviate the adverse effects and provide new directions for the improvement of treatment strategies for diseases caused by Psn gene mutations.     

Palynological investigation of some selected species of family Fabaceae from Pakistan,using light and scanning electron microscopy techniques

Pollen morphology of 11 species of family Fabaceae that is, Trifolium alexandrinum, Trifolium resupinatum, Arachis hypogaea, Lathyrus aphaca, Medicago lupulina, Vicia sativa, Lathyrus odoratus, Pongamia pinnata, Melilotus indicus, Medicago polymorpha, Medicago sativa from Pakistan has been investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy. Pollen were generally tricolporate, radially symmetrical, isopolar, elliptic in equatorial view and triangular in polar view under LM. Results showed that pollens were per‐prolate (T. alexandrinum), prolate (T. resupinatum, V. sativa, L. odoratus, Melilotus indicus, M. polymorpha, M. sativa) and sub‐prolate (A. hypogaea, L. aphaca, M. lupulina, P. pinnata). The larger polar/equatorial (P/E) ratio was found in T. alexandrinum (2.26 μm) and the smallest was found in M. lupulina (1.21 μm). The exine of T. resupinatum was 3.00 μm in thickness while others posses smaller exine thickness. The larger pore diameter was found in P. pinnata (16.01 μm) while others have smaller. The length of colpi was larger in Arachis hypogaea (32.24) while others posses smaller. Eight types of surface ornamentation (Psilate, faintly rugulate). Perforate and rugulate to verrucate have been observed under SEM. The pollens were europalynous type. Pollen morphology proved to be useful for the specific delimitation and serve as a tool for the identification and classification of taxa at specific and generic levels and can also be used as a key for the taxonomic features. Diversity in exine sculpture is helpful indicative characters for the isolation of closely related species. Hence, it is clear that both qualitative and quantitative characters of pollen can be useful for differentiating between taxa at specific level.     

FT-ICR mass spectrometry: Superconducting magnet,external ion source,ion–molecule reactions,and ion–ion traps

The world of Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry has witnessed, especially in the last 30 years significant advances in many fields of science, such as electronics, magnets, new ICR cell designs, developed ICR event sequences, modern external ionization sources, and linear ion beam guides, as well as modern vacuum technology. In this review, a brief account is given focusing especially on the studies performed in Wanczek's group and ICR research laboratory at the University of Bremen. An FT-ICR mass spectrometer has been developed with a high magnetic field superconducting magnet, operating at 4.7 T. At this magnetic field, a trapping time of 13.5 h was obtained with 30% efficiency. For the tetrachloromethane molecular ion, m/z 166, a mass-resolving power m/Δm = 1.5 × 10⁶ was measured at a pressure of 2 × 10⁻⁸ Torr. The transition from magnet sweep to frequency sweep and the application of Fourier-transform has greatly enhanced the ICR technology. External ion sources were invented and differential pumping schemes were developed for enabling ultrahigh vacuum condition for ICR detection, while guiding ions at relatively higher pressures, during their flight to the ICR cell. With the external ion source, a time-of-flight ICR tandem instrument is built. A method to measure the ion flight time and to trap the ions in the ICR cell is described. Many ICR cell characteristics such as z-axis ion ejection and coupling of radial and axial ion motions in a superposed homogeneous magnetic and inhomogeneous trapping electric field were extensively studied. Gas-phase ion–molecule reactions of several reactive inorganic compounds with a focus on phosphorous and sulfur as well as silicon chemistry were also studied in great detail. The gas-phase ion chemistry of several trifluoromethyl-reagents such as trifluoromethyltrimethylsilane and tris(trifluoromethyl)phosphine were also investigated in ICR. Dual polarities multisegmented ICR cells were invented and deeply characterized. Sophisticated ICR pulse event programs were developed to enable long-range ion–ion interactions between simultaneously trapped positive and negative ions.     

The effect of radiopacifiers agents on pH,calcium release,radiopacity, and antimicrobial properties of different calcium hydroxide dressings

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity, pH level, calcium ion release, and radiopacity of calcium hydroxide pastes associated with three radiopacifying agents (iodoform, zinc oxide, and barium sulfate). For the pH and calcium release tests, 45 acrylic teeth were utilized and immersed in ultrapure water. After 24 h, 72 h, and 7 days the solution was analyzed by using a pH meter and an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Polyethylene tubes filled with the pastes were used to perform the radiopacity test. For the antimicrobial test, 25 dentin specimens were infected intraorally in order to induce the biofilm colonization and treated with the pastes for 7 days. The Live/Dead technique and a confocal microscope were used to obtain the ratio of live cells. Parametric and nonparametric statistical tests were performed to show differences among the groups (P < 0.05). The pH analysis at 7 days showed significant differences (P < 0.05) among the groups. No differences among the pastes were found in the calcium release test on the 7th day (P > 0.05). The calcium hydroxide/iodoform samples had the highest radiopacity and antimicrobial activity against the biofilm‐infected dentin in comparison to the other pastes (P < 0.05). Calcium hydroxide mixed with 17% iodoform and 35% propylene glycol into a paste had the highest pH, calcium ion release, radiopacity, and the greatest antimicrobial action versus similar samples mixed with BaSO4 or ZnO. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:620–625, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Genome-wide identification,characterization, and expression analysis of aluminum-activated malate transporter genes (ALMTs) in <i>Gossypium hirsutum</i> L.

Aluminum-activated malate transporters (ALMT) are widely involved in plant growth and metabolic processes, including adaptation to acid soils, guard cell regulation, anion homeostasis, and seed development. Although ALMT genes have been identified in Arabidopsis, wheat, barley, and Lotus japonicus, little is known about its presence in Gossypium hirsutum L. In this study, ALMT gene recognition in diploid and tetraploid cotton were done using bioinformatics analysis that examined correlation between homology and evolution. Differentially regulated ALMT genetic profile in G. hirsutum was examined, using RNA sequencing and qRT-PCR, during six fiber developmental time-points, namely 5 d, 7 d, 10 d, 15 d, 20 d, and 25 d. We detected 36 ALMT genes in G. hirsutum, which were subsequently annotated and divided into seven sub-categories. Among these ALMT genes, 34 had uneven distribution across 14/26 chromosomes. Conserved domains and gene structure analysis indicated that ALMT genes were highly conserved and composed of exons and introns. The GhALMT gene expression profile at different DPA (days post anthesis) in different varieties of G. hirsutum is indicative of a crucial role of ALMT genes in fiber development in G. hirsutum. This study provides basis for advancements in the cloning and functional enhancements of ALMT genes in enhancing fiber development and augmenting high quality crop production.     

Antennal morphology and sensilla ultrastructure of three tomicus species (coleoptera: Curculionidae,scolytinae)

The antennal morphology and sensilla ultrastructure of Tomicus yunnanensis, T. minor, and T. brevipilosus were studied by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Eight common sensilla types were recorded: (1) sensilla trichodea (S.tr.) types 1 and 2 were located on the club and were innervated by five and eight dendrites, respectively; (2) sensilla chaetica (S.ch.) types 1 and 2 had no dendrites in the sensilla lymph lumen; (3) sensilla basiconica (S.b.), top‐protuberated S.b. and fluted cones (Fl.c.) occurred on the club; and Böhm bristles (B.b.) occurred on the funicle. S.b. were the most abundant and were innervated by 10–14 dendritic branches. Top‐protuberated S.b., a new sensilla type, were innervated by one dendrite. Fl.c. were innervated by five dendrites. Only three sensilla furcatea were visible on the antennae of female T. yunnanensis. The possible functions of these sensilla are discussed in relation to their morphology and ultrastructure. No statistical differences between sexes were found in the size and numbers of each sensilla type. Although the three species had similar antennal morphology and sensilla type, sensilla on sub‐segments 3 and 4 of the antennal club of T. minor were much sparser than those of T. yunnanensis or T. brevipilosus. Concerning the antennae of T. yunnanensis, there were more S.tr. type 2, S.ch. type 2 and S.b. and the size of S.tr. type 1 and S.b. were significantly greater than those of T. minor. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Aspects of scanning microdensitometry: II. Spot size,focus and resolution

In scanning microdensitometry increasing the size of the measuring spot, or throwing the specimen out of focus, decreases the apparent integrated absorbance A_pE_p of a discrete specimen. Both experimental observations and elementary geometrical theory (i.e. ignoring diffraction effects) show that with moderate spot sizes the relative error in A_pE_p is greater with small objects or objects of high absorbance, and that with a given object the absolute error is approximately proportional to the spot diameter (round spot) or spot width (square spot). From the observed apparent integrated absorbances AE₁ and AE₂ obtained using measuring spots of width s₁ and s₂ respectively, the true integrated absorbance AE₀ corresponding to zero spot size can therefore be calculated from the approximate expression which reduces to With very large spot sizes, or with the specimen grossly out of focus, the apparent integrated absorbance of a specimen of radius R and transmittance I_t tends theoretically to a limit: A_pE_p = 0.4343πR² (I-I_t). Provided the true absorbance of the specimen does not exceed about 0.5 at any point, the true integrated absorbance could in principle be estimated with less than 3% error from the expression but in practice A_pE_p can probably not be measured with sufficient accuracy. In scanning measurements of apparent specimen area, the results depend both on the threshold absorbance used and the size of the flying spot. With low thresholds the apparent area of the specimen at first increases and later decreases, as the spot size is increased or as the focus is changed.     

Generalized capstan problem: Bending rigidity, nonlinear friction, and extensibility effect

A theoretical model of the capstan problem including the extensibility and the Poisson's ratio of the rod is established in this study. Several cases were examined to investigate the effects of important parameters on the tension transmission efficiency. As a result, the rod extensibility turned out to enhance the tension ratio, competing with the effects of rod bending rigidity and the frictional behaviors of the system. In case of no frictional modification (n=1, the simple Amonton's law), larger initial strain renders greater tension ratio. This effect becomes more remarkable at high radius ratio. However, the effect of the modified frictional law may oppress the effect of rod extensibility if the initial tension T₀ grows larger. The effect of Poisson's ratio also tends to increase the tension ratio. But the amount was almost negligible since the maximum decrease was at most 7.8%. We also calculated the average strain throughout the rod by solving the governing equation and iterating the value of λ_avg. Calculated strain throughout the rod was up to 2.6 times larger than initial strain. But this contribution leaded to at most 1.078 times larger radius ratio than the initial rod radius. Thus, it is well enough to consider only the extensibility effect on the increase of the tension ratio. We also presented several prerequisites to establish the model. Three major concerns about this model were introduced and clarified.     

Light and scanning electron microscopy-based foliar morpho-anatomical comparison of selected family Rosaceae members distributed in District Lahore,Punjab, Pakistan

In the present study morpho-anatomical characterization of selected Rosaceae members distributed in District Lahore was performed. Light and scanning electron microscopy was used for systematic characterization of the selected 19 species. Distinguished morpho-anatomical features such as size and shape of epidermal cells, size and type of stomatal cells, size and shape of trichomes, oil droplets, and silica bodies were contrasted. Results reported remarkable variations which could be taxonomically useful in identification of these members. Polygonal epidermal cells were observed in Eriyobotraya japonica, Potentilla bifurca, Potentilla supina, and Prunus amygdalus. However, Prunus cerasus possessed irregular-shaped epidermal cells that can be distinguished from hexagonal epidermal cells of Prunus persica. Similarly, stomatal type varied among some members. Paracytic or perisocytic stomata were observed in E. japonica whereas P. bifurca observed paracytic and anisocytic stomata. Lengths of guard cells were also of variable sizes. The average length of guard cells ranged from 53 (52–54) μm to 74 (73–75) μm in abaxial view. Potentilla supina had biggest, while Rosmarinus officinalis had tiny guard cells. Trichomes were tubular, stellate, cylindrical, ribbon-like, glandular, and nonglandular. Silica bodies in the present investigation were bilobed, rounded, and oval-shaped. It is inferred that diverse anatomical features proved to be valuable taxonomic tools that could be fruitfully helpful in identification of plants at specific as well as generic level.     

Fragility, DSC and elastic moduli studies on tellurite–vanadate glasses containing molybdenum

Ternary xMoO₃–40TeO₂–(60 − x)V₂O₅ glasses with 0 ? x ? 60 (in mol%) have been prepared by normal melt quenching method. DSC curves of these glasses have been investigated. The glass transition properties that have been measured and reported in this paper, include the glass transition temperature (T_g), glass transition width (ΔT_g), heat capacity change at glass transition (ΔC_P) and calculated fragility (F). Thermal stability, Poisson’s ratio, fragility and glass forming tendency of these glasses have been evaluated, to determine relationship between chemical composition and the thermal stability or to interpret the structure of glass. In addition, Makishima and Makenzie’s theory was applied for calculation of Young’s modulus, bulk modulus and shear modulus, indicating a strong relation between elastic properties and structure of glass. Generally, results of this work show that glass with x = 60 has the highest shear, bulk and Young’s moduli which make it as suitable candidate for the manufacture of strong glass fibers in technological applications; but it should be mentioned that glass with x = 20 has higher handling temperature and super resistance against thermal attack.