Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) with axially optical sectioning capability has found widespread applications in three-dimensional live cell imaging in recent years, since it combines high sensitivity, short image acquisition time, and high spatial resolution. To obtain one sectioned slice, three raw images with a fixed phase-shift, normally 2π/3, are generally required. In this paper, we report a data processing algorithm based on the one-dimensional Hilbert transform, which needs only two raw images with arbitrary phase-shift for each single slice. The proposed algorithm is different from the previous two-dimensional Hilbert spiral transform algorithm in theory. The presented algorithm has the advantages of simpler data processing procedure, faster computation speed and better reconstructed image quality. The validity of the scheme is verified by imaging biological samples in our developed DMD-based LED-illumination SIM system.
Curcumol is a sesquiterpene originally isolated from curcuma rhizomes, a component of herbal remedies commonly used in oriental medicine. Its beneficial pharmacological activities have attract significant interest recently. In this study, anti-cancer activity of curcumol was examined with both in vitro and in vivo models. It was found that curcumol exhibited time-and concentration-dependent anti-proliferative effects in SPC-A-1 human lung adenocarcinoma cells with cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase while apoptosis-induction was also confirmed with flow cytometry and morphological analyses. Interestingly, curcumol did not display growth inhibition in MRC-5 human embryonic lung fibroblasts, suggesting the anti-proliferative effects of curcumol were specific to cancer cells. Anti-neoplastic effects of curcumol were also confirmed in tumor bearing mice. Curcumol (60 mg/ kg daily) significantly reduced tumor size without causing notable toxicity. In conclusion, curcumol appears a favorable anti-cancer candidate for further development.
The ever‐growing market of energy storage devices in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and smart grids has attracted extensive investigation on lithium‐ and sodium‐ion batteries in the past few years. Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are currently the most commercially used energy storage devices in various occasions, while sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are expected to complement LIBs in large‐scale applications. To meet the rapid increase on the energy density of batteries, it is imperative to explore new electrode materials for rechargeable LIBs and SIBs. In the past few years, transition metal nitrides (TMNs) have been considered as promising anode materials for both LIBs and SIBs due to their much higher electronic conductivity and relatively lower conversion reaction potential. Moreover, TMNs are also the optimum compositing materials to enhance the performance of general anode material. In this paper, the design approach, synthesis routine, and the latest advances in the development of TMNs and TMN‐based hybrid materials served as anode for LIBs or SIBs are summarized. Also, challenges and perspectives in the future of TMNs‐related materials are also discussed.
The visualization of optical phase can provide abundant information when imaging transparent specimen. We present a novel phase sensitive imaging design capable of obtaining phase contours of transparent biological cells through laser oblique scanning optical microscope (LOSOM). LOSOM is based on the introduction of a fluorescent medium behind the specimen to generate a differential phase-sensitive image, thus, the complicated phase retardation alignment procedure associated with differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy can be eliminated. Moreover, multi-modality fluorescence and phase relief imaging can be attained in a single system with fluorescently labeled specimens.
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