bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Use of Ultrarapid Freezing and Freeze Substitution to Verify Vitrification and/or Ice Formation in Vascular Tissue
Authors: Lightfoot Fred , Taylor Michael , Brockbank Kelvin GM , Hastings Cindy 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The expanding field of cryobiology, in particular that of the study of vitrification for long term storage of tissues for transplantation, has demonstrated that ice is damaging to smooth muscle tissue. Consequently conventional methods such as ultrarapid freezing and freeze substitution are becoming routine protocols to determine the quality of cryopreservation. This article introduces the scientific community to the PS-1000 cryofixation unit (Delaware Diamond Knives, Wilmington, DE) which provides both ultrarapid freezing and a means of validation of freeze substitution methods. When any tissue is frozen or vitrif ed for clinical use it is imperative to know the structural and functional integrity of these tissues. Ice formation within the extracellular matrix and dehydration of multi-cellular tissues, using conventional cryopreservation, is the principal reason why these methods frequently prove to be ineffective.
A Commentary On Immunolabeling
Authors: Webster Paul 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
We have witnessed a slow but steady decline in electron microscopy (EM) skills in the biological sciences over the last decade. This decline is illustrated by the continued closures of EM facilities throughout the world. It is, however, difficult to rationalize this decline when the need for these skills is still under a constant demand. Certainly, the introduction of new microscopes has played a part in this. High-resolution confocal light microscopes, two photon imaging and other new technologies are providing impressive amounts of new information on biological systems. Many of these approaches require simple preparation protocols providing information that can be easily interpreted and are thus easily adapted to fast-moving research.
The application of EM techniques is also deceivingly simple. For this reason the field of immunocytochemistry is undergoing an increase in popularity. Laboratories with little or no previous experience in EM are discovering the impressive and convincing results achievable using these high-resolution methods.
Preparing Diatoms for EM
Authors: Strout Greg 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Diatoms make for beautiful specimens for both transmission and scanning electron microscopy. As well, they are studied by many people, and there is always a need for good diatom preparations for EM.
I find that the diatoms in diatomaceous earth are usually broken, and like to prepare my own from fresh specimens. The materials needed for this are a plankton net, some potassium dichromate, and 30% hydrogen peroxide. Once the diatoms are collected (plankton net tows from shoreline, or wherever), they can be cleaned using the chemicals.
Dissecting Chromosomes, One at a Time!
Authors: Carmichael Stephen W 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The atomic force microscope (AFM) is proving to be as much a tool as an imaging device. Recently, Stefan Thalhammer, Robert Stark, Stefan Müller, Johannes Wienberg and Wolfgang M. Heckl have added another useful technique to this repertoire. They demonstrated that the AFM can be used to cut out an identified section of DNA and then extract that section for amplification.
They began by flow sorting chromosomes, and then increased the specific amount of the target DNA with a “pre-set” in situ hybridization with chromosome-specific DMA to provide a specimen rich in chromosome 2. To identify the target area, selected chromosomes were examined with the AFM in the non-contact mode using stiff cantilevers.
A Versatile, Cheap, and Easy Self-Made Cell Culture Dish
Authors: Huber Andrea , Brösamle Christian 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Anybody who has ever worked with cells or tissues in culture knows that the dish in which to grow and look at the specimen can be of crucial importance to the results obtained, With the growing importance of live cell microscopy, be it simple phase contrast or sophisticated multilabel confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), people have been looking for dishes that combine optimal growth conditions with optimal optical properties. As follows, I will describe a solution that has worked for us with a multitude of different cells, tissues and applications. Apart from that, it is cheap and easily self-made.
The bottom of a standard 35 mm plastic ceil culture dish has a hole of ca. 10 mm drilled into it and a coverslip glued to its downside to cover the hole. For a glue we usually use Sylgard, an inert silicone elastomer (Dow Corning) or melted paraffin if we intend to take off the coverslip again.
Handling Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Tissues in the Histology Laboratory
Authors: Titford Michael , Bastian Frank O 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) resembles two other diseases, kuru (found in New Guinea tribesmen) and scrapie (found in sheep). CJD is a slow progressive dementia of the central nervous system. The transmissible agent of CJD is unusual for several reasons: it has a long incubation period, up to eight years in some cases; it does not provoke an inflammatory reaction within infected tissues; it has never been isolated; it is resistant to routine paraffin processing. Histotechnologists need to be informed of the potential hazards and of the correct handling of tissues infected with this unconventional agent, even though it has low transmissibility. Treatment of CJD tissues with long sterilization at high temperatures or prolonged exposure to bleach has proven effective in deactivating the agent. This article outlines the precautionary procedures used in our laboratory when processing CJD tissues. (J Histolechnol 12:214, 1989).
Grease-Free Cleaning of Parts for Vacuum Systems
Authors: Bigelow Wilbur C 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
There are many reasons for NOT using grease-base polishes for cleaning parts to be inserted into the interior of high vacuum systems, as is so commonly done in electron microscopy laboratories. This matter is discussed in some detail in my book Vacuum Methods in Electron Microscopy. (Portland Press, Ashgate Publishers, 800-535-9544), pp. 69-74.
Basically, one principal reason for cleaning most parts in the first place is to remove hydrocarbon materials from their surfaces, and so it makes no sense at all to use a greasy material to do the job.This is the equivalent of taking a bath in a mud puddle. Then, it becomes necessary to use ‘toxic’ organic solvents to remove the grease-base compounds, which in turn generates expensive and annoying procedures for the use and disposal of the solvents. In addition, the grease and abrasive materials are likely to get embedded in cracks and crevices of the parts on which they are used, and since they often are not readily soluble they may not be completely removed, whereupon they will subsequently act as a persistent source of contamination inside the vacuum system.
Digital Imaging in the Materials Engineering Laboratory
Authors: Clarke Theodore M 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The recent completion of a company-wide PC network system, supported by network servers intended to rapidly handle large data files from CAD systems, made implementation of digital imaging in the Corporate Materials Engineering laboratory of Case Corporation a wise investment. Laboratory reports in Microsoft Word with linked image files can be rapidly received through any of the networked PC's and are archived in the server system. The changeover from film imaging to digital imaging was very sudden. This change was accelerated by satisfied users, whose work was made easier and more productive, and satisfied customers within Case Corporation.
X-Ray Detectors : A Changing World
Authors: Sareen RA , Nashashbi T 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The first in a series of articles looking at developments in X-ray detectors and Field effect transistors. In recent years we have seen both Si(Li) and Intrinsic Silicon Detectors with resolutions below 130 eV. These same detectors are capable of measuring the soft X-rays like Be K, B K, C K etc. with good resolution and with peak positions reasonably close to the exact position for these lines. The Carbon peak is the one most affected by the L absorption edges in Silicon and in some circumstances can be shifted as much as 30 eV down in energy. Shifts can also result from the settings of amplifier threshold discriminators and ADC designs. At higher energies (e.g. Mo K) the Si(Li) detector, if not properly drifted can also have a down shift by as much as 200 eV.
The Case for Polarized Light Microscopy
Authors: McCrone Walter C 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
I was one told by a Nobel Laureate in Chemistry that light microscopy was simply a service foundation. By this he meant to class the microscope with computers, gas chromatographs, infrared spectrophotometers, x-ray diffractometers, mass spectrometers, etc. With all due respect to this gentleman and to these other instruments, there is a vital difference between the polarized light microscopes (PLM) and each of these instruments. First, a trained microscopist requires far more training than a qualified operator of, and interpreter of data from these other instruments. Second, there is considerably more basic physical and chemical information observable and measurable with PLM.
Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Microscopy
Authors: Stenz Melanie L , Periasamy Ammasi 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Fluorescence is a property of certain fluorophores, which allows them to absorb light at one wavelength and emit the light at another, longer wavelength. This fluorescence can be used as a tool to study the interactions of numerous components within a cell. With the use of fluorescent probes, proteins or other cellular matter can be specifically labeled in a fixed or live cell. This allows scientists to closely monitor microscopic cellular functions in order to gain a greater understanding of living biological processes.
Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) imaging microscopy is an important and reliable tool for studying minute molecular processes in space and time within a single cell. FRET spectroscopy is a better method for studying the structure and localization of proteins in physiological conditions than are X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, and electron microscopy.
Some Things You Might Like to Know About Electron Lenses
Authors: Eades Alwyn 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The performance of an electron lens depends solely on the size of the space between the pole pieces. This may be a simplification, but not much of one.
In this article, I will describe the operation of electron lenses in general but with specific reference to how they relate to working with SEM long working distances. The theme is related to EBSD performance when long working distances are needed with steeply tilted samples, and where large beam currents are needed to reduce noise in the EBSD pattern.
The lenses in electron microscopes are made of magnetic fields. The field bends the path of the electrons as they travel through it and so focuses them. The magnetic fields are themselves produced by an electric current flowing through a coil of wire. As the current is increased, the field gets stronger and so the lens focuses more strongly - up to a point.
Formaldehyde as a Fixative for Light and Electron Microscopy
Authors: Carson Freida L 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Since Blum discovered its hardening properties in 1893, formaldehyde has become the most widely used fixative in the world for specimens to be examined by light microscopy. However, since most commercial preparations of formaldehyde contain methanol, a protein precipitant, formaldehyde has been considered an unsatisfactory fixative for tissues to be examined by electron microscopy.In 1973, Carson et a/, described a parallel study comparing the electron microscopic results of fixation with paraformaldehyde vs. formaldehyde. They found that there was no difference in the preservation of ultrastructural morphology provided that the buffer systems were identical. In 1976, McDowell and Trump described a fixative combining commercial formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde (4CF-1G). Both of these fixatives are dual purpose fixatives and preclude the selection of tissue for electron microscopy prior to fixation. They can both be prepared in large quantities and used for routine surgical specimens.
Microscopic analysis of magmatic crystals - Part 2: A SEM study of the stability of accessory zircon under increasing metamorphic conditions
Authors: Sturm Robert 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
This contribution is a continuation of a previously published work in Microscopy Today that described the microscopic analysis of magmatic crystal growth by the example of accessory zircon. Zircon does not only represent a remarkable mineral phase concerning its crystallization out of the magmatic melt, but has also other interesting characteristics, one of which is the rather high physical stability of zircon allowing a determination of the mineral—even in high-grade metamorphic rocks. The changes of zircon from low- to high-grade deformation are very noticable and therefore offer an interesting operating field for electron microscopy. Since crystal microscopy and its specific fascination cannot often be found in a microscopy magazine, it is assumed that the article would awake the interest of the readers.
The Beginnings of the Southeastern Microscopy Society
Authors: Jerome W Gray (Jay) 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
I was pleased to see the article describing some of the history of the Florida Microscopy Society in a recent issue of Microscopy Today. I have since learned that many regional microscopy societies are busy not only archiving their history but retelling it to the next generation of microscopists. I think this is important. The Southeastern Microscopy Society (SEMS) has had a historian since its early days. I am the current historian and I view my job not just as someone who archives the records but also the one responsible for preserving the human face of our history. This includes telling our story. The Southeastern Microscopy Society's Newsletter, The BEAM (http://www.southeasternmicroscopy.org/beam/beam.html) has a regular history feature, where established microscopists recount interesting experiences in the laboratory, memorable SEMS' meetings, or other aspects of the personal side of science.
Exocytosis at the Atomic Level
Authors: Carmichael Stephen W 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
As reviewed in this column on previous occasions, the atomic force microscope (AFM) is steadily making headway as an instrument that can make important contributions to biologic observations. Although the AFM is capable of operating in an aqueous environment, relatively little use has been made of this property to examine cellular structures under conditions that resemble those in vivo. A breakthrough in this regard was recently made by Stefan Schneider, Kumudesh Sritharan, John Geibel, Hans Oberleithner, and Bhanu Jena. of Yale University and the University of Würzburg.
A Trend Towards Computer Aided Microscopy
Authors: Lee Andrew K 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
As the dawn of the next millennium approaches, the light microscope enters its fifth century of use, while the personal computer barely enters its third decade.
When Antony van Leeuwenhoek peered through his self made hand crafted microscope and documented the first observations of bacteria and cells, much of microbiology and cell biology was born. When the personal computer became a tool in modern science, molecular cell biologists were well into the age of human genetic engineering.
While the rise and acceptance into scientific importance of the microscope and the personal computer represent vastly different periods of sophistication in modem science, the combination of these two important scientific tools for computer aided microscopy (CAM) clearly provides bold uncharted potentials and opportunities for medicine, biomedical research, and industry in the future century to come.
Grain Sizing of Anodized Aluminum by Color Image Analysis
Authors: Laroche Sylvain , Forget Clement 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Grain size characterization in Aluminum alloys can be correlated with thermo-mechanical processing properties. In order to predict the processing characteristics of these alloys under certain combinations of strain, deformation and temperature, the metallographic measure of the grain size can be used. Most of the technigues that have been proposed so far do not provide reliable and reproducible quantitative metallographic measurements of the grain size due to human error. Considering that this manual task is also tedious to perform, a general color image analysis algorithm is proposed to automate the characterization process using an optical microscope with polarized light. This algorithm was tested on several ingots and on rolled aluminum samples. The results show robustness in several conditions, even when the grains can barely be seen by a human operator Other image analysis techniques have been proposed but where judged too slow or too complex, particularly when gathering data over several fields. Time constraints specific to industrial seffings were taken into account when implementing a new algorithm.
Microscope Museum
Authors: Carmichael Stephen W 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Recently, I had a delightfully pleasant surprise. I was attending a Human Embryology Conference in Washington, D.C., held at the National Museum of Health and Medicine, a Division of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. I've heard of the AFIP many times, but I had never been there, didn't even know where it was located. AFIP is located on the campus of Walter Reed Army Medical Center, which is bordered by Georgia Avenue. If you're driving, it's near the Maryland state line. If you're taking the Metro, get off at the Silver Springs stop and take a taxi.
Methods of Maximizing X-ray Detection in SEMs
Authors: Rohde David , Camus Patrick 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Sample throughput is a significant issue in the microscopy lab. It is possible to improve the efficiency of analysis by changing the way we operate the microscope or upgrading the analytical system. One method to increase the efficiency of the analyst is to automate as many procedures as possible, including acquisitions. However, the most effective way to increase efficiency is to reduce the time that the analyst spends acquiring data. This is fine, but statistical confidence must not be reduced by the use of shorter acquisition times and the quality of the data or shape of the peaks must not be compromised as well (Figure 1, Table 1). To maintain the same level of statistical confidence of a longer analysis, an increase of the x-ray detection rate is needed.
Tungsten Filament Heating Effects
Authors: Beauregard Paul 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The subject of SEM saturation was discussed on the microscopy list server and off list I was aslied why filaments burn out on the side leg Instead of at the tip. I have degrees in electronics technology and in chemistry as well as being a microscopist. So I investigated this subject and performed some experiments to verify my results.
According to Ohm's Law, one would expect that the highest resistance would be at a sharply bent V’ and that is where the filament would be expected to burn out. However, observations of the phenomenon show this is not where the filament burns out.
ELNES: An Electron Spectroscopic Tool to Study Complex Microstructures
Authors: Bruley John 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The presence of internal boundaries can significantly influence many important properties of materials, such as fracture toughness, creep, electrical conductivity and magnetic behavior. Interfacial structure, chemical composition and bonding, on a nanometer length scale, are often controlling and sought after factors influencing these properties. An electron spectroscopic technique, known as energy-loss near edge structure (ELNES) analysis, can be utilized to probe compositional and bonding variations with a spatial resolution less than 1 nm and is therefore well suited to this endeavor.
When a fast electron passes through a material in an electron microscope, it collides with the electrons bound to the atoms in that sample. As a result, the fast electron often gives up a small fraction of its kinetic energy to the bound electrons. The laws of quantum mechanics dictate that these so-called inelastic scattering events will only take place if the bound electron can gain enough energy to enter an empty energy level.
Can Dew Help us to Image Insulating Material?
Authors: Carmichael Stephen W 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
In high resolution imaging of biologic structure, atomic lorce microscopy (AFM) has been prevailing over scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). This is primarily because biologic materials do not conduct electricity, and STM requires that electrons flow to or from the surface of the specimen, whereas electron flow is not required for AFM. Microscopists intent on using STM have compensated by coating specimens with a thin coat of metal. However, the presence of metal atoms on the surface degrades the resolution. A new development may make STM more useful to biologists than ever before.
X-Ray Wavelength Spectrometers: Are They Still Needed? ..Or “The More Thing Change, The More They Stay The Same’
Authors: Barbi Nick 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
During the early 1970's there was often heated debate over the quality of analytical performance attainable with Energy Dispersive (ED) systems using solid state detectors. Many scientists, particularly the more practical ones, were convinced that only WDX was reliable; while those with perhaps more imagination were convinced EDX was the future in microanaiysis. At that time, both groups were right.
EDX has seen remarkable improvement since those early days. At that time ED spectrometers were limited to analysis of elements above atomic number 10, and state-of-the-art resolution was improving to about 155 eV at Mn. Overlaps were handled strictly in quantitative analysis routines and even then only by use of simple overlap factors. Wavelength Dispersive (WD) spectrometers, although slow and difficult to operate, were required for light element analysis, to perform analyses when overlaps were present or suspected, and to detect trace elements.
In Praise Of The Hour
Authors: Soeldner Al 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Years ago electron microscopes usually had an hour meter as a standard part of the instrument Unfortunately hour meters have been eliminated from many modern scapes and are not even readily available as an option from most microscope manufacturers.
An hour meter is a very useful device. Every microscope I've owned or supervised has had an hour meter that was factory installed, added by helpful field service persons, or that I installed myself. Few of us would enthusiastically buy a car without an odometer, why should we want an electron microscope without an hour meter?
If supplying an hour meter on an electron microscope costs too much in production time or money, certainly it would take only minimal effort at the design stage to plan a connection point or plug to operate a clock as an ancillary part of an appropriate circuit.