bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Microspectroscopy on Evaluating and Analyzing Forensic Evidence
Authors: Reffner John A , Leary Pauline E 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The evaluation and analysis of evidence using infrared, Raman, and SEM/EDX microprobe methods has advanced forensic science. Forensic science deals with the interaction of science with the law. This interaction requires that certain standards are met before scientific evidence is admitted in either a civil or criminal case. While the Court's burden of proof is different for a civil case than for a criminal case, the standards of evidence admissibility are not. Forensic scientists must defend their methods and conclusions in Court, regardless of whether they are a trace analyst identifying fibers, a drug analyst determining if the white powder found on a suspected criminal was cocaine, or a pharmaceutical researcher discovering new solid-state forms of a drug. Today, microspectroscopy is a primary technology used within all forensic science disciplines to increase the value of evidence. Modern microbeam methods are extending observations, enhancing documentation, providing additional information, aiding deductions, and testing hypotheses. This increase in value of scientific evidence is pivotal in adjudicating both civil and criminal litigation.
The Day Atomic Resolution Microscopy Happened
Authors: Melmed Allan J 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Microscopists only dreamed about seeing atoms until 1951. The concept of atoms is believed to have originated in the writings of Democritus in 430 B.C., actually seeing images of atoms in a microscope became a fact only in 1951 with the publication by Erwin W. Müller, announcing his field ion microscope, FIM. Typical of the great scientist that he was, Müller immediately thought of ways to improve his new microscope and his goal then became achieving atomic resolution microscopy as he thought of it - the ability to not only see individual atoms, but to resolve the adjacent atoms comprising the atomic lattice of a crystal surface.
Microscope Instrumentation and Optics: A Researcher's "Road Test"
Authors: Smith Robert F 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Microscopists in today's laboratories face multiple challenges. Many must examine specimens according to legal, governmental or grant-specific requirements. Protocol requires that the specimens be documented by conventional photography, electronic imaging techniques, or both. Because of the thousands of specimens examined, operators work under conditions of potential physical strain for hours at a time. And the material they examine requires that they have expertise with large and complex imaging instruments.
A Tiny Toolbox
Authors: Carmichael Stephen W 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
A recent article by Matthias Rief, Filipp Oesterhelt. Berthold Heymann, and Hermann Gaub concluded with this sentence: "Single molecule force spectroscopy by AFM has proven to be a powerful addition to the nanoscopic piconewton toolbox," Everything about that conclusion is tiny. Clearly, the atomic force microscope (AFM) has given us a tool to examine structure at or near the atomic level. Earlier work from Gaub's laboratory, reviewed in this column, demonstrated that the AFM could directly measure the binding force between single molecules of biotin and avidin. This established that the AFM could be used as a tool to measure forces, not just observe structure. Their most recent experiments has added to this tiny toolbox.
Optical Sectioning in Fluorescence Microscopy by Confocal and 2-Photon Molecular Excitation Techniques
Authors: Cannell MB , Soeller C 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Fluorescence microscopy has proved to be an invaluable tool for biomedical science since it is possible to visualise small quantities of labeled materials (such as intracellular ions and proteins) in both fixed and living cells, However, the conventional wide field fluorescence microscope suffers from the disadvantage that objects outside the focal plane also fluoresce (in response to the excitation light) and this leads to a marked loss of contrast for objects in the focal plane, This is especially a problem when the fluorescent probe is distributed throughout the thickness of the cell and the cell is thicker than about 1 µm. The confocal microscope overcomes this problem by illuminating the preparation with a point source of excitation light and limiting the collection of light with a pinhole that is confocal with the illumination source.
A Simple Technique For The Removal Of Plant Cell Protoplasm To Facilitate Scanning : Electron Microscopy Of Fungal Haustoria And Plant Cell Wall Features
Authors: Richardson B A , Mims C W 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Several years ago Honegger (1985) described a simple technique for removing plant cell protoplasm in order to reveal details of interfaces between plant cells and fungal structures. This technique involves the use of Ariel a commercially available washing powder (Proctor and Gamble) containing a Bacillus substilis derived protease. We since have used this technique with excellent results to examine not only the morphology of fungal haustoria inside leaf cells of various host plants but also features of the inner surface of the host cell wall with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Here we describe the procedure we have used to prepare samples for study and provide examples of the types of images we have obtained from our samples.
Improving the Resolution of Sputter-coated Films
Authors: Mager Mary 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
After an inquiry from the Microscopy Listserver, I went back to my 1980 copy of Scanning Electron Microscopy, volume I. Several authors had investigated the structure of thin metal films by depositing the films onto carbon-film-covered TEM grids and imaging the films at high magnification. There were several proposals for new devices that have since become standards for high-resolution coaters, but the Listserver inquiry was for a fine conducting film suitabie for high-resolution SEM from an existing sputter coater.There were several factors studied that influenced the fine structure of the films. The first was the materials sputtered: for a given set of conditions of voltage, current and time, platinum gave the finest film, 60% gold-40% palladium (Au/Pd) the next finest and pure gold the least fine.
Parallel Monte Carlo Simulation Using Desktop Computers
Authors: Scott John Henry J , Myklebust Robert L , Newbury Dale E 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMonte Carlo simulation of electron scattering in solids has proven valuable to electron microscopists for many years. The electron trajectories, x-ray generation volumes, and scattered electron signals produced by these simulations are used in quantitative x-ray microanalysis, image interpretation, experimental design, and hypothesis testing. Unfortunately, these simulations are often computationally expensive, especially when used to simulate an image or survey a multidimensional region of parameter space.Here we present techniques for performing Monte Carlo simulations in parallel on a cluster of existing desktop computers. The simulation of multiple, independent electron trajectories in a sample and the collateral calculation of detected xray and electron signals fall into a class of computational problems termed “embarrassingly parallel”, since no information needs to be exchanged between parallel threads of execution during the calculation.
Precise SEM Cross Section Polishing via Argon Beam Milling
Authors: Erdman N , Campbell R , Asahina S 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
SEM observation of a specimen cross section can provide important information for research and development as well as failure analysis. In most cases, surface observation alone cannot provide information concerning the cross sectional structure of granular materials, layered materials, fibrous materials, and powders. Preparing highly-polished cross sections of these materials is both a science and an art.
Typically, a cross section is prepared using mechanical means like conventional mechanical polishing methods or a microtome. The sample is first embedded in a holder or device, and then polished to achieve a flat cross section. In some cases, a staining procedure is used to highlight a specific component of the sample. Such methods can be lengthy procedures that require a great deal of skill, and can introduce artifacts into soft materials, deform the material around voids, or compress layers of soft and hard materials in composite samples. Mechanical polishing can miss fine details such as the presence of hairline cracks, and present a challenge to water-soluble phases.
A Comment on AFM vs. Replicas for High Resolution Imaging
Authors: Chernoff Don 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
High-resolution Pt/C shadowing and replication provided important insights into the size and shape of polymers beginning over 40 years ago. The first images of DNA molecules were made this way. However, in my opinion, this methodology has largely been supplanted by the use of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), both for direct height measurements (available in Pt/C replicas by measuring shadow lengths when the coating is deposited from one direction only) and for imaging molecular contours.
As an everyday example, consider that making a magnetic read and write head for a hard disk drive requires controlling the relative heights of several different regions to a tolerance of about 1 nm. AFM supports production by providing a rapid means of offline analysis, far faster and more precise than any replica method could be.
Insights on Diffraction
Authors: Eades Alwyn 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis article presents ideas on some topics related to electron diffraction in the TEM. These are in regard to topics that I have come to think of as standard parts of what it means to do microscopy. However, they represent insights that not all users share (or even agree with, maybe).Kikuchi lines are of great use in orienting a sample. Unfortunately, in modern microscopes, Kikuchi lines are not seen in selected-area diffraction (SAD). This is because immersion lenses send parallel electrons, from different parts of the sample (like the Kikuchi lines from a flat specimen), to different places in the diffraction pattern.
More on the Calibration of TEMs
Authors: McCaffrey J P , Beanland R 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
There was a recent thread on the microscopy listserver by John McCaffrey (who hosted the discussion on TEM calibration at the 2001 M&M facility managers session) and Richard Beanland, dealing with the calibration of TEMs. This discussion was prompted by a calibration question from John Basgen, who was looking for more precision and more long-lived calibration specimens. The discussion complements and extends the one of the M&M 2001 managers meeting on EM calibration (Microscopy Today, January/February 2002, issue #02-1), and we are running this separately from that meeting discussion. (MT-ed.)
Lateral Resolution in Scanning Force Microscopy
Authors: Todd Brian A , Eppell Steven J 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Two particular questions keep coming up regarding Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and we would like to address them here.
The lateral resolution of AFM is a parameter that currently has no accepted definition. The definition used in our lab is “the minimum distance between objects at which you can distinguish distinct objects.” In other words, imagine a surface with two sharp features: upon bringing the two features closer and closer together, at some point only one object is seen. That distance is the resolution limit. It is useful to define “see” as having a dip in height greater than the noise level in the image.
The Staining of Polymers
Authors: Smith Ronald W 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
In the beginning there was water-the first stain that delineated structure within a polymeric system. The polymerwas natural rubber (NR) and the system was an air-dried film of natural latex. Grenquist reported in 1929 that a dried film of natural rubber latex soaked in hot water became milky (Figure 1) and, at that stage, the latex particles could be detected by the optical microscope (OM), The contrast mechanism was provided by the absorption of water by the naturally occurring proteinaceous layers present on the congealed NR particle surfaces. There was little demand for polymer staining until the age of electron microscopy.
Imaging of Shallow Surface Topography by the Low-Loss Electron (LLE) Method in the Scanning Electron Microscope
Authors: Wells Oliver C 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The low-loss electron (LLE) method in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) was proposed by Dennis McMullan in 1953: “…the beam from the specimen could be restricted to the electrons which have lost only small amounts of energy and which have therefore travelled only short distances through the specimen.”
Subsequent studies showed that the LLE method gives different image contrasts from the more familiar secondary electron (SE) method: (i) it is less affected by specimen charging; (ii) has a shallower information depth for a given beam energy; (iii) shows less serious penetration effects at sharp edges; (iv) shows stronger channeling contrast; and (v) Is better for showing shallow surface topography.
Photoshop Distilled II
Authors: Carvaiho Tina (Weatherby) 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Preparation of digital figure plates for publication is best done with software designed for that purpose, such as QuarkExpress or Adobe Page-Maker, However, if you have only Photoshop in your repertoire, you can tackle page layout in the following ways.
This first method is probably easiest, but results in the loss of a few pixels along the inside edges of each of the images.
Unzipping a Membrane
Authors: Carmichael Stephen W , Fernandez Julio M 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The atomic force microscope (AFM) is well known for its outstanding spatial resolution, but it is becoming increasingly useful as the instrument for force spectroscopy. In the force spectroscopy mode, the AFM can measure tiny tension forces, in the piconewton (pN) range. Daniel Müller, Wolfgang Baurmeister, and Andreas Engel have used the AFM in both the imaging and force spectroscopy modes to pull proteins out of membranes in a controlled fashion.
Müller et al. used Deinococcus radiodurans, a bacterium best known for its high resistance to radiation (as its Genus name implies), as their test subject. They extracted a highly regular membrane from the bacterium, the hexagonally packed intermediate (HPl) layer. They mounted the HPI on mica, so that the hydrophilic outer surface of the HPI adsorbed strongly to the mica, exposing the hydrophobic inner surface to the silicon nitride AFM stylus.
LR White Flat Embedding of Cells Grown on Coverslips
Authors: Howard Tamara 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
We do this two different ways, using polyethylene (PE) molds or aluminum weigh boats, depending on the sample. You can either heat- or UV-cure these molds – just change the type of “lid” on the embedding mold.
The PE molds are used when the coverslip can be made to fit in the mold. We use JB-4-type molds, available from your favorite microscopy supplier. The key to using these molds is that they have to be pre-treated…fill the inner cup of the mold with LR White, cover with an aluminum JB-4 chuck (try to have enough resin in the mold to come up around the base of the chuck), and polymerize in a 60° C oven for a day or two, until the resin is hard. The Al chuck can usually be removed by hand, but a flathead screwdriver used as a pry will help pop it off if you have trouble.
A Tip on Purifying Glutaraldehyde
Authors: Melsen Lawrence R 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Being an old timer, I have been around since before the advent of vials of glutaraldehyde. In the 1970s, the Merck index described a method for purifying glutaraldehyde using activated charcoal.
Basically, glutaraldehyde begins to polymerize when stored at room temperature. Since best fixation is achieved with the monomeric form, this purification protocol was designed to remove the more complex forms. Storage under nitrogen in a sealed vial slows the polymerization, and lower concentrations degrade more slowly. Storing at 4°C is advised.
How Long Should A Diamond Knife Stay Sharp?
Authors: Garber Charles A , Mesa Bernard 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The answer to this question is about as elusive as predicting which way the Dow Jones average will close tomorrow! But seriously, there are the “ten commandments” for a diamond knife to enjoy a long life, the most important ones being as fallows:
1) Because of the extreme sharpness of a diamond knife edge, it should not be touched with any solid object, even for cleaning, This is controversial since some manufacturers actually recommend that the edges be cleaned with sticks of varying types. We ourselves believe such treatment accelerates the wear of a diamond knife. 2) Don't let sections or the remains of sections or other debris dry down onto the knife edge. Keep the knife edge wet until it is ready for cleaning before being put to bed for the night. 3) Use a diamond knife cleaner sold by several firms (including ours) specifically for this purpose, Some typical laboratory ultrasonic cleaners can have enough power to be damaging to a knife. 4) Wash the knife edge one last time with distilled water, and then dry with some kind of "blast", such as from a clean duster, 5) Avoid conditions of chatter at all times. Reduce chatter by varying the clearance angle or slowing the cutting speed. Other common causes of chatter are insufficient tightening of the boat in the microtome, an insufficiently tightened block, or an incompletely cured block. 6) Final block trimming with a razor blade can ieave metal particles from the blade, which are of course damaging to the knife edge, This can be minimized by using a fresh razor blade each time, Then wash the end of the freshly cut block face with distilled water, followed by drying with a duster blast is the final step before the first cut with the knife, This is a final chance to wash away metal particles that could damage the knife edge.
DAB on Human Hepatocytes
Authors: Gilbert Charles S 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Neutrophil myeioperoxidase standard 3,3'-Diaminobenzidine Tetrahydrochioride (DAB) procedure:
When staining neutrophils, a cell suspension would be preferred, but a finely minced buffy coat can be used, if you thick section and locate the stained cells before thin sectioning. Staining should be carried out as soon as possible after fixation, The myeioperoxidase (MPO) activity falls off such that we process samples within 2-3 weeks of fixation.
Note that fixation is for 1 hour. Enzyme activity may be destroyed if tixed for longer periods.
A Really Cool Image Database Environment:
Authors: Hilton Jim 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Growing your own microscopy client/server image database requires addressing many issues. If you are going to grow your own, the following ideas will get you “out of the box.”
The ideal microscopy image database environment might appear like this: The core of the image database would be a very powerful, universally available, extensible, cost effective, flexible and serviceable database engine. The core engine would allow the user to perform fast and seamless SQL searches across a large database without reducing the available network bandwidth. It would be able to take advantage of current and future technologies (i.e., 64 bit processing, 1 GB networks, digital, video, multi media, etc.) The same core would be able to share information with other databases, applications and platforms. What an odd concept.
To Make a Leeuwenhoek Microscope Replica
Authors: Shinn Alan 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
For some time now I have been studying Antony Van Leeuwenhoek's microscopes and building prototypes, and have finally settled on a design that I would like to offer to the public.
They are made of thin beaten brass, about 47 mm tall by 25 mm wide, with the lens captured between two such sheets. The subject is placed on a metal pin, adjusted with screws, to change the focus and position. One of the adjusting screws protrudes down from the body and also serves as a handle. These microscopes look very much like the one in the museum at Utrecht (circa ∼ 1690). They have a lens made of a 2 mm diameter glass ball and have a power of about 180X, with surprisingly good resolution.
The Scanning Electron Microscope As A Precision Instrument
Authors: Hansen Douglas 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
I began using scanning electron microscopes to solve problems encountered in the fabrication of x-ray diffraction gratings. Since these diffraction gratings consist of very regular lines and spaces, and produce high contrast images from the SEM. my microscopy work often points out problems with the microscope.
One time, for example, I went to the university SEM lab I often use, and was advised that the microscope was down that day due to major field problems. This lab often had problems with stray fields for reasons no one could explain. Usually I was the only one to complain about stray field distortions since they are most obvious when imaging straight lines at high magnification, but on this occasion, the problem was serious and obvious to all.
The microscope had just been serviced and as the lens coils had been replaced, they were expected to be the cause. The service technician was called in and determined that neither the coils nor the microscope electronics were the problem.
Ultra-Low Voltage Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Joy David C , Joy Carolyn S 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Although the benefits of operating the scanning electron microscope at low beam energies have been evident since the earliest days of the instrument, the successful utilization of the SEM under these conditions has required the development of high brightness field emission electron source, advanced lenses, and clean vacuums. As these technologies became available the level at which imaging became regarded as “low energy” has fallen from 10 keV, first to 5 keV, and more recently to 1 keV. At this energy state of the art, instruments can now provide an excellent balance between resolution - which becomes worse with decreasing energy - and desirable goals such as the minimization of sample charging and the reduction of macroscopic radiation damage - which tend to become more challenging as the energy is increased.
Use of the Digital Signal Processor and Acoustico-Optic Tunable Filters in Ratiometric Confocal Calcium Imaging
Authors: Lohr Christian , Nitschke Roland 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Since the development of ratiometric fluorescent calcium indicators like Fura-2 and lndo-1 in the mid-eighties, calcium imaging has become a major approach to studying life cell physiology. The ability to calibrate the spectral properties of the dye as a function of the calcium concentration led to measurements of nearly absolute intracellular calcium concentrations in a large variety of preparations. However, the use of ratiometric calcium indicators in confocal calcium imaging is limited, since the dyes are excited by UV light while the lasers of most confocal microscopes provide visible light only. In addition, high energy UV light may cause rapid dye bleaching and photodamage. Thus it appears advantageous to reduce the illumination of the preparation to the minimum possible minimum. The most frequently used dual-excitation dye Fura-2 requires rapidly alternating excitation at 340 ran and 380 nm, respectively, to permit ratiometric calcium measurements with a maximal efficacy.