bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphology of Silicone/Organic Blends
Authors: Zhang Hongxi , Chen Wei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Silicone materials may be incorporated into organic thermoplastic resins to provide enhanced properties. Good dispersion of silicone with plastics is believed to be one of the keys to control the applications of these multiphase blends. In this study, we investigated the morphologies of mechanically mixed silicone/organic blends using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results provide an important piece of information that the optimum silicone phase dispersion can be achieved by matching the viscosities of the blend components.
Most silicone and organic polymers are thermodynamically immiscible, forming multiphase structures for their blends. For example, a blend consisting of 90 wt% polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and 10% low density polyethylene (LDPE) was revealed by SEM to have a multiphase structure shown in Figure 1A where the PDMS was a Dow Corning® 3-5016 silanol-terminated siloxane fluid that forms the dispersed phase and the LDPE a Dow Chemical polyethylene having a melt index of 4.
Scanning Electron Micrsocopy of Various Natural Textile Fibers
Authors: Buschle-Diller Gisela 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Plant fibers such as cotton, hemp and flax have been cultivated for textile purposes for thousands of years. These natural fibers play an important role in daily life as apparel fibers since they provide unique comfort properties unsurpassed by synthetic fibers. However, their use is not limited to the apparel sector. In recent years the market share of consumer textiles and industrial products made from all kinds of natural fibers has tremendously increased as they present a valuable source of renewable raw materials. Investigating their surface features by microscopic techniques is important to control the performance of the desired end-product. Processing steps involving heat, light or exposure to chemicals might have a significant impact on the specific surface properties of a fiber whether or not this was originally intended. Scanning electron microscopy is therefore a very useful tool for the characterization of textile products to determine the effectiveness and eventual resulting damage from physical or chemical treatments.
Automating Analysis of Fibrous Materials
Authors: Bresee Randall R , Yan Zanyao 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Natural fibers generally lack uniformity and large numbers of measurements often must be obtained to achieve estimates of sample parameters having reasonable levels of precision and confidence. This problem calls for automating the measurement and data analysis processes so obtaining a large amount of data is practical. We will discuss hardware and software designs used in our laboratory to automate microscope measurements and data analysis for fibrous materials.
Automating the measuring process requires constructing hardware to accomplish several tasks. Hardware should accommodate large-sized samples when they lack uniformity since many measurements are desirable. Sample positioning should be automated to remove the operator from the data acquisition process and eliminate a source of operator-dependent positioning error. Lens focusing should be automated since it is difficult to maintain flatness for large samples and the thickness of many samples exceeds the depth-of-focus of lenses. Finally, the quality of illumination provided to all sample locations during measurement should be flexible and consistent.
Microscopic Examination of Native and Modified Cotton Fibers
Authors: Goynes Wilton R 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Cotton is the single most economically important natural textile fiber in the world. It is a seed hair and has historically composed a large portion of the world's textiles. The plant is grown in most tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The demand for cotton, especially as a garment fiber, it due to properties such as its soft hand, water absorption, spinnability, and dyeability, and to its ease of home laundering. Perhaps cotton's most important textile property is its comfort. These properties are due to the unique, multilayered construction of the fiber subunits. The nature of this construction has been studied microscopically for more than 100 years, first using light microscopes, then electron microscopes as they became available. Because they are natural biological materials, no two cotton fibers are exactly alike. Yet they do have certain structural features in common. Structure in cotton can refer to several levels of construction.
An En Bloc Staining Protocol Improves The Preservation of Lamellar Bodies in Alveolar Type II Epithelial Cells for Transgenic Mice Expressing Modified Pulmonary Surfactant Protein B
Authors: Na C-L , Beck D C , Breslin J S , Wert S E , Weaver T E 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The extraction of lipids and phospholipids during dehydration and plastic embedding steps results in poor preservation of the phospholipid rich lamellar bodies (LB) in alveolar type II epithelial cells. To achieve better retention of phospholipids, we combined inflation fixation and an en bloc staining protocol using 4% aqueous uranyl acetate (UA), thereby improving the preservation of the LBs for both the wild type and transgenic mice expressing modified pulmonary surfactant protein B (SP-B; Akinbi et al., 1997).
Lungs of 6-8 week-old mice were inflation fixed (Bunkingham and Weyder, 1981) with ice cold 2% paraformaldehye and 2% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M sodium cacodylate buffer (SCB), pH 7.3, postfixed in fresh fixative at 4 °C overnight, incubated with 1% osmium tetroxide in 0.1 M SCB at room temperature for 2 hours, and stained en bloc with 4% aqueous UA overnight.
Cross-Section Tem Sample Preparation for Copper / Low-K Composite Stacks by Ion Milling
Authors: Foran B , Shaapur F , Blaschke V 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Sample preparation for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been a source of speculation with regards to potential for the creation of artifacts which may confound data gleaned from TEM analysis. For semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) materials characterization, the most common sample preparatory methods are based on final thinning by ion beam milling. The latest shift towards Copper / low dielectric constant (k) composite systems in the semiconductor IC industry provides several challenges for TEM sample preparation resulting from differences in milling rates and materials properties for neighboring features.
In conjunction with process development for integration of Cu / low-k materials, conducted at SEMATECH, we have systematically studied the effects of TEM sample preparation by ion milling in order to search for artifacts that could result from sample thinning procedures. For this purpose we have studied wafers with patterned copper lines isolated by a low-k polymer. One sample was stressed by thermal and electronic bias, while a second was subjected to only thermal stress.
A new approach for Cross-Sectioning Sem Specimens of Semiconductors by Broad-Ion Beam Milling
Authors: Ogura K , Alani R 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The cross-sectioning of semiconductor wafers for SEM studies has traditionally been carried out by tedious and laborious mechanical grinding and polishing techniques. The mechanically polished surfaces are treated using a “wet chemical” etching method to enhance and delineate certain features or layers in a given specimen. The etched specimens are then coated by conductive layers to prevent charging during SEM examination. As an alternative to “wet chemical etching”, broad-ion beam etching techniques have been developed for surface treatment of mechanically polished specimens. More specifically, we have reported [1] the utilization of a combined process of broad-ion beam etching and coating of mechanically cross sectioned semiconductors in a single vacuum chamber. As a further progress to that work, we report a rapid and reliable technique for preparing precision SEM cross sections. The technique is based on perpendicular broad-ion beam milling of cleaved wafers to expose any desired cross-section through a given feature of the specimen.
Preparation of thin Sections of (znxcdy)s Fine Particles by an Ultramicrotome
Authors: Ahn S H , Park G S , Ahn N R 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The low voltage phosphors should be efficiently excited with an electron beam value lower than 500V. Thus the properties of low voltage phosphors are directly affected by the surface states of phosphors. Recently, to improve the properties of these phosphors, much analysis has been carried out focused on the surfaces of phosphors using by FESEM, AES or XPS etc.. Nevertheless, the microstructure of phosphors around the surface has not been made clear due to the resolution limits of the above equipments and the difficulties of sample preparation. In this study, in order to analyze the microstructure of phosphors around the surface, we have prepared the thin sections of the (ZnxCdy)S phosphors by an ultramicrotome and carried out high resolution electron microscope(HREM) study on the thin sections.
To carry out ultramicrotomy, the particles of phophors were embedded with acrylic resin (methyl methacrylate: n-butyl methacrylate= 4:6, Benzoyl peroxide 1.5%) in a capsule.
Tem Specimen Preparation for Display Materials of Vacuum Fluorescent Displays
Authors: Dolukhanyan T , Sung C , Ahn S , Lee J 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Further development of Vacuum Fluorescent Displays (Fig.l) for low cost production and high yield requires investigation of all the components on a submicron scale at various processing stages.
A variety of specimen preparation methods have been used for making different types of high quality cross-sectional and plan-view TEM specimens from:
1. Initial phosphor materials - ZnCdS powders admixed with conducting powder of ln2O3; 2. In2O3 mixed ZnCdS phosphor layers of ready-made working VFD; 3. W - filament cathodes coated with (Ba,Sr,Ca) oxides. Rapid sharing of results.
Group 1 specimens were made both by direct dispersion of phosphor powder particles on the carbon coated copper grid from acetone diluted powder suspension, and by preparation of cured bulk material from the powder using Gatan G-l epoxy, followed by cutting, grinding-dimpling and final ion milling in Gatan DuoMill 600 (Fig.2).
Plasma Cleaning for Electron Microscopy
Authors: Isabell Thomas C , Fischione Paul E 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Specimen contamination and amorphous irradiation damage severely limit the ability to perform accurate electron microscope analysis of materials, especially as specimen areas of interest decrease in size. To analyze smaller areas of interest, electron probe sizes have decreased, while probe currents have increased. The combination of these two factors results in an increase in the amount of carbonaceous contamination formed on the specimen under the electron beam. Recently, the use of low energy plasmas has been shown to be effective in preventing such contamination from occurring (1-3). For TEM, the simultaneous placement of the specimen holder and specimen into such a plasma for short periods of time (usually less than two minutes) results in the ability to hold a converged probe on the specimen for analysis without contamination becoming an problem. Figure 1 is a TEM micrograph of a 304 stainless steel specimen.
AFM and Other Scanned Probe Microscopies Tutorial
Authors: Russell Phillip E , Batchelor A D 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
While the techniques offer high spatial resolution in some cases down to the atomic scale and three dimensional mapping of surface topography, there still remain issues related to quantitative interpretation of scanned probe data, particularly in the recently developed phase contrast imaging modes. In this talk, the various modes of force microscopy will be introduced, along with examples. New techniques are starting to emerge which allow us to use the scanned probe microscope to measure properties such as local adhesion and local elastic and plastic deformation of samples.
Each scanned probe technique relies on a very sharp probe positioned within a few nanometers of the surface of interest. Some combination of probe and/or substrate positioning is required to provide sub-nm-resolution, three-dimensional motion of the probe relative to the substrate. When the probe translates laterally (horizontally) relative to the sample, any change in the height of the surface causes the detected probe signal to change.
Convolution and Deconvolution For 3D Imaging Of Cell Physiology
Authors: Loew Leslie M , Sapia Mark , Schaff James 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Fluorescence intensity in a spectrofluorometer is proportional to the concentration of analyte over a wide dynamic range and is, therefore, an excellent quantitative analytical tool. In this paper we use the techniques of deconvolution and convolution to extend the utility of quantitative fluorescence to the measurement of analyte concentrations inside cells and their organelles. This permits us to assess the physiological state of living cells in situ.
To successfully turn a voxel within a 3D image into a microcuvette, 2 conditions must be met. First, to be sure the voxel is associated with only one fluorescent structure, the object that is being measured must be fully resolved from neighboring objects in all three dimensions. For structures separated by distances larger than about 300nm in the xy plane or 600nm in z (where z is the optical axis), this can be achieved with either digital deconvolution of 3D widefield images or by confocal microscopy.
Nanobiotechnology: Biological Applications of Nanofabrication
Authors: Turner JN , Shain W , Szarowski DH , Kam L , Craighead HC , Isaacson M , Turner S , Davis R , James C , Banker G 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Nanobiotechnology is the fusion of biology and nanofabrication (Hoch, et al. 1996). Nanofabricated devices are increasingly being used in biological studies, and surface modification methods are important for interfacing inorganic devices with tissues.
Nanofabricated implants are used to study brain physiology (Najafi and Wise, 1986). These implants can have cross-sectional dimensions as small as 15 μm. However, the implants cause glial scars that inhibit their operation. Figure 1 shows a model implant, with a trapezoidal cross section (base=200 μm, height=130 μm, top=60 μm, length=2 mm), for studying scar formation. Implants were inserted into the brains of rats and tissue was harvested after 1 hr. to 12 wks. Figure 2 shows a thick (100 μm) section of brain prepared 7 days after implantation; the section was immunolabeled for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and imaged in a Bio-Rad confocal microscope. The implantation site is surrounded by GFAP positive material indicative of reactive astrocytes.
Choosing a Scanning Electron Microscope
Authors: Lambe W A , Brady PM 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The variety of instrumentation available to the researcher today can be overwhelming and confusing. Scanning Electron Microscopes (“SEM's) are no exception, and choosing one can often serve as an exercise in dealing with complexity. First time purchasers are most at risk, being subject to a barrage of information that attempts to sway the purchaser in one direction or the other. As a result, one can sometimes be drawn to the details of the latest “high end” performance parameter, while overlooking the basics. At its worst, the selection process can degrade to one of vague guesswork with little hard data to serve as a compass.
By applying a methodical approach to define your individual requirements, carefully designed tests of actual instruments, and discussions with your collaborators, potential and experienced users, one can begin to ensure a successful selection process.
Choosing a Suitable Ultramicrotome, Associated Equipment and the Proper Laboratory Environment for Operation of the System
Authors: Bozzola John J 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The selection of an ultramicrotome should always begin with an evaluation of the immediate as well as the long-term needs of the laboratory. If present projects require ultramicrotomy on a regular basis (e.g., more than 5-10 specimens per week) and if this demand will probably continue for more than one year, the acquisition of an ultramicrotome is justified. An intensive, short-term project or an occasional need with no clear indication of a future requirement for ultramicrotomy could best be accommodated by either leasing an ultramicrotome or contracting the work to an individual or corporation. On the other hand, several laboratories with modest needs may wish to pool resources and purchase a shared instrument capable of fulfilling the requirements of each lab.
Since new ultramicrotomes cost $20k and up, one may be compelled to acquire a used instrument. Depending upon the age and condition, a used ultramicrotome may be purchased at a cost of $2-15k.
Current Applications and Methods of Microvascular Corrosion Casting: A Review
Authors: Lametschwandtner A , Aichhorn H , Minnich B 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Casting of hollow spaces with solidifying materials and subsequent removal of surrounding tissues by corrosive alkali and acids and the inspection of the remaining casts by bare eyes or the dissecting microscope is an old anatomical technique.
The introduction of polymerizing resins as casting materials which resulted in durable casts of even the smallest spaces (bile and blood capillaries) and the application of the scanning electron microscope with its high resolution and great depth of focus, enabled the qualitative and the quantitative analysis of the 3D-arrangement of tubular systems by means of their casts.
Presently, scanning electron microscopy of microvascular corrosion casts is used to study growing, stable or regressing blood vessel systems under physiological (e.g. during development, wound healing, metamorphosis) and pathological (e.g. tumor angiogenesis) conditions in qualitative and quantitative terms.
Vascular Corrosion Casting: Physiological Considerations
Authors: Olson KR 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Vascular corrosion replicas provide unique three-dimensional models of both macro- and microcirculatory angio-architecture. In most replication procedures, blood is initially flushed from the vasculature with a low viscosity, noclotting medium, such as saline, prior to infusion with the unpolymerized resin. While this removes cellular elements from the vessels and also prevents coagulation, the chemical characteristics of the saline and the mode in which it is infused can affect the vasculature. This can be disadvantageous if subsequent distribution of the resin does not faithfully mimic normal perfusion pathways, or if the vascular lumen is either narrowed due to vasospasm or distended due to excessive intravascular pressure. Alternatively, the composition of the saline can be modified to enhance the replication process. This may be done merely to ensure complete filling of the vasculature or to evaluate anatomical foci instrumental in physiological and pharmacological regulation of perfusion distribution.
Corrosion Cast Demonstration of Tongue Vasculature of Normal Wistar Rats
Authors: Makiyama M C K , Watanabe I , Chopard RP , Iyomasa M M , Mizusaki C I , Lopes RA 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The purpose of this study has been to undertake a three-dimensional analysis of the vascular network of the lamina propria in the lingual mucosa of the rat. Using the corrosive-resin casting method, casts of the vascular network were prepared and examined by scanning electron microscopy. We used 21th day normal wistar rats. They were anesthetized and perfused with saline solution and after with mercox (25ml of resin, 5ml of methyl methacrylate monomer). Then, the tongues were resected and placed in warm water bath at 60° C for 4 h. The tongue epithelium were digested with 20% NaOH for 4 days. The vascular resin casts washed in distilled water, several times. The dried vascular casts were mounted on the stubs with conductive paste, coated with gold and examined with a JEOL JSM- 6100 scanning electron microscope. In the SEM images, the lingual mucosa revealed arteriolae which divide into smaller branches entering into connective tissue papillae.
Shear and Substrate Dependent Changes in Fibrinogen and Von Willebrand Factor Studied by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Marchant Roger E , Sidney Sit P , Raghavachari Madhusudan , Siedlecki Christopher A 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides unique opportunities to study cell-surface and molecular scale interactions in three dimensions under aqueous conditions. Two plasma proteins, von Willebrand Factor (vWf) and fibrinogen, play central roles in the regulation of hemostasis and thrombosis by participating in coagulation and facilitating adhesion and aggregation of activated platelets. vWf and fibrinogen are believed to facilitate platelet adhesion under regions of relatively high and low vascular wall shear stress, respectively. Consequently, elucidating vWf and fibrinogen structure-function relations under shear is of considerable importance in developing a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology of thrombogenesis. Previously, we reported on molecular level AFM images of human vWf during shear-induced structural transition and human fibrinogen under aqueous conditions when both proteins were adsorbed on a hydrophobic surface. This presentation will report on the shear dependent interactions of dimeric and multimeric vWf with a hydrophobic surface and the substrate-dependent interactions of fibrinogen.
AFM and Fractal Analysis of Biomaterial Microtopography
Authors: Jo S , Li T , Park K 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Although significant advances have been made in the development of biocompatible materials, currently available biomaterials still present a number of problems for in vivo applications. One of the attempts to improve the biocompatibility, especially blood-compatibility, of biomaterials has been surface modification. Typically, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), albumin, heparin, and phospholipid molecules are grafted to the surface to prevent protein adsorption and cell adhesion. We have been modifying biomaterial surfaces by covalent grafting of PEG and albumin. The control and modified surfaces were examined using an atomic force microscope (AFM). In this study, we examined the surface topography changes by surface modification using PEO grafting to glass as a model system.
Glass surfaces were modified with PEO using (N-triethoxysilylpropyl)-Omonomethoxy PEG urethane (PEG-Si), a PEG derivative containing a hydrophobic carbon chain and triethoxysilyl group at one end of the PEG chain. The presence of the hydrophobic carbon chain allowed self-assembly on the surface and triethoxysilyl resulted in covalent bonding to glass surfaces
Use of Polarized Light Microscopy to Measure Internal Strains of Collagenous Tissues.
Authors: Vesely I 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
When studying connective tissues, it is often necessary to develop an understanding of their internal mechanics. In the aortic valve, studying of the internal strains of the leaflet material has provided insight into the means through which these largely avascular tissues survive up to 3 billion loading cycles during their functional lifespan. Even the inert, “dead” bioprosthetic valve replacements can withstand hundreds of millions of cycles before wearing out. The durability of the natural and prosthetic valves is therefore highly dependent on their microstructure and internal micromechanics.
Conventional microscopy has shown the aortic valve leaflet to consist of two structural layers, the fibrosa and ventricularis, separated by a loose central spongiosa rich in proteoglycans (figure 1). Both layers are highly organized, consisting of layers of elastin and collagen fibers. As the valve leaflets stretch and bend during opening and closure, these collagen fiber layers elongate, compress and shear in response to the applied external forces.