Neutron Activation Analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy of Phytoplankton in the Coastal Zone of Crimea (The Black Sea)

The physiology and ecology of planktonic organisms are influenced by the concentration, chemical speciation and resulting bioavailability of some trace metals. The determination of the elemental structure of phytoplankton is important for interpretation of physiological and functional states of coastal ecosystems. The present study is focused on the structure and elemental composition of the phytoplankton assemblages from the different coastal zones by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS). For the first time these complementary techniques were simultaneously applied to study the Black Sea phytoplankton. The concentrations of 45 elements in the coastal phytoplankton communities used as bioindicator of inorganic contamination of the Black Sea coastal area near Sevastopol, Ukraine, were determined. Phytoplankton samples were collected by total tows of the plankton net with 35 μm pore size at 3 stations situated in polluted and relatively pristine water areas of the Sevastopol coastal zone during autumn period of the phytoplankton growth. The concentration of Mg, Al, Sc, Ti, V, Mn, As, Rb, Ba, Th and Fe, Cr increases exponentially from relatively pristine station to more polluted station and 10-times and 3-times greater, respectively, in the phytoplankton of the Sevastopol Bay. The rare-earth elements have relatively the same concentration values less than 1 μg/g and tend to accumulate in the phytoplankton from the polluted station in the Sevastopol Bay. The obtained results are in a good agreement with the elemental concentration data in the oceanic plankton, plankton communities from the White Sea and the Black Sea. Using energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry the mineral particles of unknown origin and impurities of copper (0.42% by weight) in the phytoplankton at the polluted station and zinc (0.57% by weight) at the relatively pristine station were determined.

Mineral Particles Found on the Hairs of Holy Maria-Magdalena Studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Elemental Analysis

The presumed hairs of Holy Maria-Magdalena are studied here for mineral particles found on their surfaces, by the techniques of scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray. Exploration by these techniques of the hair surfaces allows us to observe and study some marble fragments that can originate from the walls of the sarcophagus in which Maria-Magdalena’s remains were kept. These new findings support the authenticity of the hair as traditionally reported in the French “tradition des Saints de Provence”.

Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy for the Quantitative Analysis of Pyrite Thin Specimens

To explore ways to improve the accuracy of quantitative analysis of samples in the micrometer to nanometer range of magnitudes,we adopted analytical transmission electron microscopy(AEM/EDS)for qualitative and quantitative analysis of pyrite materials.Additionally,the k factor of pyrite is calculated experimentally.To develop an appropriate non-standard quantitative analysis model for pyrite materials,the experimentally calculated k factor is compared with that estimated from the non-standard quantitative analytical model of the instrument software.The experimental findings demonstrate that the EDS attached to a TEM can be employed for precise quantitative analysis of micro-and nanoscale regions of pyrite materials.Furthermore,it serves as a reference for improving the results of the EDS quantitative analysis of other sulfides.

Lithium mapping in a Mg-9Li-4Al-1Zn alloy using electron energy-loss spectroscopy

Magnesium-lithium alloys with high lithium content have been attracting significant attention because of their low density,high formability and corrosion resistance.These properties are dependent on the distribution of lithium,which is difficult to map in the presence of magnesium.In this work,a ratio spectrum-imaging method with electron energy-loss spectroscopy(EELS)is demonstrated,which enables the mapping of lithium.In application to LAZ941(Mg-9Li-4Al-1Zn in wt.%),this technique revealed that a key precipitate in the microstructure,previously thought by some to be Mg_(17)Al_(12),is in fact rich in lithium.This result was corroborated with a structural investigation by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy(HAADF-STEM),showing this phase to be Al_(1-x)Zn_(x)Li,with x<<1.This work indicates the potential offered by this technique for mapping lithium in materials.

Mssbauer and electron microscopy study of martensitic transformations in an Fe-Mn-Mo alloy

The kinetic,morphological,crystallographic,and magnetic characteristics of thermally induced martensites in Fe-13.4wt% Mn-5.2wt%Mo alloy were investigated by scanning electron microscopy（SEM）,transmission electron microscopy（TEM）,and M（o｜¨）ssbauer spectroscopy.The experimental results reveal that two types of thermal-induced martensites,e（hcp） andα＇（bcc） martensites,are formed in the as-quenched condition,and these transformations have athermal characters.Mo addition to the Fe-Mn alloy does not change the coexistence ofεandα＇ martensites with the Mn content between 10wt%and 15wt%.Besides,M（o｜¨）ssbauer spectra reveal a paramagnetic character with a singlet for theγ（fcc） austenite andεmartensite phases and a ferromagnetic character with a broad sextet for theα＇ martensite phase. The volume fraction ofα＇ martensite forming in the quenched alloy is much more than that of theεmartensite.

Application of Electron Microscopic on the Sources of PM_(10) in the Atmosphere

[ Objective] The aim was to study the application of scanning electron microscopy（SEM） on the physical property and ideological distri- bution of partials. [ Method] By dint of scanning electron microscopy, the morphological property of each source and main elements were analyzed. Compared with morphological property of sampling point, the source of particles was determined. [ Result] The results were consistent with the analysis of CMB8.2 chemical mass balance receptor model. Taking the four detection stations in Longyan Normal Training College, Minxi Vocational ＆ Technical College, Longyan University, and Longyan Environment Monitoring Station as examples, the major air pollutants respectively were soil sand, dust of burning coal, second fugitive dust; soil sand, second fugitive dust, vehicle exhausts; second fugitive dust, soil; and second fugitive dust, vehicle exhausts, dust of burning coal. [ Conclusion] The study result had certain guiding significance to the analysis of sources of particles in the atmosphere and atmosphere environment treatment.

Application of electron microscopy in gastroenterology

Electron microscopy has long been used in research in the fields of life sciences and materials sciences.Transmission and scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX)analyses have also been performed in the field of gastroenterology.Electron microscopy and EDX enable(1)Observation of ultrastructural differences in esophageal epithelial cells in patients with gastroesophageal reflux and eosinophilic esophagitis;(2)Detection of lanthanum deposition in the stomach and duodenum;(3)Ultrastructural and elemental analyses of enteroliths and bezoars;(4)Detection and characterization of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract;(5)Diagnosis of gastrointestinal tumors with neuroendocrine differentiation;and(6)Analysis of gold nanoparticles potentially used in endoscopic photodynamic therapy.This review aims to foster a better understanding of electron microscopy applications by reviewing relevant clinical studies,basic research findings,and the state of current research carried out in gastroenterology science.

硼砂煅制工艺优化及质量评价

目的 优化硼砂煅制工艺,并对其进行质量评价。方法 以铺设厚度、煅制温度、煅制时间为影响因素,失水率、蓬松度、粉碎率、四硼酸钠含量为评价指标,星点设计-效应面法优化硼砂煅制工艺。采用扫描电镜(SEM)、热重分析(TG)、拉曼光谱、X射线衍射(XRD),比较硼砂煅制前后质量差异。结果 最佳条件为铺设厚度2 cm,煅制温度365℃,煅制时间100 min。煅制后,硼砂微观形态、成分组成、晶型结构发生变化,失去全部结晶水而转变为非晶体状态。结论 该方法稳定可行,可用于工业大批量生产煅硼砂。

爆后岩石裂隙结构可视化及定量表征方法

爆后岩石破坏特征的定量表征一直是工程爆破领域急需解决的关键问题,爆后岩石裂纹萌生、扩展演化直至贯通的过程是导致岩石破裂的主要原因。为了研究被爆岩石内部裂纹扩展和断裂模式的演化过程,利用工业CT对爆后岩石进行扫描观测,通过图像堆栈矢量化处理构建岩石三维裂隙模型,并对裂纹结构特征参数进行统计分析,定量化表征岩石破坏程度及裂纹扩展情况。结合数值模拟分析爆炸冲击波压力的衰减规律,通过SEM电镜扫描试验研究爆破过程中不同位置岩石的微观形貌特征,对比断口元素成分变化与断裂模式的关联机制。研究结果表明:用等效球体方法对岩体内不同尺度裂隙结构进行统计分析,微裂隙数目多且分布均匀,主裂隙体积大且连通性较好。随着裂隙等效球体直径的增加,裂隙表面积和体积整体上呈上升趋势;三维重构裂隙结构中裂隙率可以表征岩石局部裂纹扩展特征,爆炸近区裂隙率和三维分形维数远大于爆炸中远区的裂隙率和分形维数,说明岩石破裂过程中裂隙扩展演化主要在此阶段进行;相较于爆炸中远区,爆炸近区冲击波压力峰值高且衰减速率慢,使得整个爆破过程岩石微观断裂模式变化较大,大致呈现出由沿晶断裂向穿晶断裂、脆性断裂向塑性破坏的方向进行,非金属元素质量的变化对于各阶段断裂模式转变具有显著影响,断裂模式转变区域非金属元素质量发生明显减小。随着爆破作用的减弱,岩石破裂逐渐趋于无序和紊乱,破裂时断口也不限于解理面和晶粒边界。

馆藏汉代瓦当表面可溶盐的化学组成分析

采用离子色谱仪(IC),扫描电子显微镜-能谱仪(SEM-EDS),X射线衍射仪(XRD)和傅里叶变化显微红外光谱仪(FTIR)等现代分析仪器,对陕西历史博物馆馆藏的汉代瓦当表面可溶盐进行了鉴定,并分析了相关的化学组成。结果表明,瓦当表面可溶盐含有石膏(Ca SO_(4)·2H_(2)O)和有机酸钙盐[Ca_(3)(CH_(3)COO)_(3)Cl(NO_(3))_(2)·6H_(2)O]等成分。

Bis(phthalocyaninato)yttrium Grown on Au(111): Electronic Structure of a Single Molecule and the Stability of Two- dimensional Films Investigated by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy/Spectroscopy at 4.8 K

Scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy(STM/STS)at 4.8 K has been used to examine the growth of a double-decker bis(phthalocyaninato)yttrium(YP_(c2))molecule on a reconstructed Au(111)substrate.Local differential conductance spectra(dI/dV)of a single YPc2 molecule allow the characteristics of the highest occupied molecular orbital(HOMO)and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital(LUMO)to be identified.Furthermore,lateral distributions of the local density of states(LDOS)have also been obtained by dI/dV mapping and confirmed by first principles simulations.These electronic feature mappings and theoretical calculations provide a basis for understanding the unique STM morphology of YPc2,which is usually imaged as an eight-lobed structure.In addition,we demonstrate that bias-dependent STM morphologies and simultaneous dI/dV maps can provide a way of understanding the stability of two-dimensional YP_(c2) films.

Superconducting state in Ba_((1-x)) Sr_(x)Ni_(2)As_(2) near the quantum critical point

In the phase diagram of the nickel-based superconductor Ba_(1-x)Sr_(x)Ni_(2)As_(2),T_(C) has been found to be enhanced sixfold near the quantum critical point(QCP) x=0.71 compared with the parent compound.However,the mechanism is still under debate.Here,we report a detailed investigation of the superconducting properties near the QCP(x≈0.7) by utilizing scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy.The temperature-dependent superconducting gap and magnetic vortex state were obtained and analyzed in the framework of the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer model.The ideal isotropic s-wave superconducting gap excludes the long-speculated nematic fluctuations while preferring strong electron-phonon coupling as the mechanism for T_(C) enhancement near the QCP.The lower than expected gap ratio of Δ/(k_(B) T_(C)) is rooted in the fact that Ba_(1-x)Sr_(x)Ni_(2)As_(2) falls into the dirty limit with a serious pair breaking effect similar to the parent compound.

Effectiveness of Sodium Silicate on the Corrosion Protection of AA7075-T6 Aluminium Alloy in Sodium Chloride Solution

The influence of sodium silicate on the corrosion behaviour of aluminium alloy 7075-T6 in 0.1 M sodium chloride solution was studied by open circuit potential (OCP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the AA7075-T6 surface. Silicate can significantly reduce corrosion deterioration and the inhibition efficiency increases with the concentration of Na2SiO3. The corrosion inhibition mechanism involves the formation of a protective film over the alloy surface by adsorption of aluminosilicate anions from solution, as has also been suggested by others in literature.

Visualizing quantum phenomena at complex oxide interfaces:An atomic view from scanning transmission electron microscopy

Complex oxide interfaces have been one of the central focuses in condensed matter physics and ma-terial science.Over the past decade,aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and spectroscopy has proven to be invaluable to visualize and understand the emerging quantum phenomena at an interface.In this paper,we briefly review some recent progress in the utilization of electron microscopy to probe interfaces.Specifically,we discuss several important challenges for electron microscopy to advance our understanding on interface phenomena,from the perspective of variable temperature,magnetism,electron energy loss spectroscopy analysis,electronic symmetry,and defects probing.

Poly(Acrylamide-Co-Acrylic Acid)-Zinc Acetate Polymer Electrolytes: Studies Based on Structural and Morphology and Electrical Spectroscopy

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) of polyacrylamide-co-acrylic acid (PAA) as the polymer host and zinc acetate (ZnA) as an ionic dopant were prepared using a single solvent by the solution casting technique. The amorphous and crystalline structures of film were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The surface morphology of samples was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The composition and complex formation of films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The conductivity of the PAA-ZnA films was determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. According to the XRD and FTIR analyses, all electrolyte films were in amorphous state and the existence of interaction between Zn2+ cations and the PAA structure confirms that the film was successfully prepared. The SEM observations reveal that the electrolyte films appeared to be rough and flat with irregularly shaped surfaces. The highest ionic conductivity (σ) of 1.82 × 10-5 Scm-1 was achieved at room temperature (303 K) for the sample containing 10 wt % ZnA.

Reduced Activation Energy of Iron and Copper Ion Doped Mullite which Can Be Used as a Substrate in Electronic Industry

The crystallized mullite composite has been synthesized via sol-gel technique in the presence of transition metal ions such as iron and copper. The electrical resistivity and activation energy of the composites have been measured and their variation with concentration of the metal ion has been investigated. The resistivity of doped mullite decreases rapidly in the shorter temperature range and sharply in the higher temperature range. The decreasing resistivity is due to the 3d orbital electrons and the concentration of metal ions present. X-ray analysis confirms the presence of metal ions in mullite, which entered in the octahedral site. The Fe2+ and Cu2+ ions will substitute Al3+ ion in the octahedral site of mullite structure and most probably will be responsible for reducing the resistivity as well as the activation energy. Transition metal ion doped mullite-based ceramic can be considered as promising material as a substrate in the electronic industry, because of its reasonable atom density, its low activation characteristics, low thermal expansion coefficient and high mechanical strength. The present material we have developed has an activation energy of resistivity/band gap energy, Eg, 1.11 eV at 0.04 M concentration for Cu2+ ion.

Hematite, Biotite and Cinnabar on the Face of the Turin Shroud: Microscopy and SEM-EDX Analysis

The Turin Shroud, recently accessible for hands-on scientific research, is now extensively investigated. Its pinkish red blood stains that seem anomalous ones are studied by modern techniques (notably by resolute optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray). Exploration by these techniques of a blood stain located on the face permits us to discover some red-colour particles (hematite, biotite and cinnabar) of exogenous material in this stain. We finally characterize these red-colour particles and try to explain their presences in the blood stain. Globally, all these red-colour particles cannot explain all of the reddish appearance of the area under study.

储粮品质检测评价方法研究进展

品质检测评价是粮食储藏管理工作中的关键环节,一直是研究人员高度关注的热点研究领域,其在保障粮食储藏安全以及加工制品中发挥至关重要的作用。为了今后更好地开展相关工作,本文首先回顾常规基于光学、声学、介电、理化等特性和挥发性物质的储粮品质检测评价方法的研究进展;然后阐述当前新型检测技术如强磁场、激光诱导击穿光谱、核磁共振波谱以及扫描电子显微镜在储粮品质评价中的应用,并对比分析各种技术方法的优缺点;最后展望储粮品质检测评价方法的未来研究方向。

扫描电镜/能谱法结合多元统计学对塑料拖鞋的分类研究

建立一种将扫描电镜/能谱法与多元统计学结合分析塑料拖鞋类物证的方法。对收集到的30个塑料拖鞋样本进行前处理,利用扫描电镜/能谱法对样本进行分析测试,并结合系统聚类、Fisher判别分析等多元统计学方法对实验数据进行处理。成功将30个样本分为两类,每类分为两组。此方法操作简便、快速,且无损检材、分类效果良好,可用于公安机关实际办案,在法庭科学领域有广阔的应用前景。

红外显微光谱法和扫描电镜/X射能谱法在油漆分析中的研究

汽车油漆是道路交通事故案中重要的物证信息之一,对现场收集的油漆物证进行比对检验检测,对事故的调查和认定提供了有力的科学依据。本文对油漆事故认定中的物证进行红外显微光谱和扫描电镜/X射线能谱联合分析,其中红外显微光谱法可以对事故现场收集的物证和嫌疑车辆样本进行红外光谱特征吸收峰和官能团比对分析,可以分析油漆的有机成分和种类;扫描电镜/X射线能谱法可以对事故现场收集的物证和嫌疑车辆样本的显微形态和无机元素成分进行比对。通过对实际案例中的样品分析,详细说明了红外显微光谱法和扫描电镜/X射线能谱法在物证分析中的优势。实验结果表明,红外显微光谱和扫描电镜/X射线能谱联合分析,可以对油漆物证进行快速、微量、无损检测,在目前油漆物证的分析研究中有着十分重要的优势。