Magnetic nanoparticles trigger cell proliferation arrest of neuro-2a cells and ROS-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress response

The synthesis, morphological characterization, and optical properties of colloidal, Eu(III) doped Gd₂O₃ nanoparticles with different sizes and shapes are presented. Utilizing wet chemical techniques and various synthesis routes, we were able to obtain spherical, nanodisk, nanotripod, and nanotriangle-like morphology of Gd₂O₃:Eu³⁺ nanoparticles. Various concentrations of Eu³⁺ ions in the crystal matrix of the nanoparticles were tested in order to establish the levels at which the concentration quenching effect is negligible. Based on the luminescence spectra, luminescence lifetimes and optical parameters, which were calculated using the simplified Judd–Ofelt theory, correlations between the Gd₂O₃ nanoparticles morphology and Eu³⁺ ions luminescence were established, and allowed to predict the theoretical maximum quantum efficiency to reach from 61 to 98 %. We have also discussed the impact of the crystal structure of Gd₂O₃ nanoparticles, as well as coordinating environment of luminescent ions located at the surface, on the emission spectra. With the use of a tunable femtosecond laser system and the Z-scan measurement technique, the values of the effective two-photon absorption cross-section in the wavelength range from 550 to 1,200 nm were also calculated. The nonlinear optical measurements revealed maximum multi-photon absorption in the wavelength range from 600 to 750 nm.

     

Analysis of glycoprotein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum using synthetic oligosaccharides

Protein quality control (QC) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) comprises many steps, including folding and transport of nascent proteins as well as degradation of misfolded proteins. Recent studies have revealed that high-mannose-type glycans play a pivotal role in the QC process. To gain knowledge about the molecular basis of this process with well-defined homogeneous compounds, we achieved a convergent synthesis of high-mannose-type glycans and their functionalized derivatives. We focused on analyses of UDP-Glc: glycoprotein glucosyltransferase (UGGT) and ER Glucosidase II, which play crucial roles in glycoprotein QC; however, their specificities remain unclear. In addition, we established an in vitro assay system mimicking the in vivo condition which is highly crowded because of the presence of various biomacromolecules.     

Confocal white light reflection imaging for characterization of metal nanostructures

A simple far-field confocal white light reflection imaging system was proposed using a xenon (Xe) lamp as the incident light source. The best spatial resolution was determined to be about 410 nm. Localized surface plasmons (LSPs) of isolated single and dimer gold nanospheres were studied and the resonance energy difference between their LSPs was extracted. Polarization dependent reflection imaging and contrast spectrum of single silver nanowires were also investigated, which correlate closely with the polarization dependent excitation of their LSP.     

Confocal fluorescence lifetime imaging of free calcium in single cells

Ca²⁺ concentrations in biological cells are widely studied with fluorescent probes. The probes have a high selectivity for free calcium and exhibit marked changes in their photophysical properties upon binding. The differences in the fluorescent lifetime of the probes can now be used as a contrast mechanism for imaging purposes. This technique can be further exploited for the quantitative determination of ion concentrations within the cells. We describe the use of a fast fluorescence lifetime imaging method in combination with a standard confocal laser scanning microscope for the determination of Ca²⁺ concentrations in single rat cardiac myocytes using the intensity probe Calcium Green.     

Internal features of graphite in cast irons. Confocal microscopy: useful tool for graphite growth imaging

Spherulitic crystallisation is a mode of growth of crystals from the melt. Considerable attention has been given to spheroidal graphite formation, providing detailed information about the internal microstructure of the spherulites in spheroidal (SG irons) and compacted graphite irons (CG irons) (Stefanescu, D., 1990. Cast Irons. ASM Handbook, 10th ed., vol. 1). Nevertheless, the mechanisms responsible for this mode of crystallisation are not fully understood. This study deals with the inoculation mechanisms, with particular emphasis on the study of the inclusions for the heterogeneous nucleation of graphite. It is shown that the graphite nuclei are sulfide products of the nodularizing treatment. It has been observed that when rare-earth treatment is applied, the central nucleus consists of a core and an envelope from which the graphite grows. Confocal Scanning Laser Microscopy (CSLM), in reflection mode, was used to study the internal features of the spheroidal graphite growth. Confocal reflection imaging, which has a capacity for optical sectioning of the sample, provides high-resolution images of surface and subsurface regions of interest contained within a semi-transparent sample. Furthermore, three-dimensional reconstruction of these optical sections can provide insight into the mechanism of graphite growth mechanism interpretation. With CSLM the radial growth of graphite was seen. Other techniques, such as TEM, SEM-EDS, WDS, AES and SAM were also used to corroborate the results.     

Diagnostic ultrasound artifacts during imaging of two-body interfaces: part 1--wavelength resonance

A diagnostic ultrasound technique is to be developed for measuring surface contact areas at the tibio-femoral interface of a total knee replacement in an in vitro industrial engineering setting as a design tool. As a first step, a previous study mathematically characterized the ultrasound behaviour expected at a two-body circular-on-flat interface of known geometry. In the current investigation, a series of test objects was constructed and imaged to experimentally validate the theoretical contact models. Specifically, several unique metal-on-polymer test objects, whose interfaces were point, non-point, and circular contact areas, were ultrasonically imaged. The effects of interface geometry, ultrasound resonance wavelength, λ/2, and compressive load were studied.     

The Application of Confocal Micro-Raman Spectrometer to Nondestructive Identification of Filled Gemstones

ABSTRACT

The technique of micro-Raman spectroscopy has the advantages of being nondestructive, high speed, high accuracy and also can be used for finite-precision analysis in combination with microscopy. In this paper, bleached and filled jadeite-jade and filled ruby were selected as the analysis objects, and then micro-Raman spectroscopy in combination with XRF and IR was carried out for detection and analyses. There were many microcracks observed in the micrograph of jadeite-jade, which is the result of bleaching with strong acid, and it was proved that these cracks were filled with epoxy resin by the diagnostic Raman shifts near 777, 1123, 1611, 2930, and 3065 cm^?1. Many cracks and white floccules were observed in the micrograph of filled ruby; This was the result of filling with lead glass and organic material. In addition, the broad and strong Raman shift near 1563 cm^?1 was attributed to lead glass, and Raman shifts near 2331, 2874, and 3285 cm^?1 were attributed to organic filler. This analysis method also can be applied for identification of other varieties of filled gemstones.     

The effects of Ce6-mediated sono-photodynamic therapy on cell migration,apoptosis and autophagy in mouse mammary 4T1 cell line

Purpose

Sono-Photodynamic therapy (SPDT) is an alternative therapy which claims to enhance the anti-cancer effects by combining sonodynamic therapy (SDT) with photodynamic therapy (PDT). In the present study, we investigated the effects of chlorin e6 (Ce6) mediated SPDT on migration, apoptosis and autophagy in mouse mammary 4T1 cancer cells, and its underlying mechanisms.

Materials

Cell migration was determined by wound healing assay. Apoptosis was analyzed using annexin V-PE/7-ADD staining as well as Hoechst 33342 staining. Changes of mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) was evaluated by flow cytometry. Formation of acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs) during autophagy was observed with fluorescence microscope by MDC staining. Immunofluorescence assays were performed to detect the co-localization of LC3 and Lamp2. Western blotting was employed to analyze the activity of the apoptosis related proteins Caspase-3, PARP, Bax and Bcl-2, as well as the autophagy associated processing of LC3-I to LC3-II and Beclin-1 expression.

Results

Ce6 mediated SPDT further enhanced cell migration inhibition, significantly triggered cell apoptosis, nuclear condensation and MMP drop. Cleaved Caspase-3 and PARP increased dramatically after Ce6-SPDT, accompanied by decreased Bcl-2 expression, while the expression of Bax remained stable. Additionally, AVOs formation, co-localization of LC3 and Lamp2 occurred following Ce6-SPDT and simultaneously accompanied by LC3-II processing and increased Beclin-1 expression.

Conclusions

Ce6-SPDT could enhance cell migration inhibition, and induce mitochondria-dependent apoptosis as well as autophagy in 4T1 cells.     

Fast imaging MR assessment of ureterohydronephrosis during pregnancy

Purpose: to assess the value of the fast imaging sequence called RARE-MR-Urography (RMU) for the diagnosis of pathologic ureterohydronephrosis during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: 15 pregnant women with an acute flank pain were examined with RMU. Results were compared with those of ultrasonography (US), X-rays, and the evolution of symptoms. Results: the accuracy of RMU in the detection of urinary tract dilatation and the localization of the level of obstruction was excellent (100%). The determination of the type of obstruction, intrinsic vs. extrinsic, was always exact. RMU alone cannot specify the exact nature of the intrinsic obstruction. Ultrasonography gave less sensitive information in terms of level (60%) and type of obstruction (53%). Conclusion: RMU is able to differentiate a physiological from a pathologic ureterohydronephrosis during pregnancy. It could be considered as a procedure of choice for special cases when US failed to establish this differential diagnosis.     

Magnetic resonance imaging appearance of metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma to the sacrum and epidural space

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare malignant tumor of the skin and often is diagnosed histologically as lymphoma, melanoma and even metastatic small cell carcinoma of the lung (SCCL). Classified as a neuroendocrine tumor, clinically it originates in the head and neck region and may present with metastatic disease at the time of presentation [1]. Osseous involvement in the past has been described to involve regional facial bones only. We present the first reported MRI findings of distant osseous metastasis from a Merkel cell carcinoma to the lumbosacral spine with associated soft tissue and epidural involvement. Appropriate treatment and patient survival depend on prompt diagnostic imaging for establishment of metastatic disease. Previous reports have advocated CT for diagnosis and staging of distant metastases [2,3]. When spinal involvement is suspected, MRI may be a more suitable modality for assessment of the epidural space and appropriate staging and follow-up in such cases.     

The use of thermal imaging to monitoring skin temperature during cryotherapy: A systematic review

Cryotherapy has been applied on clinical injuries and as a method for exercise recovery. It is aimed to reduce edema, nervous conduction velocity, and tissue metabolism, as well as to accelerate the recovery process of the muscle injury induced by exercise. Objective: This review aim to investigate the applicability of thermal imaging as a method for monitoring skin temperature during cryotherapy. Method: Search the Web of Science database using the terms “Cryotherapy”, “Thermography”, “Thermal Image” and “Cooling”. Results: Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria and pass the PEDro scale quality evaluation. Evidence support the use of thermal imaging as a method for monitoring the skin temperature during cryotherapy, and it is superior to other contact methods and subjective methods of assessing skin temperature. Conclusion: Thermography seems to be an efficient, trustworthy and secure method in order to monitoring skin temperature during cryotherapy application. Evidence supports the use of thermography in detriment of contact methods as well as other subjective ones.     

测量表面倾角对差动共焦瞄准信号影响分析

普通共焦显微镜的轴向响应特性,因受到被测量表面的倾斜角影响引从而起轴向响应特性变化,而应用差动共焦光学系统对超精密加工的表面进行瞄准测量时,差动系统的瞄准信号也受到影响,并进而影响到测量系统对加工表面的测量精度及分辨特性。通过对差动共焦测量系统输出信号理论模型的分析得出被测量面的倾斜角变化不影响差动共焦输出信号零点位置;倾角在一定范围内变化时不影响瞄准测量分辨力的结论,并给出了实验分析结果。     

BRCA1 involved in regulation of Bcl-2 expression and apoptosis susceptibility to ionizing radiation

BRCA1 has been proposed to be tightly linked to the resistance of tumor cells to ionizing radiation. The pathway leading to this phenomenon is not yet clear. In this work, we investigated the role of BRCA1 in the apoptosis regulation in response to carbon ion irradiation. We utilized three different cancer cell lines with various states for BRCA1 and p53 to identify the relationship between endogenous BRCA1 and the apoptosis-related genes, and determine whether p53 function would affect the role of BRCA1 in...     

Magnetic resonance imaging of single rice kernels during cooking

The RARE imaging method was used to monitor the cooking of single rice kernels in real time and with high spatial resolution in three dimensions. The imaging sequence is optimized for rapid acquisition of signals with short relaxation times using centered out RARE. Short scan time and high spatial resolution are critical factors in the investigation of the cooking behavior of rice kernels since time and spatial averaging may lead to erroneous results. The results are confirming the general pattern of moisture ingress that has been suspected from previous (more limited) studies. Water uptake as determined by analysis of the MRI time series recorded during cooking compares well with gravimetric studies. This allows using these real-time MRI data for developing and validating models that describe the effect of kernel microstructure on its cooking behavior.     

Quantitative MR imaging of targeted SPIO particles on the cell surface and comparison to flow cytometry

Purpose

To detect anti-CEACAM5 targeted superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) particles in vitro on the cell surface by quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and to compare with flow cytometry.

Materials and Methods

The monoclonal mouse antibody T84.1 and an appropriate IgG isotype antibody were conjugated to dextran-coated SPIO particles. HT29 cells expressing carcinoembryonic antigen (CEACAM5) were treated with antibody-conjugated SPIO particles. Purified cell samples were examined on a 3.0-T MR scanner using a multi-echo spin-echo sequence for MR relaxometry. Aliquots of the cell samples were further treated with a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) anti-dextran antibody and an Alexa Fluor 488 anti-mouse antibody for the corresponding flow cytometry.

Results

MR relaxometry revealed a dose-dependent binding of T84.1-conjugated SPIO particles with a positive correlation between R₂ relaxation rate of cell samples and SPIO particle concentration during incubation (r=0.993, P<.01). Positive correlations were also observed between R₂ relaxation rate and flow cytometry (geometric mean) with both fluorescent antibodies (r=0.972 and r=0.953, both P<.01), respectively.

Conclusion

The study revealed the feasibility of quantitative MR imaging of targeted SPIO particles on the cell surface comparable to flow cytometry.     

等效折射率为非-1时的亚波长成像

本文采用硅柱子周期性排列构成六角结构光子晶体,用平面波展开方法和FDTD方法研究表明,此结构光子晶体存在等效折射率接近-1的频率区域.在等效折射率趋于-1但不等于-1时,此光子晶体平板结构超透镜能形成一个非近场的像.模拟还发现,此结构平板光子晶体等效折射率为非-1时,可以亚波长成像. 关键词： 负折射 光子晶体 亚波长 成像     

Electrokinetic transport of nanoparticles to opening of nanopores on cell membrane during electroporation

Nanoparticle transport to the opening of the single nanopore created on the cell membrane during the electroporation is studied. First, the permeabilization of a single cell located in a microchannel is investigated. When the nanopores are created, the transport of the nanoparticles from the surrounding liquid to the opening of one of the created nanopores is examined. It was found that the negatively charged nanoparticles preferably move into the nanopores from the side of the cell membrane that faces the negative electrode. Opposite to the electro-osmotic flow effect, the electrophoretic force tends to draw the negatively charged nanoparticles into the opening of the nanopores. The effect of the Brownian force is negligible in comparison with the electro-osmosis and the electrophoresis. Smaller nanoparticles with stronger surface charge transport more easily to the opening of the nanopores. Positively charged nanoparticles preferably enter the nanopores from the side of the cell membrane that faces the positive electrode. On this side, both the electrophoretic and the electro-osmotic forces are in the same directions and contribute to bring the positively charged particles into the nanopores.     

1H NMR spin-spin relaxation and imaging in porous systems: an application to the morphological study of white portland cement during hydration in the presence of organics

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spin-spin relaxation and imaging have been applied to investigate white Portland cement pastes during hydration in the absence and in the presence of organic solvents. The main organic solvent investigated was methanol, alone or together with the organic waste 2-chloroaniline (2-CA), an aromatic amine representative of an important class of highly toxic compounds. For all the analysed samples, prepared with a solvent-to-cement ratio of 0.4, the decay of the echo magnetization has been fitted by adopting a model that combines an exponential component with a gaussian one. The calculated independent relaxation parameters have been discussed in terms of morphological and dynamical changes that occur during the cement hardening process and pore formation. Three kinds of water molecules: "solid-like" (chemically and physically bound), "liquid-like" (porous trapped) and "free" water, endowed with anisotropic, near isotropic and isotropic motion, respectively, were identified. Spin-echo images collected on the same samples during the hydration kinetics, allowed the changes of water and solvents spatial distribution in the porous network to be monitored, showing percolation phenomena and confirming the multimodal open channels structure of the hardened cement system. Both T(2) relaxation and imaging data indicated that a pronounced delay occurs in the cement hardening when organics are present.     

In vitro evaluation of vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cell survival and apoptosis in response to hypothermia and freezing

The success of endovascular techniques such as balloon angioplasty and stenting in the treatment of atherosclerotic vascular disease has been limited by an aggressive proliferative response leading to neointimal hyperplasia and re-stenosis. A new endovascular therapy combining cold treatment with balloon dilation has been proposed to prevent arterial re-stenosis. In order to evaluate the potential of this application, studies were conducted investigating the effects of hypothermia and freezing on human arteries at the cellular level. Cultured arterial endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells were chilled or frozen under controlled thermal conditions. The viability response of the cells was measured with a variety of assays quantifying necrosis, apoptosis, and cell proliferation. These data establish correlations between thermal conditions and the extent and nature of arterial freezing injury. Arterial smooth muscle cells were found to be susceptible to freeze-induced apoptosis in a temperature range of -5 to -15 degrees C. Endovascular cryotherapy designed to induce apoptosis in arterial smooth muscle cells may limit neointimal formation and thereby improve the durability of conventional angioplasty.