Digital sight 1000

Microscopic observations were performed to investigate the fibrous structure of the duodenum when the tissue is under tension. The trouser-shaped duodenum tissues were pulled apart and fixed in 10% formalin (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Corporation, Osaka, Japan) using pins on a silicone mat (Fig. 2a). The tissues were fixed for 16 h at room temperature. Tissues were then embedded in embedding medium (O.C.T. Compound, Sakura Finetek Japan, Tokyo, Japan) and cryosectioned at 10 µm thickness using a cryostat (CM3050S, Leica Biosystems, Wetzlar, Germany) (Fig. 2b). The sections were placed on microscopic slides (APS-03 15, Matsunami Glass Ind., Ltd., Osaka, Japan) for observation. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (ScyTek Laboratories, Utah, USA) following the protocol suggested by the supplier. The stained sections were observed using an optical microscope (Eclipse Si, Nikon Corporation, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan) and photographs of the microscopic images were taken using a C-mount camera mounted onto the microscope (Digital Sight 1000, Nikon Corporation, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan).

Figure 2 shows the measurement cell made of a glass pipette with both ends connected to two syringes using PTFE tubes. The electrodes were fabricated using a stainless-steel wire and a stainless needle, which had a constant gap for each measurement (typically 20 mm) . A potentiostat (SMU2400 or SMU2470; Keithley) was used to apply the voltage. A CMOS camera (Digital Sight 1000, Nikon) supported by a universal stand (SZ2-STU2, Olympus) was placed perpendicular to the vertical cell. The movement of polymer/inorganic particles was monitored as they fell within the cell under various electric field strengths. The setup was initially filled with cyclohexane; then, a small amount of powder mixed in cyclohexane were slowly added. A constant but very low flow rate of approximately 1 mL/h was also maintained throughout the measurements as cyclohexane flowed towards the reservoir at the end.