新疆巴里坤石人子沟遗址群出土玻璃珠的成分分析

巴里坤县位于新疆东部哈密地区,是连接内地与北疆的重要通道,巴里坤县境内的石人子沟遗址群是新疆东天山地区的古代游牧民族大型聚落遗址,其中西沟遗址M1墓和石人子沟遗址M011墓分别出土了一批战国晚期至西汉早期的古代玻璃珠,为了解这批玻璃珠的来源,采用激光剥蚀电感耦合等离子体发射光谱(LA-ICP-AES)和激光拉曼光谱(LRS)方法对这两批玻璃珠样品进行化学成分分析。结果表明,西沟遗址M1墓出土玻璃珠均为钠钙玻璃体系,以植物灰作为助熔剂,同时其中七件绿色玻璃珠样品均以锑酸铅作为乳浊剂;石人子沟遗址M011墓出土玻璃珠均为铅钡玻璃体系,以含铅矿物作为助熔剂。与同时期其他已经发表的玻璃数据进行比较,显示西沟遗址出土玻璃珠在成分上与美索不达米亚及古埃及钠钙玻璃不同,推测西沟遗址出土玻璃珠在中亚或新疆地区制作而成;石人子沟遗址出土玻璃珠的化学组成相对集中,应在同一地点制作而成,可能为中原地区传入。本研究证实了新疆巴里坤地区是古代东西方物质文化交流的重要节点,而游牧民族在玻璃制品传播和交流过程中扮演着重要的角色。     

Magnetic resonance imaging tracking of alginate beads used for drug delivery of growth factors at sites of cardiac damage

Alginate-based beads labeled with contrast agent and loaded with vascular growth hormones were used for site-specific chronic delivery of hormones at the site of myocardial damage in a porcine model. Position of the beads within the pericardium could be monitored by MRI for optimal hormone delivery due to the presence of contrast agent. The beads facilitate the slow release of cytochrome c, myoglobin and methemoglobin used as protein models of growth factors. This application allows for site-specific delivery of hormones while the incorporated contrast agent in the beads provides a tool for MRI tracking in chronic studies.     

Biomolecular self-assembly of micrometer sized silica beads on patterned glass substrates

A self-assembly process for the two-dimensional arrangement of micrometer sized silica beads on glass slides was developed. It is based on the hybridization of two single stranded DNA-oligonucleotides to a DNA double helix. To prepare for the self-assembly process the silica beads as well as the glass slides were modified covalently with matching DNA-molecules. The patterned areas on the slides were defined by printing DNA-molecules with an optimized micro contact printing procedure using agarose gel stamps. In the following hybridization experiment the addressed beads self-assemble selectively on the matching areas of the glass substrate. Control experiments with mismatching DNA-oligonucleotides showed that silica beads tend to adhere strongly to the glass surfaces. Washing conditions must be controlled carefully to differentiate between hybridized beads and non-specifically bound beads. With regard to the use of this method in microelectronic chip assembly it could be shown that the salt concentration during the hybridization step can be reduced drastically without affecting the hybridization reaction.     

Development and In Vitro Characterization of Capecitabine-Loaded Alginate–Pectinate–Chitosan Beads for Colon Targeting

Colon-targeted capecitabine beads were formulated by an ionotropic gelation method. The sodium alginate to pectin ratio and chitosan concentration were optimized using a 3² full factorial design. Analysis of response surface plots allowed the identification of an optimized formulation with high drug entrapment and controlled release. Insignificant differences in observed and predicted values for responses validated the optimization method. Optimized beads possessed an average diameter of 1395 µm and good flow properties. Their production as spherical beads having a smooth surface was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the compatibility of drug with added excipients, while differential scanning calorimetry study confirmed complete drug entrapment in polymer matrix. Higher swelling of beads in phosphate buffer pH 7.4 was obtained in comparison to pH 6.8. An in vitro wash off test indicated 70% mucoadhesion by the beads. In vitro dissolution studies of beads loaded into enteric-coated capsules revealed negligible release in simulated gastric and intestinal fluid, followed by 49.23% release in simulated colonic fluid, in 4 h. The optimized beads were found to be stable for three months at 25 ± 2°C/60 ± 5% RH. In conclusion, the formulated beads showed colon-specific controlled release properties, and thus could prove to be effective for colon cancer treatment.     

高折射玻璃微珠粒径与折射率关系的研究

利用激光照射高折射率玻璃微珠下形成的二次彩虹现象,以艾里的虹理论为基础对玻璃微珠折射率进行了测量。推导了玻璃微珠尺寸对折射率影响的计算公式,表明半径差异在10μm时,折射率的测量误差为10^-3数量级。此外,通过软件模拟计算玻璃微珠的二次彩虹现象,并对微珠的折射率进行了测量,验证了二次彩虹方法的正确性,同时也表明玻璃微...     

1H NMR Detection of superparamagnetic nanoparticles at 1T using a microcoil and novel tuning circuit

Magnetic beads containing superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have been shown to measurably change the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation properties of nearby protons in aqueous solution at distances up to approximately 50 microm. Therefore, the NMR sensitivity for the in vitro detection of single cells or biomolecules labeled with magnetic beads will be maximized with microcoils of this dimension. We have constructed a prototype 550 microm diameter solenoidal microcoil using focused gallium ion milling of a gold/chromium layer. The NMR coil was brought to resonance by means of a novel auxiliary tuning circuit, and used to detect water with a spectral resolution of 2.5 Hz in a 1.04 T (44.2MHz) permanent magnet. The single-scan SNR for water was 137, for a 200 micros pi/2 pulse produced with an RF power of 0.25 mW. The nutation performance of the microcoil was sufficiently good so that the effects of magnetic beads on the relaxation characteristics of the surrounding water could be accurately measured. A solution of magnetic beads (Dynabeads MyOne Streptavidin) in deionized water at a concentration of 1000 beads per nL lowered the T(1) from 1.0 to 0.64 s and the T2 * from 110 to 0.91 ms. Lower concentrations (100 and 10 beads/nL) also resulted in measurable reductions in T2 *, suggesting that low-field, microcoil NMR detection using permanent magnets can serve as a high-sensitivity, miniaturizable detection mechanism for very low concentrations of magnetic beads in biological fluids.     

Trapping multiple particles in single optical tweezers

Optical trapping of multiple particles in three dimensions in a single inverted optical tweezers is investigated. The effect of trapping pairs of beads on the voltage signal recorded by a quadrant photo diode detector is examined, with particular emphasise on its power spectral density. It is found that trapped pairs of beads could be mistaken for single beads in a trap of half the strength. Stokes drag measurements reveal that both beads of the pair are confined less than a single particle in the same trap and that the quadrant signal provides some information of their mean displacements.     

Manufacturing individual beads of quartz glass via the selective laser melting of its powder

When selective laser melting technology is applied to fragile materials, a part can crack during the manufacturing stage. Stable SLM conditions are found for quartz glass, under which individual beads of remolten powder are manufactured. The beads are fused with a solid support of the same material. No cracking is observed in the beads or in the supports near the formers.     

Self-organizing magnetic beads for biomedical applications

In the field of biomedicine magnetic beads are used for drug delivery and to treat hyperthermia. Here we propose to use self-organized bead structures to isolate circulating tumor cells using lab-on-chip technologies. Typically blood flows past microposts functionalized with antibodies for circulating tumor cells. Creating these microposts with interacting magnetic beads makes it possible to tune the geometry in size, position and shape. We developed a simulation tool that combines micromagnetics and discrete particle dynamics, in order to design micropost arrays made of interacting beads. The simulation takes into account the viscous drag of the blood flow, magnetostatic interactions between the magnetic beads and gradient forces from external aligned magnets. We developed a particle-particle particle-mesh method for effective computation of the magnetic force and torque acting on the particles.     

Multi-modal particle manipulator to enhance bead-based bioassays

By sequentially pushing micro-beads towards and away from a sensing surface, we show that ultrasonic radiation forces can be used to enhance the interaction between a functionalised glass surface and polystyrene micro-beads, and identify those that bind to the surface by illuminating bound beads using an evanescent field generated by guided light.The movement towards and immobilisation of streptavidin coated beads onto a biotin functionalised waveguide surface is achieved by using a quarter-wavelength mode pushing beads onto the surface, while the removal of non-specifically bound beads uses a second quarter-wavelength mode which exhibits a kinetic energy maximum at the boundary between the carrier layer and fluid, drawing beads towards this surface. This has been achieved using a multi-modal acoustic device which exhibits both of these quarter-wavelength resonances. Both 1-D acoustic modelling and finite element analysis has been used to design this device and to investigate the spatial uniformity of the field.We demonstrate experimentally that 90% of specifically bound beads remain attached after applying ultrasound, with 80% of non-specifically bound control beads being successfully removed acoustically. This approach overcomes problems associated with lengthy sedimentation processes used for bead-based bioassays and surface (electrostatic) forces, which delay or prevent immobilisation. We explain the potential of this technique in the development of DNA and protein assays in terms of detection speed and multiplexing.     

pH-Sensitive Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose Hydrogel Beads for Drug Delivery

A series of pH-sensitive hydrogel beads were prepared composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) by using Fe³⁺ crosslinking and freeze-thawing (FT) cycle techniques. The mixed solution of CMC and PVA was firstly crosslinked with Fe³⁺ to form beads and then subjected to freezing-thawing cycles for further crosslinking. The formation of hydrogel was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The gelling rate in ferric solution and the swelling and pH-senstive properties of the hydrogel beads were investigated. The encapsulation efficiency and in-vitro release properties of beads were also evaluated using Bovine serum albumin as model drug. The pH sensitivity and the release rate increased with increasing CMC content. These results suggest that the PVA/CMC hgdrogel beads should be useful as pH-sensitive drug delivery systems for bioactive agents.     

Regeneration of AG–AC beads for adsorption of monoaromatic compounds

This study investigates the possibility of monoaromatic compounds benzene and toluene adsorption onto alginate gel (AG–AC) beads with impregnated activated carbon and their regeneration possibility using ultrasound method. Kinetic adsorption tests showed that the AG–AC beads were capable of removing the organic compounds from either individual or mixed compound solutions. Removal ratio of the AG–AC beads was as high as that of free PAC powder for benzene and toluene. The removal was more efficient for toluene (97%) than for benzene (75%), and slightly decreased by 7% and 5% for toluene and benzene respectively even after 5 times regeneration. This indicates that the regeneration method utilizing ultrasound is very efficient for desorption of benzene and toluene from the AG–AC beads developed in this study.     

Dual-Color Quantum Dot–Encoded Nanoprobe for DNA Assays and Cell Imaging

In this article, a novel dual-color quantum dot–encoded fluorescent nanoprobe was prepared by the reverse microemulsion method and layer-by-layer assembly method. First, red fluorescence–emitting CdTe quantum dots were encapsulated in silica nanoparticles by the reverse microemulsion method. Yellow fluorescence–emitting quantum dots were deposited on the surface of silica nanoparticles to form a dual-color quantum dot@silica beads/quantum dot nanoprobe. Then capture DNA was linked to a QSQ nanoprobe via covalent bonding. We utilized the quantum dot@silica beads/quantum dot nanoprobe to capture and detect the mutant BRAF DNA sequence through the competitive immunoassay method. The resulting quantum dot@silica beads/quantum dot nanoprobe-capture DNA conjugates showed sequence-specific hybridization with target DNA. Furthermore, a multispectral imaging system was utilized to distinguish the quantum dot optical code in the quantum dot@silica beads/quantum dot nanoprobe. The quantum dot@silica beads/quantum dot nanoprobe was used in human osteoblast-like HepG2 cell imaging. The proposed quantum dot@silica beads/quantum dot nanoprobe and decoding analysis method could be used for targeting imaging, biological assays, and early detection of cancer.     

High resolution NMR imaging: Gd-DTPA labeled enzyme as a probe for permeability studies in polyacrylamide gels.

The penetration of horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase (HLAD) molecules into polyacrylamide gel beads, which are used to immobilize the enzyme, was studied. HLAD was labeled with gadolinium diethylene-triamine-pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA), using the N-hydroxy-succinimide active ester of DTPA as a chelating agent. The HLAD-(Gd-DTPA)27 has a 3.7-fold larger longitudinal (R1) and a 14-fold larger transversal relaxivity (R2) (at 2.4 T) than the plain Gd-DTPA. A series of dry polyacrylamide gel beads, with total monomer concentration ranging from 5% to 30% were synthesized and swollen in a buffered solution of HLAD-(Gd-DTPA)27. The gel beads were examined with high resolution NMR imaging. The T1- and T2-weighted images revealed that the permeability for the labeled HLAD decreased with increasing total monomer concentration of the gel beads. These imaging results correlate fairly well with the enzymatic reactivities measured for the same range of gel beads but swollen in a solution of non labeled HLAD and NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). It is concluded that Gd-labeling can be used to monitor the distribution of weakly concentrated, water soluble products in a solid matrix.     

广西合浦九只岭汉墓出土石榴子石珠饰的科学分析

为探明广西合浦九只岭汉墓出土的一批紫色珠饰的材质、制作工艺和可能的原料来源,应用X射线荧光光谱、激光拉曼光谱和以及超景深三维显微系统三种分析技术科学分析了其中8枚珠饰。根据X射线荧光光谱和激光拉曼光谱分析结果,从矿物学特征上讲,这些珠饰是由石榴子石族矿物中的铝系石榴石加工而成,除一件样品属于铁铝-镁铝榴石型外,其矿物成分体系具有较高一致性,其他样品均属于富铁铝榴石型石榴子石。结合超景深数码显微系统所获取的样品加工痕迹信息以及近年考古学和科技研究成果,探讨了这批石榴子石的加工工艺和可能的来源。判断这批珠饰采用了旋磨工艺和皮囊球磨工艺两种打磨工艺,采用双钻石钻具对钻的钻孔工艺。这批铁铝榴石宝石珠饰应是由南亚或南亚经东南亚通过海上丝绸之路输入到合浦的,是汉代海上丝绸之路贸易的重要物证,对研究海上丝绸之路的历史和文化交流等具有重要的意义。     

Magnetic measurements of suspended functionalised ferromagnetic beads under DC applied fields

In this work, a simple technique to obtain the hysteresis loops of magnetic beads (Spherotech Inc.) in liquid suspension is presented. The magnetic measurements were taken in a DC Magnetic Property Measurement System (MPMS-SQUID sensor). Samples were based on ferromagnetic beads (surface-functionalized NH₂, mean diameter 4.32 μm) prepared in three conditions: dry, suspended in sucrose solution and in suspension after functionalization with fluorophore. Special small containers (1.3 cm long) made of non magnetic plastic were designed to hold the beads in liquid. The results indicate that the bead's remnant magnetization is half of the value at maximum applied field in all cases. However, due to the additional degrees of rotational freedom, beads suspended in a liquid do not present coercivity. The use of ferromagnetic beads and magnetic elements of different architectures for applications in bioassays is also discussed.     

双光子荧光与相干反斯托克斯拉曼散射显微成像技术的实验研究

双光子荧光与相干反斯托克斯拉曼散射同属于三阶非线性效应,二者之间的差异与联系是一个值得研究的问题.本文基于自行搭建的超连续谱近红外宽带相干反斯托克斯拉曼散射显微成像系统进行光谱成像,同时通过理论与实验对比分析了双光子荧光与相干反斯托克斯拉曼散射图像存在差异的原因.结果表明,具有亚微米以上横向分辨率的相干反斯托克斯拉曼散射成像系统,可以使用较大尺寸的荧光珠进行双光子荧光成像,通过解卷积得到双光子荧光成像的系统分辨率,并将它近似等效于相干反斯托克斯拉曼散射成像系统的当下分辨率.如果需要得到相干反斯托克斯拉曼散射成像系准确的分辨率结果,就必须使用尺寸比相干反斯托克斯拉曼散射成像系统实际分辨率小的球形样品进行实验测量.     

Three-dimensional magneto-optic trap for micro-object manipulation

A magneto-optic trap for micro-objects is described. Magnetic beads were trapped by optical tweezers while being rotated by a new integrated magnetic manipulator. Rotation was achieved with eight electromagnets with tip-pole geometry. The time orbital potential technique was used to achieve rotation of magnetic beads. Trapping in three dimensions and rotation of magnetic beads on three axes are demonstrated with forces up to 230 pN and force momenta of up to 10(-16)N m . A position-detection apparatus based on an interferometric scheme provides nanometer sensitivities in a few milliseconds.     

Collection and X-ray microanalysis of airway surface liquid in the mouse using ion exchange beads

The airway surface liquid (ASL) is a thin layer of liquid covering the airway epithelium. The ionic composition of the ASL is assumed to be important for airway function and may be altered in diseases such as cystic fibrosis and exercise-induced asthma. A method for collection of ASL is presented in which the fluid is collected using small dextran ion-exchange beads. The beads are equilibrated with the ASL in a humidity chamber, collected under silicon oil, dried and analyzed by X-ray microanalysis. Analysis of standard beads prepared by exposure to different salt solutions shows that linear calibration lines can be obtained, but that beads absorb different elements to a different extent. The results show that the ASL in mice is hypotonic, and that the mucus component of the ASL has an elemental composition that is different from that of the periciliary fluid.     

Simultaneous preservation of orchid seed and its fungal symbiont using encapsulation-dehydration is dependent on moisture content and storage temperature

Seeds of Dactylorhiza fuchsii (common spotted orchid) and Anacamptis morio (green-winged orchid) were encapsulated in alginate beads with hyphae of the basidomycete fungus Ceratobasidium cornigerum. Pre-treatment of beads for 18 h with sucrose at an optimum concentration of 0.75 M decreased the desiccation rate in a flow of sterile air (c. 23 degree C, 30% RH) and increased seed and fungal survival after up to 16 h drying. Pre-treated and 16-h dried beads were transferred to cryo-vials and subsequently stored at a range of low temperatures for up to 30 d. Neither embryo growth of both orchids nor fungal development was detrimentally affected by 1 d storage at -196 degree C when the beads were pre-dried to c. 20% moisture content. Encapsulated D. fuchsii seed and compatible fungus had < 5% and < 45% viability when beads of the same moisture content were stored for 1 d at -20 degree C and -70 degree C respectively. In contrast, viability of the seed and the fungus remained unchanged during 30 days storage at -196 degree C but was progressively lost at 16 degree C over the same interval. The results indicate opportunities for the use of simultaneous cryopreservation as a conservation tool for diverse taxa.