Design of an Ultra-High Resolution SEM for Enhanced Analysis
The column is equipped with a well-known single-pol e bjective lens [2] that creates a strong magnetic  field around the sample, thus dramatically decreasi ng optical aberrations. Design optimization and combining the magnetic immersion field with the ele ctrostatic field [3] further improves the resolutio n to less than 1.1 nm at 1 kV. For analytical purpose s (EDS or EBSD) or for use with a FIB column however, the immersion magnetic field becomes a com plication due either to curvature of signal electron trajectories or beam splitting of ion-isot opes.
New Ultra-High Resolution SEM for Imaging by Low Energy Electrons
Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
Thorium-induced Anatomical and Histopathological Changes in Liver of Swiss Mice
ObjectivePresent study is aimed to investigate the anatomical and histopathological changes in liver tissues of Swiss albino male mice, one month after intravenous administration of thorium (232Th; 4 and 40 mg/kg).MethodsSynchrotron X-ray micro-CT imaging, CD31 immuno-cytochemistry, hematoxylin & eosin staining and Periodic acid-Schiff staining were performed to study changes in liver anatomy, blood vessels/capillaries, histology and glycogen content of liver, respectively.ResultsSynchrotron X-ray micro-CT imaging of liver showed loss of blood vessels in mice treated with thorium (4 mg/kg), which was more prominent at higher dose of thorium (40 mg/kg). These thorium-induced changes in liver were correlated with the decrease in CD31 positive cells and loss of tissue architecture. A dose-dependent increase in glycogen content was also observed in the liver of thorium-treated mice.ConclusionOur results provide novel insight about the effects of thorium on liver, which may have significant implications in understanding the mechanism of thorium thorium-induced hepatotoxicity.