Visualization of Epidermal and Dermal Alteration in Papulonodular Mucinosis by Multiphoton Microscopy

Papulonodular mucinosis (PM) is a cutaneous clue to the presence and activity of silent lupus erythematosus (LE), but the exact pathogenesis is still under secret. Moreover, the currently available treatments for PM are not satisfactory. To demonstrate the possibility of multiphoton microscopy (MPM) to trace the pathological state of PM and evaluate the treatment efficacy, epidermal and dermal alteration in skin lesion with PM before and after treatment was examined using MPM. Microstructure of epidermis as well as content and distribution of collagen and elastin in dermis were quantified to characterize the pathological states of PM. The results showed significant morphological difference between skin lesion before and after treatment, indicating the possibility of MPM to assess the therapeutic efficacy. With the advancement on MPM miniaturization and enhancement of contrast and depth of imaging, the MPM technique can be applied in in vivo tracking PM formation and progression, and leading the better understanding the PM pathogenesis and mechanism of response to any treatment, helping to establish novel effective therapies for PM. SCANNING 35:22‐27, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Detection of C-reactive protein on a functional poly(thiophene) self-assembled monolayer using surface plasmon resonance

The preparation of a new poly(thiophene) with pendant N-hydroxysuccinimide ester groups and its application to immobilization of biomolecules are reported. A thiophene derivative of N-hydroxysuccinimide ester was polymerized with FeCl(3) in chloroform and the resulting poly(thiophene) was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). This polymer reacts with amine-bearing molecules to yield new poly(thiophene) derivatives and the specific interactions at the side groups could be detected. Thus, a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) using the polymer was formed on a gold-coated quartz cell and anti-C-reactive protein (anti-CRP) was immobilized. The binding behavior of CRP on the surface was monitored by use of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor system.     

Spectroscopic characterization of glycidyl methacrylate with acrylonitrile copolymers and monomer reactivity ratios

We report herein that copolymers containing glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) with acrylonitrile (AN) units were synthesized by free radical solution polymerization technique using benzoyl peroxide as a free radical initiator and 1,4‐dioxane as a solvent at 70°C. The copolymerization behavior was studied in different composition with the mole fractions of GMA ranging from 0.20 to 0.80 in the feed and under 10% copolymer conversion. The copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The thermogravimetric analysis of the copolymers suggest an overall decrease in the thermal stability of the copolymer with decreasing content of GMA in the copolymers. Thermal decomposition activation energies are calculated by the Ozawa method. The copolymer composition was determined by the application of elemental analysis method. The monomer reactivity ratios were estimated by the application of conventional linearization methods, such as Kelen–Tudos (K‐T), Fineman–Ross (F‐R) methods, and a nonlinear error in variable model (RREVM) method using a computer program, and all results were discussed and compared with the literature.     

Dielectric submicroscopic phase characterisation of engine oil dispersed in jet fuel based on on‐line dielectric spectroscopy

The dielectric submicroscopic phase (DSP) characterisation of oxidised engine oils dispersed in 3# jet fuel has been analysed by on‐line dielectric spectroscopy (DES) in order to establish the correlation between engine oil oxidation degradation degrees and its DSP characteristics. Seven samples with different oxidation degradation degrees called oxidation‐series samples prepared by simulation oxidation have been analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and their insoluble content values according to GB/T8296 have been obtained. A series of dispersion systems composed of 0.3 ml oxidation‐series samples as the dispersed substances and 3 ml 3# jet fuel as the corresponding dispersion mediums have been designed and tested by on‐line DES during the dispersion processes, which resulted in seven series of dispersion‐series samples. Significant DES differences between the 3# jet fuel dispersion mediums and the dispersion systems have been obtained. During the dispersion process, the significant trends including dielectric enhancement stages and dielectric weakening stages have been observed according to both the raw on‐line DES spectra and DES distances, which resulted from the dielectric inhomogeneity and could be regarded as the main DSP characteristics of dispersion systems. The fact that the DSP characteristics were significantly different from the interfacial polarisation characteristics of heterogeneous systems has been verified by the on‐line DES Cole–Cole plots. It has also been proved that there the DSP characteristics of dispersion systems were consistent with their oxidation degradation degrees. And good regression performance can be obtained from both the on‐line DES distances on the basis of partial least squares and on‐line DES spectral data on the basis of multilinear‐partial least squares for insoluble contents and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy oxidation peak areas. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analysis of asphaltic binders modified with PPA by surface techniques

Samples of unmodified and modified asphalt binders containing 1% polyphosphoric acid were studied. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy was used to evaluate the structural indices of the functional groups present in the samples and the results indicated there was a strong interaction between the polyphosphoric acid and oxygenated species. Contact angle measurements indicated that adhesion of the binder to the aggregate depended on the polyphosphoric acid content. Atomic force microscopy was used to relate features observed on the surface of the asphalt binder 50/70, with their local mechanical properties such as stiffness and elasticity. It was observed that the surface of the sample containing 1% polyphosphoric acid provides stiffness values lower than the unmodified asphalt binder.     

Nuclear microscopy: a tool for imaging elemental distribution and percutaneous absorption in vivo

Nuclear microscopy is a technique based on a focused beam of accelerated particles that has the ability of imaging the morphology of the tissue in vivo and of producing the correspondent elemental maps, whether in major, minor, or trace concentrations. These characteristics constitute a strong advantage in studying the morphology of human skin, its elemental distributions and the permeation mechanisms of chemical compounds. In this study, nuclear microscopy techniques such as scanning transmission ion microscopy and particle induced X-ray emission were applied simultaneously, to cryopreserved human skin samples with the purpose of obtaining high-resolution images of cells and tissue morphology. In addition, quantitative elemental profiling and mapping of phosphorus, calcium, chlorine, and potassium in skin cross-sections were obtained. This procedure accurately distinguishes the epidermal strata and dermis by overlapping in real time the elemental information with density images obtained from the transmitted beam. A validation procedure for elemental distributions in human skin based on differential density of epidermal strata and dermis was established. As demonstrated, this procedure can be used in future studies as a tool for the in vivo examination of trans-epidermal and -dermal delivery of products.     

手性拆分剂的鉴别

用傅里叶变换红外光谱法,对7个没有标签的手性拆分剂进行了结构鉴定,用旋光法测定了比旋光度。结果表明,傅里叶变换红外光谱法结合旋光法可以直观、快速、准确地鉴别手性拆分剂的结构和旋光性。     

HPLC法测定联苯乙酸巴布剂中药物含量及其体外透皮性能的研究

目的:建立联苯乙酸巴布剂中联苯乙酸含量的HPLC测定方法,研究联苯乙酸巴布剂(LDH-Cata-plasm)的体外透皮释放性能,并与国外商品样品(J-Cataplasm)进行了比较。方法:高效液相色谱法,色谱柱:Wa-ters SunFireC18柱(150mm×4.6mm,5μm);流动相:甲醇-乙酸铵水溶液(60?40)(乙酸调节pH=3.6);流速:1.0mL/min,检测波长:254nm,进样量:10μL。用离体豚鼠皮肤作为透皮屏障,采用改进的Franz扩散池测定联苯乙酸巴布剂的体外透皮性能。结果:在1.26～20.16μg/mL浓度范围内,联苯乙酸浓度与峰面积之间呈良好线性关系,相关系数r=0.9999;定量限为0.05μg/mL;回收率为98.7%～100.0%。LDH-Cataplasm与J-Cataplasm的体外透皮方程均符合Higuchi方程(Q=kt1/2),且两者的体外透皮过程相似,各时间点的透皮速率无显著性差异。结论:该方法快速、简便,重复性好,可用于联苯乙酸巴布剂的含量测定及其体外透皮释放量的测定。     

Microscopic and spectroscopic characterization of rice and corn starch

Starch granules from rice and corn were isolated, and their molecular mechanism on interaction with α‐amylase was characterized through biochemical test, microscopic imaging, and spectroscopic measurements. The micro‐scale structure of starch granules were observed under an optical microscope and their average size was in the range 1–100 μm. The surface topological structures of starch with micro‐holes due to the effect of α‐ amylase were also visualized under scanning electron microscope. The crystallinity was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction patterns as well as second‐harmonic generation microscopy. The change in chemical bonds before and after hydrolysis of the starch granules by α‐ amylase was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Combination of microscopy and spectroscopy techniques relates structural and chemical features that explain starch enzymatic hydrolysis which will provide a valid basis for future studies in food science and insights into the energy transformation dynamics.     

Three‐dimensional digital reconstruction of skin epidermis and dermis

This study describes how three‐dimensional (3D) human skin tissue is reconstructed, and provides digital anatomical data for the physiological structure of human skin tissue based on large‐scale thin serial sections. Human skin samples embedded in paraffin were cut serially into thin sections and then stained with hematoxylin‐eosin. Images of serial sections obtained from lighting microscopy were scanned and aligned by the scale‐invariant feature transform algorithm. 3D reconstruction of the skin tissue was generated using Mimics software. Fibre content, porosity, average pore diameter and specific surface area of dermis were analysed using the ImageJ analysis system. The root mean square error and mutual information based on the scale‐invariant feature transform algorithm registration were significantly greater than those based on the manual registration. Fibre distribution gradually decreased from top to bottom; while porosity showed an opposite trend with irregular average pore diameter distribution. A specific surface area of the dermis showed a ‘V’ shape trend. Our data suggested that 3D reconstruction of human skin tissue based on large‐scale serial sections could be a valuable tool for providing a highly accurate histological structure for analysis of skin tissue. Moreover, this technology could be utilized to produce tissue‐engineered skin via a 3D bioprinter in the future.     

Molecular interaction originating from polar functional group in lubricants and its relationship with their traction property under elastohydrodynamic lubrication

The correlation between molecular interaction and traction properties was investigated using a traction tester and in situ observation of elastohydrodynamic lubrication film with a micro‐Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The sample oils used were polypropylene glycols (PPGs) with the end‐group of alcohol or ether and a synthetic hydrocarbon oil, poly‐α‐olefin. From the traction tests, it was found that the traction coefficient of PPG was sensitive to the end‐group. PPG with alcohol as the end‐group showed a higher traction coefficient than that with the ether group. In situ observation with a micro‐Fourier transform infrared was performed in order to investigate the molecular interaction of the lubricant oil. It was found that the hydrogen bonding of hydroxyl groups in PPG was strengthened by high pressure in the Hertzian contact region. These results suggest that the rheological properties in the elastohydrodynamic lubrication contact region were affected by the strengthened hydrogen bonding. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Possible common biomarkers from FTIR microspectroscopy of cervical cancer and melanoma

Detection of malignancy at early stages is crucial in cancer prevention and management. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has shown promise as a non‐invasive method with diagnostic potential in cancer detection. Studies were conducted with formalin‐fixed biopsies of melanoma and cervical cancer by FTIR microspectroscopy (FTIR‐MSP) to detect common biomarkers, which occurred in both types of cancer distinguishing them from the respective non‐malignant tissues. Both types of cancer are diagnosed on skin surfaces. The spectra were analysed for changes in levels of biomolecules such as RNA, DNA, phosphates and carbohydrate (glycogen). Whereas carbohydrate levels showed a good diagnostic potential for detection of cervical cancer, this was not the case for melanoma. However, variation of the RNA/DNA ratio as measured at I(1121)/I(1020) showed similar trends between non‐malignant and malignant tissues in both types of cancer. The ratio was higher for malignant tissues in both types of cancer.     

傅里叶变换光谱仪用红外水平衰减全反射测试仪

介绍了用于傅里叶变换光谱仪的红外水平衰减全反射(ATR)测试仪的基本原理和设计思想,分析了影响光谱强度的穿透深度和反射次数。将光斑缩小三倍聚焦到样品上,把光路还原聚焦到接收器上,对能量利用率进行了分析计算。给出了在FTS-7傅里叶变换光谱仪上用该测试仪测量的几种样品的光谱图。结果表明,该测试仪能量利用率为5％,全反射１５次,所测谱图质量接近于同类装置水平。     

压力注胶对硅烷接枝Ni/CFRP粘接的影响

针对复合材料(Carbon fibre reinforced plastics, CFRP)叶片镍包边粘接强度不足,稳定性不高的问题,提出压力注胶强化KH550接枝Ni/CFRP粘接方法。通过气缸压力推动注胶活塞,将胶粘剂注入密封处理后的待粘接区域,完成充填后在压力作用下实现初步固化粘合,以增强Ni/CFRP的粘接性能。通过单搭接剪切试验测试试样剪切强度,利用扫描电子显微镜(Scanning electronmicroscope,SEM)、X射线能谱(X-rayenergyspectroscopy,EDS)和傅里叶红外光谱(Fouriertransforminfrared spectroscopy, FTIR)表征镍板表面和粘接界面的形貌变化和化学成分变化,采用分子动力学方法分析压力作用对粘接界面分子间化学反应的影响。结果表明,1%KH550接枝处理可提高Ni/CFRP粘接试样剪切强度15.7%,压力注胶工艺可进一步提升剪切强度4.8%,提升粘接稳定性29.3%。压力作用有效减少气泡、胶层裂纹的产生,促进胶粘剂微结构渗透,减小界面处胶粘剂/偶联剂分子距离,增强界面相互作用,同时促进胶粘...     

Investigation on the properties of gamma irradiated of polytetrafluoroethylene fibers

The physical, thermal, and chemical properties of gamma‐irradiated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibers were investigated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also used to analyze the surface morphology of irradiated fiber samples. PTFE fiber samples were irradiated by gamma radiation doses ranging from 3 kGy to 40 kGy. The XRD analyses and DSC measurements showed the improvement of crystallinity by gamma irradiation with dose up to 25 kGy reflecting the induced crosslinking with irradiation for PTFE fibers. The crystallinity was found to decrease with higher dose of 40 kGy, reflecting induced amorphization of the polymer sample at the high radiation dose. The calculated crystallite size and XRD parameters showed obvious variations with sample irradiation. The FTIR results showed the liberation of CF₂ groups and the formation of some new chemical bonding with crosslinking‐induced irradiation. The SEM micrographs revealed no variation in the surface morphology of the irradiated fiber samples than the pristine fiber.     

Stabilisation of hydrogen bonding in polypropylene glycol at EHL contact region

In the present work, the stabilisation of hydrogen bonding of polypropylene glycol at elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) contact was investigated by in situ observation with a micro‐Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and the effect of hydrostatic pressure on infrared (IR) spectra was confirmed using a diamond anvil cell. Polypropylene glycols with different molecular weights were used as sample oils. Polypropylene glycol molecules interact with themselves by hydrogen bonding with their hydroxyl groups. Stability of the hydrogen bonding is observed by IR peak shift of the O–H stretching mode (3400–3700 cm⁻¹). In the case of the dynamic condition under EHL, the C–H stretching mode shifted to a higher wavenumber, whereas the O–H stretching mode shifted to a lower wavenumber at the Hertzian contact region. This result means that the hydrogen bonding of polypropylene glycol was stabilised under high pressure, and the stabilisation of hydrogen bonding by pressure was dependent on the molecular weight of polypropylene glycol. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization of the calcification of cardiac valve bioprostheses by environmental scanning electron microscopy and vibrational spectroscopy

Bioprosthetic heart valve tissue and associated calcification were studied in their natural state, using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Energy dispersive X‐ray micro‐analysis, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the various calcific deposits observed with ESEM. The major elements present in calcified valves were also analyzed by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy. To better understand the precursor formation of the calcific deposits, results from the elemental analyses were statistically correlated. ESEM revealed the presence of four broad types of calcium phosphate crystal morphology. In addition, two main patterns of organization of calcific deposits were observed associated with the collagen fibres. Energy dispersive X‐ray micro‐analysis identified the crystals observed by ESEM as salts containing mainly calcium and phosphate with ratios from 1.340 (possibly octacalcium phosphate, which has a Ca/P ratio of 1.336) to 2.045 (possibly hydroxyapatite with incorporation of carbonate and metal ion contaminants, such as silicon and magnesium, in the crystal lattice). Raman and fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy also identified the presence of carbonate and the analyses showed spectral features very similar to a crystalline hydroxyapatite spectrum, also refuting the presence of precursor phases such as β‐tricalcium phosphate, octacalcium phosphate and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate. The results of this study raised the possibility of the presence of precursor phases associated with the early stages of calcification.     

Polyfunctional PIB succinimide type engine oil additives

The physical and chemical properties of polyisobutylene (PIB) succinimide and polyisobutylene polysuccinimide type dispers‐ants for engine oil have been studied. Differences in the enhancement or diminution of detergent‐dispersant, viscosity‐index‐improving, and antiwear effects were observed for different combinations of various functional additives and succinimide dispersants, depending on their chemical structure. Owing to the higher concentration of performance packages presently required for engine oils, the detrimental interactions of additives might increase, resulting in a reduction of the detergent‐dispersant, viscosity‐index‐improving, and antiwear efficiency, as well as unfavourable gelation processes. Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometry, gel permeation chromatography, and bench tests for screening engine oil additives were used to determined relationships between the properties of lubricating oils and the composition of additives. The advantages of well balanced and selected succinimide combinations in a performance package with high detergent‐dispersant efficiency were demonstrated.     

Snout cutis of the domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus,Linnaeus, 1758): Using light and transmission electron microscopy

The current study was designed to give microscopic view on the snout skin of the domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) to clear its adaptations with the function of exploring for the food and pushing the objects. This study carried out on the snout skin of apparently healthy 1 year five pigs (Sus Scrofa) and examined under the light and transmission electron microscopy. Our results clarify that the snout skin cutis composed of the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis consisted of stratum corneum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale. The stratum corneum and the stratum spinosum appeared thicker than other parts. The dermis consisted of a reticular and a papillary dermis. For tightness junction between the dermis and the epidermis, the hemidesmosomes were observed, while the desmosomes were presented in abundant numbers at the level of stratum basale to ensure the adhesion between the keratinocytes. The merocrine sweat glands were observed in abundant numbers to provide the wetness of the snout to avoid its injury from friction during food exploring or pushing of the objects. We concluded that the adaptation of the snout skin with the environmental condition surrounding the studied domestic pig.     

密封系统对低频超声透皮给药的影响

为提高低频超声透皮给药过程中药液渗透率的控制精度,通过有限元计算分析,设计了一款具有密封结构的超声换能器,用以改变低频超声透皮给药系统中的药液压强。基于Franz扩散池的皮肤透皮体外实验的研究(包括人造皮肤与大鼠离体皮肤),获得了密封系统对透皮渗透量变化的影响规律。实验结果表明,超声空化、促渗剂与压强都可以改变药液渗透率,其中超声可以通过空化效应破坏皮肤表层结构进而促进渗透,而压强与超声、促渗剂相互结合则可以起到提高给药渗透精度的作用。提出的密封式超声换能器可通过压强变化初步实现调节低频超声透皮给药精度的目的,为进一步设计可调压强的低频超声给药系统奠定应用基础。