In situ observation of the dissolution kinetics of Al_(2)O_(3) particles in CaO–Al_(2)O_(3)–SiO_(2) slags using laser confocal scanning microscopy

The dissolution kinetics of Al_(2)O_(3) in CaO-Al_(2)O_(3) SiOslags was studied using a high-temperature confocal scanning laser microscope at 1773 to 1873 K.The results show that the controlling step during the Al_(2)O_(3) dissolution was the diffusionin molten slag.It was found that the dissolution curves of Al_(2)O_(3) particles were hardly agreed with the traditional boundary layer diffusion model with the increase of the CaO/Al_(2)O_(3) ratio of slag.A modified diffusion equation considering slag viscosity was developed to study the dissolution mechanism of Al_(2)O_(3) in slag.Diffusion coefficients of Al_(2)O_(3) in slag were calculated as 2.8×10to 4.1×10m~2/s at the temperature of 1773-1873 K.The dissolution rate of Al_(2)O_(3) increased with higher temperature,CaO/Al_(2)O_(3),and particle size.A new model was shown to be v_(Al_(2)O_(3))=0.16×r_(0)^(1.58)×x^(3.52)×(T-T_(mp))^(1.11)to predict the dissolution rate and the total dissolution time of Al_(2)O_(3) inclusions with various sizes,where vAl_(2)O_(3) is the dissolution rate of Al_(2)O_(3) in volume,μm^(3)/s;x is the value of CaO/Al_(2)O_(3) mass ratio;R_(0) is the initial radius of Al_(2)O_(3),μm;T is the temperature,K;T_(mp) is the melting point of slag,K.

Solidification process of conventional superalloy by confocal scanning laser microscope

The solidification process of a conventional superalloy, IN718, was investigated by confocal scanning laser microscope （CSLM）. The liquid fraction during solidification was obtained as a function of real time and temperature in reference with the in-situ observation. The characteristics of L→γ transformation were analyzed and the γ growing rate of each stage was also calculated. Scheil equation was employed to predict the segregation behavior, and the predict results are in consistence with the experimental results. As a result, the confocal scanning laser microscope shows a great potential for solidification process research.

Experimental Study on Meiotic Spindles and Chromosomes of Mouse Mature (MⅡ) Stage Oocytes under Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy

Taking the mouse as a model, the experimental method of observing the morphology of meiotic spindles and chromosomes in mature oocytes were investigated in order to evaluate the effects of various interventions on the quality of oocytes accurately and rapidly. Laser scanning confocal microscope （LSCM） was used to examine the meiotic spindles and chromosomes by the technologies of optical section and three-dimensional （3D） image reconstruction. The results showed that the configurations of meiotic spindles and chromosomes could be observed clearly by LSCM. The normal rate of meiotic spindles and chromosomes was 82% and 86% respectively. It was concluded that the LSCM was a valid instrument to observe the meiotic spindles and chromosomes of mature oocytes and could be used as a valid method to evaluate the quality of MⅡocytes.

Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope Evaluation of Early Bacterial Colonization on Zirconium Oxide and Titanium Surfaces:An in vivo Study

To investigate the bacterial colonization on zirconium oxide and titanium surfaces in vivo quantitatively using a confocal laser scanning microscope （CLSM）. Ten samples of zirconium oxide ceramic and commercially pure titanium were fabricated and polished using silicon carbide abrasive paper. One sample from each group was evaluated topographic pattern under a scanning electron microscope. One sample from each group was to evaluate roughness using a profilometer. Eight volunteers were selected. The samples were cemented at the buccal surfaces of upper first molars. All samples were removed after 48 hours, immersed in SYTO-9 and propidium iodide fluorescent to stain for adherent bacteria and obseIved with CLSM. Fewer bacteria were observed in zirconia group than titanium group. However, there was no statistical difference between two groups. The experimental results demonstrate that zirconium oxide may be considered as a promising material for dental implant abutments.

STUDY ON THE MICROSTRUCTURE AND PROPERTY OF PET FIBER BY LASER RAMAN MICROSCOPE

In this paper, the microstructure change of one step-draw PET fiber has been studied byvarious methods, such as, Laser Raman Microscope, Wide-angle X-ray, Density-gradient andPolarizing Microscope. The computer has been used to resolve overlapped bands in the Ramanspectra. Then the band changes have been correlated with trans, gauche and stressed trans-conformations indicated by a conformational index. Based on these indices, the relationshipbetween the conformation change of glycol units in the fiber structure and the macromechanicalproperties of fiber is expounded.

Quantum Dots as Fluorescent Labels for Detection of Heat Shock Protein in Tumor Tissue Using Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope

A new Quantum Dots（Qdots） nanocrystal composed of semiconductor core and zinc sulfide shell, and its feasibility as labels in immunofluorescence analysis for the imaging of tumor biomarkers by laser scanning confocal microscope（LSCM） was investigated. Qdots taged by mercaptoacetic acid were conjugated with second antibody, then imaging differences of Heat Shock Proteins 70（HSP70） in renal carcinoma tissure sections with immunofluorescence analysis method using Qdots bioconjugates and conventional organic dye FITC were observed by LSCM to assess the brightness and opticalstability of Qdots. The experimental results showed Qdots bioconjugates achieved the better results in demonstrating HSP70 with more brighter color and more clear picture than FITC labels. Moreover, the label signals of Qdots did not fade clearly after continued exposure to a 488 nm laser for 1 h. The Qdots bioconjugates have good feasibility in immunofluorescence analysis for the bioimaging by LSCM.

Highly specific characterization and discrimination of monosodium urate crystals in gouty arthritis based on aggregation-induced emission luminogens

Existing technologies used to detect monosodium urate(MSU)crystals for gout diagnosis are not ideal due to their low sensitivity and complexity of operation.The purpose of this study was to explore whether aggregation-induced emission luminogens(AIEgens)can be used for highly specific imaging of MSU crystals to assist in the diagnosis of gout.First,we developed a series of luminogens(i.e.,tetraphenyl ethylene(TPE)-NH_(2),TPE-2NH_(2),TPE-4NH_(2),TPE-COOH,TPE-2COOH,TPE-4COOH,and TPE-Ketoalkyne),each of which was then evenly mixed with MSU crystals.Next,optimal fluorescence imaging of each of the luminogens was characterized by a confocal laser scanning microscope(CLSM).This approach was used for imaging standard samples of MSU,hydroxyapatite(HAP)crystals,and mixed samples with 1:1 mass ratio of MSU/HAP.We also imaged samples from mouse models of acute gouty arthritis,HAP deposition disease,and comorbidities of interest.Subsequently,CLSM imaging results were compared with those of compensated polarized light microscopy,and we assessed the biosafety of TPE-Ketoalkyne in the RAW264.7 cell line.Finally,CLSM time series and three-dimensional imaging were performed on MSU crystal samples from human gouty synovial fluid and tophi.As a promising candidate for MSU crystal labeling,TPE-Ketoalkyne was found to detect MSU crystals accurately and rapidly in standard samples,animal samples,and human samples,and could precisely distinguish gout from HAP deposition disease.This work demonstrates that TPE-Ketoalkyne is suitable for highly specific and timely imaging of MSU crystals in gouty arthritis and may facilitate future research on MSU crystal-related diseases.

Effect of Cholic Acid on Fetal Cardiac Myocytes in Intrahepatic Choliestasis of Pregnancy

This study examined the effect of cholic acid （CA） on cultured cardiac myoeytes （CMs） from neonatal rats with an attempt to explore the possible mechanism of sudden fetal death in intra- hepatic cholestasis of pregnancy （ICP）. Inverted microscopy was performed to detect the impact of CA on the beating rates of rat CMs. MTT method was used to study the effect of CA on the viability of CMs. CMs cultured in vitro were incubated with 10 ~maol/L Ca2＋-sensitive fluorescence indicator fluo-3/AM. The fluorescence signals of free calcium induced by CA were measured under a laser scanning confocal microscope. The results showed that CA decreased the beating rates of the CMs in a dose-dependent manner. CA could suppress the activities of CMs in a time- and dose-dependent manner. CA increased the concentration of intracellular free calcium in a dose-dependent manner. Our study suggested that CA could inhibit the activity of CMs by causing calcium overload, thereby leading to the sudden fetal death in ICP.

The Expression of the IGF Family During Mouse Mammary Gland Development

This study was to determine the patterns and levels of IGF family members＇ expression during postnatal mammary gland development. The authors investigated the protein expression profile of the major components of the IGF axis in murine mammary glands. All the proteins examined, IGF- Ⅰ, IGF- Ⅱ, and IGF- Ⅰ receptor （IGF-Ⅰ R） were expressed at greatly different levels and displayed unique expression profiles. IGF- Ⅱ and IGF- ⅠR were always expressed at significantly higher levels than IGF- Ⅰ. IGF- Ⅰwas localized in adipocytes as well as the epithelial and stromal compartments, but just distinctly expressed where mammary cells aggregated to form ducts, in virgins. The IGF- Ⅱ was localized only on the basal layer epithelial cell membranes of ducts and alveoli, with a peak level on the initiation of lactation. The higher level of IGF- ⅠR compared with IGF- Ⅰ was also found in adipocytes as well as in the epithelial and stromal compartments, especially during pregnancy and late lactation. The IGF- Ⅰ R pathway was obviously significant for the development of the mammary parenchyma and stroma. Overall, the comparison of the expression profiles of these different proteins would strongly suggest that they were likely to have different functions throughout the mammary gland development, and it also highlighted the potential interactions and coregulation of the members of this axis. It seems that IGF- Ⅱ was the major local modulator rather than IGF- Ⅰ by an IGF- Ⅰ R-independent pathway, especially for initiation of lactation. This study has demonstrated the importance and complexity of the IGF axis during mammary gland development and provides a valuable resource for future research in this area.

Overexpression of Myocardin-related transcription factor-A attenuated middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion-induced apoptosis via the Mcl-1/Cyt C/cleaved caspase 3 pathway

To investigate the effect of Myocardin related transcription factor A(MRTF-A)on apoptosis induced by ischemic/reperfusion(I/R),middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion(MCAO/R)in rats were applied to mimic I/R.The neurological deficit score,cerebral infarct size,cortical neuron apoptosis and cleaved caspase 3 level were evaluated to determine the effect and the level of apoptosis by TTC straining,terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)straining,Western blot and immunofuorescence staining.The myeloid cell leukemia-1(Mcl-1)expression,release of cytochrome C(Cyt C)and its colocalization with apoptotic pro-tease activating factor-1(Apaf-1)were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR),Western blot,and immunofuorescence staining.The results showed that MRTF-A over-expression could decrease the neurological deficit score and reduce cerebral infarct size(P<0.01 versus Sham).In the MRTF-A-I/R group,TUNEL-positive cells and apoptosis ratio(%)(51.61±6.17%)were significantly decreased compared to the Neg-I/R group(76.45±8.77%)at 24 h reperfusion.Meanwhile,the cleaved caspase 3 expression revealed a similar trend while the expression of Mcl-1 was the opposite.Moreover,MRTF-A overexpression significantly enhanced Mcl-1 fAuorescence intensity,which up-regulated the mRNA and protein level(P<0.05or P<0.01 versus Neg-I/R).Furthermore,MRTF-A overexpression markedly inhibited the release of Cyt C,and decreased the colocalization with Apaf-1 in the cytoplasm(P<0.05 or P<0.01.versus Neg-I/R).All the data indicated that MRTF-A overexpression could improve the neu-rological function against cerebral I/R-induced apoptosis since underlying mechanism might be involved in the Mc-1/Cyt C/cleaved caspase 3 signaling pathway.

Thermo-Calc calculations and studies of the heating process of Fe_(83)Si_4B_(13) alloy

The microstructural changes of Fe83Si4B13 amorphous mother alloy during the heating process were investigated by Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy （LSCM） ,and the phase transformation was determined by the Thermo-Calc calculations. The differences in the melting points measured by Differential Scanning Calorimetry （DSC） and LSCM, and those obtained by Thermo-Calc calculations were also discussed. It is found that the melting points measured by DSC and LSCM are relatively similar, whereas the onset and end of the melting temperatures calculated by Thermo-Calc software are higher than those measured by DSC and observed by LSCM.

Austenite formation during intercritical annealing in C-Mn cold-rolled dual phase steel

Two different kinds of experimental techniques were used to in-situ study the austenite formation during intercritical annealing in C-Mn dual phase steel. The microstructure evolution was observed by confocal laser scanning microscope, and the austenite isothermal and non-isothermal transformation kinetics were studied by dilatometry. The results indicate that banded structure is produced for the reason of composition segregation and the competition between recrystallization and phase transformation. Austenite prefers to nucleate not only at ferrite/ferrite grain boundaries, but also inside the grains of ferrite.Furthermore, the austenitizing process is accomplished mainly via migration of the existing austenite/ferrite interface rather than nucleation of new grains. The incubation process can be divided into two stages which are controlled by carbon and manganese diffusion, respectively. During the incubation process, the nucleation rate of austenite decreases, and austenite growth changes from two-dimensional to one-dimensional. The partitioning coefficient, defined as the ratio of manganese content in the austenite to that in the adjacent ferrite, increases with increasing soaking time.

Effects of Arecoline on Calcium Channel Currents and Caffeine-induced Calcium Release in Isolated Single Ventricular

The effects of Arecoline (Are) on calcium m obilization were investigated. In isolated single ventricular m yocyte of guinea pig,patch clamp whole cell recording techniques were used to record the current of L - type calcium channel and cytosolic Ca2 + level ([Ca2 + ]i) labeled with fluo- rescence probe Fluo- 3/ AM was m easured under a laser scanning confocal microscope.Results re- vealed that Are(3- 10 0 μm ol/ L) could inhibit L- type calcium current in a concentration- depen- dent manner and the value of IC50 was33.73μm ol/ L (n=5 ) .In the absence of extracellular calci- um,the resting levels of[Ca2 + ]i was not affected by Are(n=6 ,P>0 .0 5 ) ,but pretreatment with Are(30 μmol/ L) could significantly inhibit the[Ca2 + ]i elevation induced by caffeine(10 m mol/ L,n=6 ,P<0 .0 1) .It was concluded that Are could inhibit not only calcium influx through L- type calcium channel but also calcium release from sarcoplasm ic reticulum.

300MHZ scanning laser acoustic microscope

The knife-edge and harmonic technique in the Scanning Laser Acoustic Microscope is studied in this paper. The operating frequency of the SLAM can be increased from 100MHz to 300MHz by using the harmonic technique. The acoustic images of some samples are obtained on our SLAM at 300MHz.

Development of Laser-HVEM and Its Application on In-situ Observation on Lattice Defects Behavior

A nanosecond pulse laser source head(Nd:YAG laser,Inlite Ⅱ-20,Continuum)was equipped to a high-voltage electron microscope(HVEM,Hitachi,H-1300)to develop a laser-HVEM system at Hokkaido University.Using the laser-HVEM,new methods for in-situ observation on the formation process of laser-induced lattice point defects at the internal of crystalline solid are achieved;some striking phenomena and potential mechanisms are explored.In the present paper,we review our progresses on in-situ experiments of lattice defects behavior in metal using the laser-HVEM.These progresses are expected to provide insight for a broader application of laser-HVEM in scientific research.

In Situ Observation of Solidification Process of AISI 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel

The solidification process of AISI 304 stainless steel during cooling at a rate of 0.05 K/s has been observed in situ using a confocal scanning laser microscope （CSLM）. The results show that the 8 phase appeared first in liquid steel, as the temperature decreased, the γ phase precipitated prior at δ-grain boundary at 1452. 2 ℃, the liquid steel disappeared at 1 431.3 ℃, and then the γ phase precipitated on the δ ferrite. Based on the Scheil-Gulliver solidification model, the solidification processes of AISI 304 stainless steel are simulated using the Scheil model in Thermo Calc, and the simulation results agree well with the results observed in the experiment.

Origin of natural sulphur-bearing immiscible inclusions and H_(2)S in oolite gas reservoir, Eastern Sichuan

Based on results of microscopic observation and laser Raman analysis about fluid in-clusions,multiple special forms of immiscible inclusions that contain sulphur,liquid hydrocarbon,bi-tumen,etc.were discovered in samples collected from the H_(2)S gas reservoir-containing carbonates in the Lower Triassic Feixianguan Formation in the Jinzhu-Luojia area,Kai County,Sichuan Province.Based on the lithology and burial history of the strata involved as well as measurement results of homogenization temperature of fluid inclusions,bitumen reflectivity,etc.,it is concluded that the H_(2)S in the gas reservoir resulted from the thermal reaction between hydrocarbons in reservoir and CaSO_(4)in the gypsum-bearing dolostone section at the high temperature(140℃―170℃)oil-cracked gas for-mation stage in Late Cretaceous.Thereafter,research on a great number of immiscible inclusions in the reservoir reveals that elemental sulphur resulted from oxidation of part of the earlier-formed H_(2)S and further reaction between sulphates,hydrocarbons and H_(2)S in geological fluids in H_(2)S-bearing gas reservoir at a temperature of 86℃―89℃and a pressure of 340×10^(5)Pa and during the regional uplift stage as characterized by temperature decrease and pressure decrease in Tertiary.Meanwhile,gyp-sum,anhydrite and calcite formed at this stage would trap particles like elemental sulphur and result in a variety of special forms of immiscible inclusions,and these inclusions would contain information concerning the complexity of the fluids in the reservoir and the origin of H_(2)S and natural sulphur in the gas reservoir.

Crosstalk of HgCdTe LWIR n-on-p diode arrays

Crosstalk of HgCdTe long-wavelength infrared （LWIR） n-on-p diode arrays was measured using scanning laser microscopy. During the measurement, HgCdTe diode arrays with different diode pitches were frontside illuminated by a He-Ne laser at liquid nitrogen temperature and room temperature. The experimental results show that crosstalk between the nearest neighboring diodes decreases exponentially as the diode pitch increases, and the factors that affect the obtained crosstalk are presented and analyzed. Crosstalk out of the nominal diode area （optically sensitive area） is also measured and discussed.

Constructing zwitterionic nanofiber film for anti-adhesion of marine corrosive microorganisms

A zwitterionic nanofiber film was constructed through combining zwitterionic polymer with anodic aluminum oxide template for anti-adhering typical marine corrosive microorganisms,i.e.Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Desulfovibrio vulgaris and Chaetoceros muelleri.Results showed that the fabricated zwitterionic polymers film has fibrous nanostructure with uniform distribution and super hydrophilia.This film has wide anti-adhering properties,and it can effectively reduce the attachment of these three microorganisms by more than 99%.Moreover,the adhesion of extracellular polymeric substances secreted from these three microorganisms are also inhibited,which is one reason for the fabricated nanofiber film with antiadhesion characteristic of microorganisms.This research provides valuable information for solving the problem of microbial adhesion on metal surfaces in the marine environment.

Co-localization of the heat shock protein and human immunoglobulin G in hepatocellular carcinoma

Elevated levels of serum immunoglobulin observed in patients with cancers of epithelial origin, including carcinomas of breast, colon, and liver have been interpreted as humoral responses of host to cancer growth. Recently, Qiu et al described in detail that human cancers of epithelial origin, including carcinomas of breast, colon, liver, lung, established epithelial cancer lines, produce immunoglobulin G （IgG） in their cytoplasm. Under normal conditions, heat shock proteins （HSPs） have multiple cellular functions, such as folding and translocating newly synthesized proteins. When a cell is injured or under stress, HSPs refold damaged protein or facilitate degradation of proteins. In most cancers, heat shock proteins can capture tumour specific peptide to inhibit the growth of cancer. This study demonstrated that human IgG and HSPs are co-localized in hepatocellular carcinoma.