Cordless-Microscope
All about Cordless-Microscope.A high-throughput approach for cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy sample preparation of thin films
A high-throughput approach for cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy sample preparation of thin films
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Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (XTEM) is a very useful technique to study the interfacial diffusion and reactions and the grain growth of thin films. However, the preparation of XTEM samples of thin films is tedious and challenging. Difficulties may include the delamination of films from the substrate, fracture of brittle substrates and differential milling rates of the substrate and the film. This paper describes an improved technique using a combination of tripod polishing and focused ion beam milling to prepare XTEM samples of thin films. The technique can be widely used for high-throughput production of samples having varying film and substrate properties. Two different geometries are introduced. The first one is suitable for XTEM sample preparation of most films at a high yield rate, but with a limited view area. The other geometry is able to give a larger view area and is more suitable for thicker films. The technique is illustrated by an example of the sample preparation of Fe/Pt multilayer films on SiO2/Si substrates.
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Other Articles:
| • | A Method for Chronological Intravital Imaging of Bovine Oocytes during In Vitro Maturation |
| Research Articles Morten R. Petersen, Michael Hansen, Birthe Avery, Ingrid B. Bøgh, Microscopy and Microanalysis, Volume 14 Issue 06 , pp 549-560 Abstract Oocyte maturation is known to affect the chances for successful fertilization, embryonic development, establishment of pregnancy and delivery of a live, healthy, and viable offspring. Two-photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM) has previously been used to evaluate early embryonic development without a detectable impairment of subsequent development, but has never been applied to assess mammalian oocytes throughout in vitro maturation (IVM). Visualization of structures within live oocytes during IVM, followed by fertilization and embryo culture, may improve the understanding of oocyte maturation. To visualize structures within bovine oocytes using TPLSM, it is necessary to remove the cumulus cells that normally surround the oocyte during maturation. Repeated visualization of structures within the same oocyte is possible, if movement of the oocyte can be avoided. In this article, we describe the development of a method for repeated intravital imaging of denuded bovine oocytes using an upright TPLSM equipped with a specially constructed incubator. Oocytes were stained with Hoechst 33258, and the nuclear structures were evaluated. Oocyte fertilization rate was not affected by TPLSM exposure, but the developmental capacity of the denuded oocytes was significantly reduced. This is, to our knowledge, the first article describing repeated intravital imaging during mammalian oocyte maturation using TPLSM. |
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| • | S-1 and Gemcitabine as an Outpatient-based Regimen in Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer |
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The standard beneficial chemotherapy proved for patients with pancreatic cancer is a regimen containing gemcitabine. Novel oral fluoropyrimidine, S-1, can be added to gemcitabine to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy and to provide better convenience for patients. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of S-1 plus gemcitabine combination chemotherapy as a first-line treatment in patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer. Patients with histologically confirmed, bidimensionally measurable advanced/metastatic pancreatic cancer were eligible for the study. Chemotherapy consisted of S-1 (30 mg/m2 p.o. bid from Day 1 to 14) and gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2 on Days 8 and 15) every 3 weeks based on the results of a previously reported Phase I trial. Treatment was repeated until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurred. From January 2005 to August 2007, 22 patients were enrolled. Median age was 62 years (range, 50–73). Nineteen patients (86.3%) had metastases and of these, 11 patients (57.9%) had multiple liver metastases. The overall response rate was 27.3% (95% CI, 8.7–45.9), with a partial response in six patients, stable disease in nine (40.9%) and progressive disease in seven (31.8%). With a median follow-up of 25.4 months, the median time to progression and overall survival were 4.6 (95% CI, 2–7.2 months) and 8.5 months (95% CI, 6.8–10.1 months), respectively, and 1-year survival rate was 27.3%. S-1 plus gemcitabine was well tolerated. Grade 3/4 hematological adverse events were neutropenia (9.1/9.1%) and anemia (4.5/0%). Non-hematological adverse events were mainly gastrointestinal events. Twenty patients (91%) received chemotherapy on an outpatient basis. Combination chemotherapy of S-1 plus gemcitabine appears to be active and well tolerated as first-line treatment in patients with advanced/metastatic pancreatic cancer. |
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| • | Spin-torque nanomagnet switching breaks speed limits |
| Dynamic Static Random Access Memory (DRAM) and Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) require constant power in order to retain memory. Using a magnetic memory chip known as Magnetic Random Access Memory (MRAM), information can be stored in the form of magnetization. The newest generation of MRAM employs the spin-torque effect for programming the magnetic bits. By using a current pulse, the spin-torque can be controlled and the memory state of the cell can be programmed. An experiment performed at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Germany has uncovered that a spin-torque switching of a nanomagnet is as fast as what is permitted according to the fundamental laws of physics’ limit. This method of switching, also named ballistic switching, could allow for increased speeds in future non-volatile magnetic memories. See thefutureofthings.com. |
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| • | After-school Science for Adults? |
Apparently science after school is not just for kids. If you live in NYC, "Talking Science" offers events at a local bar that make science exciting and fun. The quote from the site that I think tells it all is: "[NPR Science Friday host] IRA FLATOW ON A BED OF NAILS!!" |
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| • | Digital Oedema, Adhesion Formation and Resistance to Digital Motion after Primary Flexor Tendon Repair |
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The development of digital oedema, adhesion formation, and resistance to digital motion at days 0, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 14 after primary flexor tendon repairs using 102 long toes of 51 Leghorn chickens was studied. Oedema presented as tissue swelling from days 3 to 7, which peaked at day 3. After day 7, oedema was manifest as hardening of subcutaneous tissue. The degree of digital swelling correlated with the resistance to tendon motion between days 3 and 7. At day 9, granulation tissues were observed around the tendon and loose adhesions were observed at day 14. Resistance to digital motion increased significantly from day 0 to day 3, but did not increase between days 3 and 9. The early postoperative changes appear to have three stages: initial (days 0–3, increasing resistance with development of oedema), delayed (days 4–7, higher resistance with continuing oedema) and late (after day 7–9, hardening of subcutaneous tissue with development of adhesions). |
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