bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cleaning A Microscope's Optical Surfaces
Authors: Larson Jeffrey M 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Recently there was an exchange on the Confocal Listserver about the proper method for cleaning objective lenses. Some suggestions were useful and were some fraught with danger. This article is adapted from my reply to the list.
There are only three hard and fast rules about lens cleaning:
1) Never “dry” clean a lens. 2) Use a solvent or dispersant that is likely to remove whatever is on the lens. 3) Use the best quality lens tissue available.
The most likely source of damage to glass surfaces and fine optical coatings is abrasion. The particles that cause the abrasion are the particles on the objective lens surface and the particles in whatever is used to wipe the lens.
Castaing's Electron Microprobe and its Impact On Materials Science
Authors: Newbury Dale E 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
A central theme of modern materials science has been the exploration of the relationship between the microstructure of a material and its macroscopic properties. Beginning in the late 19th century, the developing field of metallography permitted scientists to view the microstructure of metal alloys. Mechanical polishing followed by selective chemical etching produced differential relief on chemically distinct phases or at grain boundaries. With such specimens, reflection optical microscopy revealed structures with micrometer and even finer dimensions. The microstructural world that was found proved to be highly complex, and most alloys were observed to be chemically differentiated into two or more distinct phases.
Three-Dimensional Crystallographic Analysis Beyond EBSD Mapping: The Next Dimension
Authors: Mulders JJL , Gholinia A 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Since the early 1990s EBSD (Electron Back Scatter Diffraction) has been developed to become a mature crystallographic analysis technique at the micro and nano-scale. It is applied in a SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) on samples with a very smooth and clean surface. It provides quantitative orientations of individual grains, and by mapping a larger area, multiple grain analysis, texture, and grain boundaries can be examined. As the useful information for the EBSD technique comes from a very shallow depth in the material (10 to 20nm), it is a surface analysis technique showing lateral 2D distributions of crystal orientations.
Embedding Cultured Cells Grown in Well Plates
Authors: Cohen-Gould Leona 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
For years, I have used a hybrid Epon-analog resin to embed in culture dishes. I use a standard Epon formula but utilize the following components: LX-112 and DMP-30 from Ladd Research Industries DDSA and NMA from Electron Microscopy Sciences I know it seems weird, but years ago I tried all sorts things, from the “straight” formulations from each vendor to a bunch of mixtures. This one has never reacted with the plastic of the dishes. Here is how I do the actual embedding of the cell monolayers in the dishes:
1) After the last 100% ethanol, remove the alcohol and cover the bottom of the well with a layer of resin mixture that is about 2 mm deep. 2) Insert embedding tubes that are made by cutting the pyramidal bottoms off of BEEM capsules (just slice them with a fresh razor blade and be sure to insert them so that the manufactured end rather than the cut one is sitting against the dish). 3) After inserting labels into the tubes, put them into the oven at 60° overnight. 4) In the morning, fill just the embedding tubes and return everything to the oven again to finish polymerizing. 5) When the resin is cured, grab the tubes with a pair of needlenosed pliers and snap them out. Sometimes a bit of the bottom of the dish comes away with the block, but often a very smooth block face results. If some of the dish comes up, it is easy to see under a dissecting microscope, and the dish portion comes away easily when trimming the block face.
I often cut away part of the block face with a jeweler's saw, either to keep it in reserve or to re-embed it in order to get cross sections, and then trim the rest into a narrow rectangle.
Scientific Ethics: What Are Our Responsibilities As Facility Managers? M&M 2001 Expert's Session on Core Facility Management
Authors: Sherman Debby 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
This article is the second of a series transcribed from the discussion taped during the Core Facility Management session. Bulleted paragraphs indicate comments by individuals attending the session.
D. Sherman: The next topic was suggested based on the discussion at last year's Core Facility Management session. Those of you who have not been involved in formal discussions on scientific ethics probably are going to have your eyes opened a bit. There is no such thing as a quick answer when it comes to ethics. What was initially brought up last year was the question of what are our responsibilities as facility managers when we see things going on that are perhaps not exactly appropriate as far as interpretation of data and such.
Using Fluorochromes To Label An Oil-ln-Water Emulsion
Authors: Thrift Richard 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
A question was asked on the microscopy listserver about fluorescent probes for studying oil-in-water emulsions trapped in a cellulose membrane, I don't have experience with that exact problem (I have studied chloroform/water emulsions rather than emulsions of triglycerides or alkanes), but I can make some general suggestions. The best type of hydrophobic probe to use depends on whether the probe is to be added to the hydrophobic phase before emulsification or after. If it is to be added to the preexisting emulsion as a dimethylsulfoxide stock solution, a probe with some aqueous solubility is required.
Food Under the Microscope
Authors: Carmichael Stephen W 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
We're all interested in food. Food is the sustenance of life. And you're interested in microscopy, or else you would not be reading this column. So here's a web site that will appeal to both of your interests. Miloš Kaláb is the author of the web site, and he's enlisted a host of food scientists to assist him. There's no lack of expertise here!
The home page can send you to many locations, but let's begin with the site that deals with microscopy. It is said that the earliest microscopists trained their simple instruments on food, mainly to look for contaminants. We are then treated to a primer on microscopy, beginning with light microscopy, then advancing to electron microscopy.
Microscopy in the Real World: A Manufacturer's Perspective
Authors: Kersker Michael M 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
What in the “real” world does this title mean? Of course, every one using an instrument will insist that his application is in some way unique and therefore not a common, mundane, “real-world” one. The “real-world” for an academically motivated scientist may be quite different from the “real-world” of the commercially motivated scientist. What happens in an asbestos testing lab is quite different from the activities of a consulting group using the microscope to solve industrial problems. Every application is “real world”…but they most certainly may be different.
Utilizing Original TEM Negatives and Micrographs For Teaching in the Digital Domain
Authors: Mascorro Josè A 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Original transmission electron micrographs illustrating a variety of biological tissues are excellent tools that can be used in the education and examination of first year medical students. Many of these valued micrographs (and the negatives that produced them) date back to the 1960s, to the time when this researcher started a career in microscopy that continues to this day, To avoid returning to the darkroom and laborious photographic techniques, original negatives were scanned to produce micrographs for use in written or laboratory examinations or as images transported into Power Point lecture presentations. Original micrographs also were scanned and provided additional educational materials.
Very tiny bar codes
Authors: Carmichael Stephen W 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The use of barcodes on products, combined with the computer technology to read and track the subsequent data, has revolutionized inventory control in our society. Barcodes are commonly seen on items as large as automobiles and as small as pieces of candy. But if you need to track a large number of items that are microscopic in size, such as biologically relevant molecules (think genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, etc), then you need very small barcodes. Sufficiently small rods that can be marked as barcodes have been developed by Sheila Nicewarner-Peña, Griffith Freeman, Brian Reiss, Lin He, David Peña, Ian Walton, Remy Cromer, Christine Keating, and Michael Natan.
Progress Towards More Realistic In-Situ Microscopy Observations
Authors: Howie A 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
As progress indicators in electron microscopy, advances in spatial resolution and in spectroscopy probably attract most frequent attention. Improved user-friendliness has also been significant even when judged in comparison with scanned probe microscopy. Evidence for developments in in-situ microscopy at least equally impressive can be found by comparing the relevant sections of the book by Hirsch et al. and a more recent compilation.
Peter Hirsch's research group swiftly discovered the power and frustrations of in-situ microscopy. The cine film of dislocation motion observed in the earliest diffraction contrast studies, and attributed to the thermal stresses generated by the electron beam, was extremely effective in convincing the wider community that it was indeed dislocations that were being observed.
Artifacts and Non-Local Effects in SPM Potential Measurements
Authors: Kalinin Sergei V , Bonnell Dawn A 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
In the last few years Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) has become one of the primary tools of science and technology. In addition to topographical imaging, surface potential, conductivity, optical, ferroelectric and magnetic properties that can be studied down to the nanometer level. However, quantitative and sometimes qualitative studies of fundamental physical phenomena in meso- and nanoscale systems are often hindered by SPM imaging artifacts. Here we briefly discuss the principles of operation and the major sources of artifacts in electrostatic measurements by SPM.
One of the most well known techniques for local potential imaging is Scanning Surface Potential Microscopy (SSPM). SSPM is based on dual pass imaging. The grounded tip acquires surface topography during the first pass.
Swapping Atoms For Bits: Managing the Digital Evolution in the Microscopy Laboratory
Authors: Murphy Judy A 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Microscopy labs have very quickly moved from keeping track of and storing thousands of samples and negatives “atoms,” to having to now deal with the same number of samples, and a few negatives, but in addition, we may now have thousands of digital images “bits.” In a two-year microscopy teaching program, which includes 18 microscopy courses, there are thousands of images, which must be collected from a variety of input devices running on various platforms. These must then be associated with different types of data files that need to be tagged to reports as well as being tagged to projects and courses. All of this information must be accessible, first to all those involved with doing the project, as well as to anyone associated with needing the results.
Method for Metallization Stripping of Gold Interconnected Semiconductors Using an Aqueous Potassium Iodide Solution
Authors: Tomic Peter 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Thin films in microcircuits can vary from as little a few hundred angstroms, in the case of dielectrics such as silicon nitride and silicon dioxide, to several microns in the case of interconnects. However, most metallization systems used as interconnects and in active structures are generally in the order of 0.5 μm to 4 μm. Gold has a number of desirable properties such as high electrical conductivity, the ability to be easily electroplated, low residual stress after deposition, corrosion resistance etc., Gold is commonly found in microelectronic devices, particularly in high frequency applications like cellular telephony, fiber-optic amplifiers and other high frequency analog applications. An aqueous potassium iodide solution offers a fast and relatively safe method for the removal of thin gold films.
A TEM Investigation of the Network Structure of Electron Beam Cured Epoxy Polymers
Authors: Schalek Richard L , Defoort Brigitte , Drzal Lawrence T 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Glassy network epoxies have widespread applications as matrices for advanced composites As an alternative to thermal curing, electron beam (ebeam) processing has been demonstrated as a very powerful tool for achieving fast and efficient curing [1,2]. E-beam curing of epoxy based resins using suitable onium salts as initiators proceeds via a cationic mechanism. The final polymer network properties are highly dependent on processing conditions and curing kinetics. It was demonstrated that under certain processing conditions, heterogeneities can appear in the material, due to the agglomeration of initiator residue. Initially the initiator is miscible with the resin; however, reaction-induced phase separation occurs as the increasing molecular weight of the polymer reduces the solubility of the initiator.
Save That Dye!
Authors: Titford Michael 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
All laboratory workers face the ongoing requirement that all chemicals and solutions used in the lab be labeled with the date of receipt or preparation, together with the expiration date of the chemical and the initials of the preparer, as well as any known hazards associated with that chemical. Officials from accrediting agencies, sometimes unannounced, pick and poke around laboratories looking for outdated chemicals and solutions, including biological stains left unsuspectingly at the back of a fridge or on a seldom used shelf.
When Dinosaurs Became Extinct, What Happened to the Insects?
Authors: Carmichael Stephen W 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
It is widely accepted that approximately 65 million years ago, an extraterrestrial object slammed into the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, creating a worldwide climatic shift that wiped out the dinosaurs, and many other terrestrial and marine species. But what happened to the insects? They undoubtedly represented a larger biomass than the dinosaurs, but it's fair to say they haven't captured the public's imagination in the same way. The reason the fate of the insects has not been adequately explored is due to the paucity of the available fossil record of the insect bodies. There are a few records of insects embedded in amber or fossilized, but practically none are available from the time of mass extinction referred to as the Cretaceous-Paleocene boundary. Recently, Conrad Labandeira, Kirk Johnson, and Peter Wiif found an ingenious way to examine indirect evidence and show what happened to the insects during this time.
Designing a Microscopy/analytical Instrumentation Facility: Step by Step Procedure
Authors: Murphy Judy A 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Designing a microscopy and/or analytical instrumentation facility can be completed in a step by step approach, whether it is a completely new facility or an existing one moving into expanded quarters. The procedure is independent of size. The same basic procedure is required for one room or an entire building. There are several major factors that must be taken into consideration. Check lists can be compiled by the microscopist/analyst. One should easily be able to start at any point along the way. The time and effort Initially put into the design will pay for itself many times over in both the convenience and efficiency of the resulting laboratory.
Microscopes in Art Galleries?
Authors: Carmichael Stephen W 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
In addition to concerns about the appearance of a display, curators of art galleries are also concerned about conservation of the artwork and their authenticity. Microscopes have played a role in these latter activities since the 1930s. Various imaging techniques, including X-radiography, infrared reflectography, macrophotography, UV-fluorescence and raking light (light source at a low angle to the surface) imaging have their advantages and disadvantages. Confocal microscopy is most useful compared to the other methods for the purpose of examination of subsurface structure, but the close working distance (a few mm) makes it precarious to use on valuable masterpieces. More recently, Haida Liang, Marta Cid, Radu Cucu, George Dobre, Adrian Podoleanu, Justin Pedro, and David Sauders have demonstrated the usefulness of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for non-destructive examination of artwork. OCT, as discussed previously in this column, is more commonly used to examine biological specimens.
Recent Advances in High-Speed Orientation Mapping
Authors: Nowell Matthew M , Chui-Sabourin Martina , Carpenter John O 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Orientation mapping via automated analysis of Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) patterns has developed into an established microstructural analysis tool in the electron microscopy community. From the early 1990s, when this technique became commercially available, there has been a steady increase in the data acquisition rates as shown in Figure 1. Currently, orientation mapping speeds of over 200 analyzed patterns per second have been achieved. With these types of acquisition rates now available, the strategy on how to best use EBSD and orientation mapping has also shifted. Early adopters of this technique had to allocate hours of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) beam time in order to collect statistically significant data. With current technology, what was collected in hours can now be obtained in minutes. The goal of this article is to introduce this high-speed orientation mapping and present results illustrating the benefits of this capability.
Intermediate Magnification Imaging System for Whole Organs/Organisms
Authors: Cole Richard W , Mannella Carmen A , Renken Christian , Turner James N 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
There are many techniques for 3D imaging of biological specimens such as confocal, two-photon and, wide-field fluorescence microscopy, CAT scan, MRI, and optical coherence tomography. There are also many derivatives of these techniques, each having its strengths and weaknesses. Due to the differences in resolution, depth-of-field, and field-of-view, it is often difficult to compare images from the relatively high-resolution microscopy methods to the latter lower-resolution high-volume imaging methods. Effectively making this comparison could be very powerful in relating organ or organism level information to cellular level processes.
Tissue Digestion for Ferruginous Bodies for Light Microscopy
Authors: Gondo Margaret 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Asbestos fibers are commonly called ferruginous bodies due to the iron content of the fibers. After they are inhaled, the asbestos fibers become coated with glycoprotein and hemosiderin, deposited by macrophages.
This procedure may be used on either formalin fixed, paraffin embedded blocks or formalin fixed wet tissue. Because this procedure will result in complete destruction of the tissue sample used, it is very important to obtain written approval documenting this fact from the individual requesting this procedure, if the procedure is being done for someone else. The tissue should be from the lung parenchyma. Also, it is a good idea to use sterile, disposable tubes throughout this procedure to limit the possibility of contamination.
Analysis of Printed Paper via Micro-ATR Mapping
Authors: Troost Peter , Hellgeth John W , Schiering David W , Tague Thomas J 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The surface of printed paper has been examined through a fully automated attenuated total reflection (ATR) mapping technique. Automated z-axis control was utilized to bring the sample into contact with the ATR objective in a reproducible manner and an integrated mapping stage was used to position the sample. A force sensing device, the Contact Alert, was used to ensure optimal contact between the sample and internal reflection element Global manipulations of the resultant data revealed compositional differences attributed to the printed ink, carbonate and cellulose distributions. These differences were clearly evident in the infrared, but not discemable in the visible. The bulk filler Kaolinite was identified as a post processing contaminate as well as a trace mixture of Dioctyl Phthalate and an aromatic acrylate.
SEM Processing Of Blood Samples
Authors: Miller Sara E 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
A long time ago, we ciid some work on RBC's from muscular dystrophy patients, We found that the cells are very sensitive to pH, salt concentration, glass, and other things (maybe including the moon???), Low pH, increased salt, especially NaCl, and sitting in a glass tube or on a glass slide unfixed would cause echinocyte formation.
We got around the problem by drawing the blood and then IMMEDIATELY dropping (drop by drop) blood samples into 1% glutaraldehyde in phosphate buffer, pH 7.4 (not PBS). You can use a Maunsbach formula, where 0.135 U P04 gives 300 milliosmoles, or 0.1 M P04 plus sucrose (try 1.8 % sucrose). Test the osmolarity of the buffer; it should be 300 ± 10 or so. The final osmolarity of the buffered fix will be 400 milliosmoles; 300 from the buffer and 100 from the glutaraldehyde! The fix should be room temperature (not cold) when the blood is added. It can be stored refrigerated.
Resolution and Resolving Power
Authors: Anderson Ron 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
A very basic point that is almost always overlooked when discussing SEM “resolution,” is the difference between “resolution” and “resolving power.”
An SEM might have a resolving power of 1 nm or so based on the observation of gaps between gold particles on a featureless carbon film. Fine—if ones job is to look at gold on C.
For the actual 3-D samples most everyone looks at, EVERY micrograph has a DIFFERENT resolution, closer to 10 nm, because of secondaries generated by back scattered electrons, edge effects, …etc. If you want resolutions closer to the instrument's resolving power you have to look at thin TEM specimens without sharp edges and angles.
In our semiconductor lab we have several FESEMs advertised to have resolutions of 1 nm that can not resolve 4 and 5 nm layers in a film stack.
Cleaning Platinum Crucibles
Authors: Bigelow Wilbur C 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Many years ago we regularly used platinum crucibles in many analytical chemistry procedures, and according to my analytical chemistry book, platinum can be cleaned by fusion with potassium or sodium bisulfite. I later adopted this procedure with good success to clean the platinum apertures for an RCA EML electron microscope.
Get asmall ceramic crucible, put a bit of the bisulfite in it, heat it until the bisulfite melts, then drop the apertures into the melt. After a few minutes allow the melt to solidify, dissolve the bisulfite with hot water, and your apertures should be as bright and shiny as new.