Scanning Tunneling Microscopic and Scanning Tunneling Spectroscopic Studies of Nanocrystalline CdSe Thin Film

Nanocrystalline CdSe thin film prepared by chemical solution deposition was imaged in air with a scanning tunnelling microscope(STM). Scanning tunnelling current spectroscopy(STS) was taken at a fixed tip - sample separation. Tunnelling current(i) - voltage(v) curve and differential conductance spectrum show an n-type schottky rectifying behaviour and yield a direct measure of band gap energy. An increase of bandgap energy (1.8 - 2.1eV) was measured indicating energy quantization of this particular thin film.,

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.

A high precision profilometer based on vertical scanning microscopic interferometry

A profilometer used for 3 dimension measurement of micro-surface topography is presented. The instrument is based on the vertical scanning microscopic interferometry （VSMI）. A Linnik type interference microscope is used and the interferograms which present changes of surface profile are recorded with a CCD camera. A developed nano-positioning work stage with an integrated optical grating displacement measuring system realizes the precise vertical scanning motion during profile measurement. By a white-light phase shifting algorithm of arbitrary step, frames of interferograms are processed by a computer to rebuild and evaluate the measured profile. Because of the specialty of VSMI, the profilometer is suitable for both smooth and rough surface measurement. It can also be used to measure curved surfaces, dimension of micro electro mechanical systems （MEMS）, etc. The vertical resolution of the profilometer is 0.5 nm, and lateral resolution 0.5 μm.

Scanning Electron Microscopic Observation on Morphologic Characteristics of Sperms in Uremic Patients

To observe the morphologic characteristics of spermatozoon ultramicroscopic structure in uremic subjects.Method Semen sample from lO patients with uremia and 5 healthy men were observed under light microscope and scanning electronic microscope.Results Abnormalities were found in sperms of uremic patients either in the sperm head （acrosome, acrosomic deficit, nuclear abnormality, pointed head, headless and double head of spermatozoon）, neck （rupture, separation and enlargement）, or tail （mitochondrial swelling, mitochondrial deficit, tailless, double tail, short tail and curled tail）; whereas none of the above-mentioned abnormalities was observed in healthy men. Conclusion Sperms of uremic patients had many morphologic and structural abnormalities in the head, neck and tail.

Scanning Electron Microscopically Study of Sesame Seeds Infected with Macrophomina phaseolina

The direct impact of seed-borne fungi on seed is considerable. Many fungi are serious parasites of seed primordial and maturing seeds and reduce yield of seed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Other fungi, including saprophytes and very weak parasites, may lower the quality of seeds by causing discoloration which may seriously depreciate the commercial value of seeds, particularly of grain when graded for consumption. Studies by using scanning electron microscopy （SEM） confirmed the importance of the seed coat, and seed cells as infection sites as well as location of the mycelium of the investigated fungus. Macrophominaphaseolina The present investigation is undertaken to study the colonization, infection and fungal establishment on different sesame seed parts by （SEM）. A successful colonization of M. phaseolina to seed tissues was also detected. Different forms of pycnidial shapes were also observed.

COEXISTENCE OF OSTEOARTHRITIS AND OSTEOPOROSIS IN FEMORAL HEAD: A SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY

Objective To ascertain the coexistence of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis in the femoral head. Methods During total hip replacement for osteoarthritis of hip joint in 12 female patients with an average age of 56 years, the femoral heads were procured. After processing the femoral had, specimens were studied under scanning electron microscope. Results Different degrees of osteoarthritic lesions (characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage and hyperplasia of subchondral bone tissues) could coexust with osteoporotic lesions (characterized by icicle-like trabeculae ) in the femoral had. The hyperplas- tic bone tissues of osteoarthritis lay in the vicinity of icicle-like trabeculae. However, they did not care into contact, nor did they exert influence on each other. Coexistence of these two different lesions covered a brood territory extending from the deep surface of subchondral bone plate to the head-neck junction of femoral head. Conclusion The results suggest that osteoarthritis and osteoporosis do coexist in the femoral head.

Application of Scanning Acoustic Microscopy for Detection of Dental Caries Lesion

Introduction: A scanning acoustic microscope (SAM) is an apparatus for imaging acoustic properties. This apparatus can non-invasively and rapidly evaluate the hardness of materials in the elastic region. This device shows great potential for the diagnosis of dental caries in the clinical setting. However, since the tissue elastic modulus measured using a SAM is a property of the elastic region and the Knoop hardness is a property of the plastic region, the hardness properties differ completely. Therefore, we investigated whether the acoustic impedance measured using a SAM is related to the Knoop hardness, which is used as the standard for removal of carious dentin. Method: Polished sections were prepared from 20 extracted carious wisdom teeth. The acoustic impedance and Knoop hardness were measured for each section. In addition to comparing carious and healthy dentin in SAM images, we evaluated the difference between the carious and healthy dentin in terms of the acoustic impedance and Knoop hardness. We also evaluated the correlation between the Knoop hardness and acoustic impedance. Results: The SAM images were visualized as two-dimensional color images based on the acoustic impedance values. The mean acoustic impedance of carious dentin was significantly lower than that of healthy dentin, showing a similar trend as Knoop hardness. A strong correlation was observed between the two. Discussion: The acoustic impedance values obtained through acoustic microscopy differed significantly between carious and sound dentin. Both types of dentins were visualized using two-dimensional color images. A strong correlation was observed between the acoustic impedance value, which indicates the hardness of the elastic region, and the Knoop hardness, which indicates the hardness of the plastic region. The results of the present study indicate that acoustic impedance accurately reflects the hardness of dentin.

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.

Microstructure and water-swelling mechanism of red-bed mudstone in the Xining region,Northeastern Tibetan Plateau

This paper examines the effect of the microstructure and electrical conductivity(EC)on the swelling ratio and pressure in red-bed mudstone sampled from arid areas in the Xining region in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau.A series of laboratory tests,including swelling experiments,X-ray diffraction(XRD),and scanning electron microscope(SEM),was carried out for mechanical and microstructural analysis.The coupled influence of the EC and microstructural parameters on the expansion ratio and pressure was investigated,and the weight coefficients were discussed by the entropy weight method.The results revealed an increasing exponential trend in EC,and the maximum swelling speed occurred at an EC of approximately 10 μS/cm.In addition,a method for predicting the expansion potential is proposed based on the microstructure,and its reliability is verified by comparing with swelling experimental results.In addition,according to the image analysis results,the ranges of the change in the clay minerals content(CMC),the fractal dimension(FD),the average diameter(AD)of pores,and the plane porosity(PP)are 23.75%-53%,1.08-1.17,7.53-22.45 mm,and 0.62%-1.25%,respectively.Moreover,mudstone swelling is negatively correlated with the plane porosity,fractal dimension and average diameter and is linearly correlated with the clay mineral content.Furthermore,the weight values prove that the microstructural characteristics,including FD,AD,and PP,are the main factors influencing the expansion properties of red-bed mudstones in the Xining region.Based on the combination of macro and micro-analyses,a quantitative analysis of the swelling process of mudstones can provide a better reference for understanding the mechanism of expansion behavior.

Obsevation for Epidermal Ultrastructure of Nostoc sphaeroides Kutzing under Scanning Electron Microscope

[Objective]The experiment aimed to explore a new way for observing surface structure of Nostoc sphaeroides Kutzing. [Method] The scanning electron microscope was used to observe the epidermal ultrastructure of wild and cultured Nostoc sphaeroides Kutzing. [ Result] The epidermis of wild and cultured Nostoc sphaeroides Kutzing showed mixture structure of fibril colloid which was reticular arranged. The difference between wild and cultured Nostoc sphaeroides Kutzing was that the outer epidermis of cultured Nostoc sphaeroides Kutzing had trichome distribution but the wild Nostoc sphaeroides Kutzing did not has such distribution. The obsevation results of under smaller than 10 μm by scanning electron microscope was touched thick and showed many folds and distortions. [ Conclusion] The scanning electron microscope was an effective way to study development of Nostoc sphaeroides Kutzing colony and it was worth popularizing.

Acoustical properties of a 3D printed honeycomb structure filled with nanofillers:Experimental analysis and optimization for emerging applications

The novelty of this research lies in the successful fabrication of a 3D-printed honeycomb structure filled with nanofillers for acoustic properties,utilizing an impedance tube setup in accordance with ASTM standard E 1050-12.The Creality Ender-3,a 3D printer,was used for printing the honeycomb structures,and polylactic acid(PLA)material was employed for their construction.The organic,inorganic,and polymeric compounds within the composites were identified using fourier transformation infrared(FTIR)spectroscopy.The structure and homogeneity of the samples were examined using a field emission scanning electron microscope(FESEM).To determine the sound absorption coefficient of the 3D printed honeycomb structure,numerous samples were systematically developed using central composite design(CCD)and analysed using response surface methodology(RSM).The RSM mathematical model was established to predict the optimum values of each factor and noise reduction coefficient(NRC).The optimum values for an NRC of 0.377 were found to be 1.116 wt% carbon black,1.025 wt% aluminium powder,and 3.151 mm distance between parallel edges.Overall,the results demonstrate that a 3Dprinted honeycomb structure filled with nanofillers is an excellent material that can be utilized in various fields,including defence and aviation,where lightweight and acoustic properties are of great importance.

Significance of including lid thickness and particle shape factor in numerical modeling for prediction of particle trap efficiency of invert trap

Sediment accumulation on the bed of open sewers and drains reduces hydraulic efficiency and can cause localized flooding.Slotted invert traps installed underneath the bed of open sewers and drains can eliminate sediment build-up by catching sediment load.Previous three-dimensional(3D)computational studies have examined the particle trapping performance of invert traps of different shapes and depths under varied sediment and flow conditions,considering particles as spheres.For two-dimensional and 3D numerical modeling,researchers assumed the lid geometry to be a thin line and a plane,respectively.In this 3D numerical study,the particle trapping efficiency of a slotted irregular hexagonal invert trap fitted at the flume bottom was examined by incorporating the particle shape factor of non-spherical sewage solid particles and the thicknesses of upstream and downstream lids over the trap in the discrete phase model of the ANSYS Fluent 2020 R1 software.The volume of fluid(VOF)and the realizable k-turbulence models were used to predict the velocity field.The two-dimensional particle image velocimetry(PIV)was used to measure the velocity field inside the invert trap.The results showed that the thicknesses of upstream and downstream lids affected the velocity field and turbulent kinetic energy at all flow depths.The joint impact of the particle shape factor and lid thickness on the trap efficiency was significant.When both the lid thickness and particle shape factor were considered in the numerical modeling,trap efficiencies were underestimated,with relative errors of-8.66%to-0.65%in comparison to the experimental values of Mohsin and Kaushal(2017).They were also lower than the values predicted by Mohsin and Kaushal(2017),which showed an overall overestimation with errors of-2.3%to 17.4%.

Micro-galvanic corrosion behaviour of Mg-(7,9)Al-1Fe-xNd alloys

The localized micro-galvanic corrosion process and the kinetic information of Mg-(7,9)Al-1Fe-x Nd alloys were investigated by in situ observation under electrochemical control and in situ atomic force microscopy(AFM)in an electrolyte environment.The results revealed that the formation of the Nd-rich phase in alloys resulted in a decrease in the Volta potential difference from~400 m V(AlFe3/α-Mg)to~220 mV(Nd-rich/α-Mg),reducing the corrosion products around the cathodic phase and corrosion current density of the microscale area.The addition of Nd significantly improved the corrosion resistance,mainly due to the suppression of the micro-galvanic corrosion between the second phases and substrate.Finally,the corrosion mechanism of Mg-(7,9)Al-1Fe-x Nd alloys was discussed based on in situ observations and electrochemical results.

Detection of Bisphenol A (BPA) in Plastic Bottles Using Vertical Cultivation at Various Temperatures

Polycarbonate plastics containing bisphenol A (BPA) used to manufacture drinking water bottles. Kurdistan region in northern Iraq is a developed area with increased pollution from plastic bottles. Trace amounts of BPA have been detected in bottled water samples. The absorption of BPA was measured with HPLC using a vertical cultivation system with Bulbs of the Allium Cepa plant planted in these plastic bottles with monitored growth. Vertical cultivation was found to have a low level of BPA in the plant cells, making it a safe cultivation method under specific climate conditions. The mean concentration of BPA in vertical cultivation is 0.19 ug/ml (3.8 ng for a 20 uL injection), and the Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is 0.63 ug/ml (12.7 ng for 20 uL injection). While Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) shows that the concentrations are relatively low in water samples stored at room temperature compared to those exposed to direct sunlight (40°C) and water bottle samples stored at (-4°C), The correlation coefficients were found to be good (0.9992). SEM is used for plastic bottle samples stored at different temperatures. The images identify compound decay and explore the morphology of BPA in manufactured plastic materials.

Observation of Helicotylenchus digonicus by Scanning Electron Microscope

[ Objective] The paper was to observe Helicotylenchus digonicus by scanning electron microscope （SEM）. [ Method ] H. digonicus collected from Changxing of Zhejiang Province was observed under scanning electron microscope, and its morphological structure was confmned under optical microscope. [ Resuit]The nematode specimens fixed by glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide and prepared by critical point drying were unmodified and unshrinkable with clear mor- phological structure, which could be scanned very well by scanning electron microscope. [ Conclusion ] The study provided reference for study and control of H. digonicus.

A Pioneering Approach to the Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles

Our research introduces a groundbreaking chemical reduction method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles, marking a significant advancement in the field. The nanoparticles were meticulously characterized using various techniques, including optical analysis, structural analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). This thorough process instills confidence in the accuracy of our findings. The results unveiled that the silver nanoparticles had a diameter of less than 20 nm, a finding of great importance. The absorption spectrum decreased in the peak wavelength range (405 - 394 mm) with increasing concentrations of Ag nanoparticles in the range (1 - 5%). The XRD results indicated a cubic crystal structure for silver nanoparticles with the lattice constant (a = 4.0855 Å), and Miller indices were (111), (002), (002), and (113). The simulation on the XRD pattern showed a face center cubic phase with space group Fm-3m, providing valuable insights into the structure of the nanoparticles.

A Highly Stable Electrochemical Scanning Tunneling Microscope

We demonstrate a home-built electrochemical scanning tunneling microscope （ECSTM）. The ECSTM exhibits highly stable performance. The drifting rates in XY and Z directions of the ECSTM are about 67 and 55.6 pm/min, respectively. Moreover, a specially designed scanner unit successfully solves the well-known problem of large leakage current in high humidity atmosphere. The mechanical structure of the ECSTM is described in detail. The excellent performances of the system are demonstrated by the measured STM images （in copper sulfate solution）, including clean and well-ordered large area morphology of Au（111） and the atomically resolved image of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite.

Compact Scanning Tunneling Microscope with Large Scale Searching Capability for Mmultidisciplinary Applications

We present the design and performance of a home-built scanning tunneling microscope （STM）, which is compact （66 mm tall and 25 mm in diameter）, yet equipped with a 3D atomic precision piezoelectric motor in which the Z coarse approach relies on a high simplic-ity friction-type walker （of our own invention） driven by an axially cut piezoelectric tube. The walker is vertically inserted in a piezoelectric scanner tube （PST） with its brim laying at on the PST end as the inertial slider （driven by the PST） for the XZ （sample plane） motion. The STM is designed to be capable of searching rare microscopic targets （defects, dopants, boundaries, nano-devices, etc.） in a macroscopic sample area （square millimeters） under extreme conditions （low temperatures, strong magnetic elds, etc.） in which it ts. It gives good atomic resolution images after scanning a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite sample in air at room temperature.

Bacteriological and electron microscopic examination of primary intrahepatic stones

BACKGROUND: Primary intrahepatic cholelithiasis is usually combined with biliary tract infection. This research was undertaken to investigate the relationship between intrahepatic stones and biliary tract infection. METHODS: Thirty-five bile samples and 30 stones specimens were cultured for bacteria and 12 stones specimens were examined with a scan electron microscope (SEM) or a transmission electron microscope (TEM). RESULT: 94.2% bile samples and 96.7% stones specimens were positive in bacteria culture. Bacteria were found in stones under SEM and TEM. CONCLUSION: Bacteria in stones are associated with the infection of the biliary tract.

Chalkiness Characters and Scanning Electron Microscope Observation of Rice Grain Endosperm of Japonica Varieties in Southern Henan

Chalkiness characters affect not only the grain appearance,milling,eating and cooking qualities but also the grain nutritional quality in rice,thus it is one of the most important traits in rice. It is very important for us to investigate the relation of the chalkiness formation and the development of endosperm structure and starch granule of different rice varieties. Here,we have investigated the chalkiness characters such as chalkiness rate,chalkiness degree and chalkiness area in 15 japonica rice varieties from southern Henan. Furthermore,the endosperm structure and starch granules of rice grain were also observed with scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the 15 japonica varieties have a significantly linear relationship between the chalkiness rate and chalkiness degree. Among the varieties,the biggest difference is the chalkiness rate,the second is the chalkiness area,and the last is the chalkiness degree. Moreover,there is a certain correlation between the distribution of starch granules,the arrangement of endosperm cells and the occurrence of grain chalkiness in the different rice varieties. For the same variety,the starch granules of chalky and non-chalky grains have obvious difference,while the starch granules from the transparent part of chalky rice and non-chalky rice do not have significant difference. The results would provide useful references for the improvement of grain quality in rice.