On my bulletin board I have a wonder photo of Katherine Esau - she is standing next to a TEM (column) and the caption says "Modern American Gothic".
On Thursday, March 31, 2005, at 03:17 PM, Debby Sherman wrote:
} } } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } ------- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } -------- } } I have had a request for information on women who were on the forefront } during the early days of development of electron microscopy. Of most } interest would be those who were involved in Biological imaging. I } drew a } blank as all the early pioneers that came to mind were men. } } Help me out here! } } Debby } } Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 } Life Science Microscopy Facility FAX: 765-494-5896 } Purdue University E-mail: dsherman-at-purdue.edu } S-052 Whistler Building } 170 S. University Street } West Lafayette, IN 47907 } http://www3.agriculture.purdue.edu/microscopy } } } } ********************************************************************** Beth Richardson EM Lab Coordinator Plant Biology Department University of Georgia Athens, GA 30602-7271
"Between the two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before". Mae West (1893-1980) *******************************************************************
"And it's only the giving that makes you what you are". Wond'ring Aloud, Jethro Tull (Aqualung)
UES Incorporated, a high-tech R&D company in Dayton, Ohio and operator of the AFRL Materials Characterization Facility (MCF), has an immediate need for a full time electron microcopy research technician. The candidate must have a minimum of three to five years experience, a High School degree (Associates degree preferred) and be capable of providing on-site support at the MCF located within WPAFB AFRL/Materials and Manufacturing Directorate. The ideal candidate will be experienced in the operation and maintenance of TEM, SEM and associated support equipment as well as the preparation of materials for examination by these techniques. Experience with the electron microscopy of high temperature ceramic, intermetallic, metallic, metal matrix composite and ceramic matrix composite materials, as well as their preparation by metallographic, electropolishing and ion milling techniques is highly desirable. Knowledge of polymer, Carbon / Carbon composite and semi-conductor electron m! icroscopy and the preparation of these materials, including experience in microtomy of materials, is preferred. The technician must also be capable of training and assisting individuals in the execution of all of the above techniques. Additionally, they will be responsible for the maintenance of the electron microscopes, which are all under service contract, and the maintenance of associated support equipment such as sample preparation facilities, as well as other general laboratory duties. U.S. Citizenship is required.
Hi Debby, Just a couple of Canadians that come to mind are Dr.Bessie Borwein, Dept. of Anatomy University of Western Ontario, Dr Elaine Humphrey University of British Columbia, vancouver B.C. Dr. Margaret McCully, Carlton University, Ottawa.
Ron. Debby Sherman wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 1 11:10:44 2005
This would make a great dissertation topic for a History of Science student. MSA should consider funding such a student to go around and interview these women who are still alive and close associates of those who have gone on to the great EM lab in the sky.
At 10:04 AM 4/1/2005, Beth Richardson wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 1 11:19:14 2005
It seems that people are putting all the wrong samples into our field emission SEM and it's causing contamination problems. We decided to ask all people to fill in forms with detailed information about their samples, but it's hard to predict how all samples will behave in vacuum.
1. Can you suggest a way to check that samples are vacuum-friendly before loading them into the SEM?
2. Is there any good way to periodically clean the specimen chamber from contamination?
Thanks, Daniel Salamon Technical Officer, Electron Microscopy
National Institute for Nanotechnology, NRC W6-081 ECERF Bldg 9107-116 Street Edmonton, AB. T6G 2V4
} ------- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------
} -------- } } I have had a request for information on women who were on the forefront } during the early days of development of electron microscopy. Of most } interest would be those who were involved in Biological imaging. I } drew a } blank as all the early pioneers that came to mind were men. } } Help me out here! } } Debby } } Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 } Life Science Microscopy Facility FAX: 765-494-5896 } Purdue University E-mail: dsherman-at-purdue.edu } S-052 Whistler Building } 170 S. University Street } West Lafayette, IN 47907 } http://www3.agriculture.purdue.edu/microscopy } } } } ********************************************************************** Beth Richardson EM Lab Coordinator Plant Biology Department University of Georgia Athens, GA 30602-7271
"Between the two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before". Mae West (1893-1980) *******************************************************************
"And it's only the giving that makes you what you are". Wond'ring Aloud, Jethro Tull (Aqualung)
I can't remember the lady who, in the early days, worked at Rockefeller and married Dr. George Palade. It seemed to me that she was very active in the early research days. She finished her career at the Pathology Department at the Univ. of Calif. Medical School in San Francisco. I'll try to recall that name.
I agree that Audrey Glauert is a terrific choice.
Ted Pella
-----Original Message----- } From: Caroline Schooley [mailto:schooley-at-mcn.org] Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2005 2:43 PM To: Debby Sherman Cc: Microscopy-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com
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} during the early days of development of electron microscopy. Of most } interest would be those who were involved in Biological imaging. I drew
} a blank as all the early pioneers that came to mind were men. } } Help me out here! } } Debby -
How early is early? 1950s? The wonderful protozoologist who gave me my first EM job at U.C. Berkeley in '53, Dorothy Pitelka. I watched her make glass knives by throwing a piece of plate glass on the floor & picking thru the shards. And certainly Audrey Glauert, who is still with us; ask her for more names: amg44-at-cam.ac.uk
Caroline -- Caroline Schooley Project MICRO Coordinator Microscopy Society of America Box 117, 45301 Caspar Point Road Caspar, CA 95420 Phone/FAX (707)964-9460 Project MICRO: http://www.msa.microscopy.com/ProjectMicro/ Intertidal invertebrates: http://www.fortbragg.k12.ca.us/AG/marinelab.html
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 1 13:22:33 2005
Chris and I visited with Norma Reid (who wrote "Sectioning" in the Glauert series)in February, in New Zealand - and with her husband Bob Hudson.
As far as I am concerned, Judy and Caroline are qualified for the incredible teaching, scrimping and saving under tough budgeting conditions while teaching a large number of individuals over years. And, in article submissions.
-----Original Message----- } From: Judy Murphy [mailto:murphyjudy-at-comcast.net] Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2005 4:13 PM To: Debby Sherman; microscopy-at-msa.microscopy.com
Hi Debby,
Also Norma Reid bob.norma-at-bopis.co.nz
and Chris Pella for contacts of who was there contact at Ted Pella Inc.
Good Luck There were actually quite a few women involved.
Judy
Debby Sherman wrote:
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} during the early days of development of electron microscopy. Of most } interest would be those who were involved in Biological imaging. I drew
} a blank as all the early pioneers that came to mind were men. } } Help me out here! } } Debby } } Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 } Life Science Microscopy Facility FAX: 765-494-5896 } Purdue University E-mail: dsherman-at-purdue.edu } S-052 Whistler Building } 170 S. University Street } West Lafayette, IN 47907 http://www3.agriculture.purdue.edu/microscopy } } } } } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 1 14:02:34 2005
I just dealt with this, probably as you were hitting the "send" button. Someone came in with charcoal that they said probably had 20% humidity. We have a Hitachi FESEM with a pre-pump chamber/airlock and if something takes longer than 30 sec to pump, it's too wet or gassy. So I pumped it in the sputter coater to 30 mTorr for a few minutes, then put it in the pre-pump chamber for a bit, then there was no problem.
For contamination, I question people closely about their samples. Covered in oil? No way. Some things I'll sneak a quick peek at to see what happens. Stuff embedded in epoxy and then polished, I'll warn them not to let the beam touch the epoxy. Preview anything suspicious and ban it if it's going to muck up the column!
} It seems that people are putting all the wrong samples into our field emission SEM and it's causing contamination problems. We decided to ask all people to fill in forms with detailed information about their samples, but it's hard to predict how all samples will behave in vacuum. } } 1. Can you suggest a way to check that samples are vacuum-friendly before loading them into the SEM? } } 2. Is there any good way to periodically clean the specimen chamber from contamination?
Good luck, Tina
**************************************************************************** * Tina (Weatherby) Carvalho * tina-at-pbrc.hawaii.edu * * Biological Electron Microscope Facility * (808) 956-6251 * * University of Hawaii at Manoa * http://www.pbrc.hawaii.edu/bemf* ****************************************************************************
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 1 15:35:33 2005
Yes Debbie, Marilyn Farquhar was the woman I was thinking of - married to Dr. Geo. Palade, Rockefeller-Yale-UCSFMedSch
Ted
-----Original Message----- } From: Marc Pypaert [mailto:marc.pypaert-at-yale.edu] Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2005 2:44 PM To: Debby Sherman Cc: message to: MSA list
How about Marilyn Farquhar, who used to work here at Yale with another great pioneer of cell biology and EM - George Palade. She published some influential EM papers in the 50's already.
Marc
On Thursday, March 31, 2005, at 03:17 PM, Debby Sherman wrote:
} } } ---------------------------------------------------------------------- } - } ------- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } -------- } } I have had a request for information on women who were on the } forefront during the early days of development of electron microscopy.
} Of most interest would be those who were involved in Biological imaging. I } drew a } blank as all the early pioneers that came to mind were men. } } Help me out here! } } Debby } } Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 } Life Science Microscopy Facility FAX: 765-494-5896 } Purdue University E-mail: dsherman-at-purdue.edu } S-052 Whistler Building } 170 S. University Street } West Lafayette, IN 47907 http://www3.agriculture.purdue.edu/microscopy } } } }
-- Marc Pypaert Department of Cell Biology Center for Cell and Molecular Imaging Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Yale University School of Medicine 333 Cedar Street, PO Box 208002 New Haven, CT 06520-8002 TEL 203-785 3681 FAX 203-785 7446
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 1 16:19:15 2005
Marilyn Farquhar and she is still active at UCSD - her career is not finished!
On Friday, April 1, 2005, at 02:33 PM, Ted Pella wrote:
} } } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } ------- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } -------- } } Greetings Debbie and Caroline, } } I can't remember the lady who, in the early days, worked at Rockefeller } and married Dr. George Palade. It seemed to me that she was very } active } in the early research days. She finished her career at the Pathology } Department at the Univ. of Calif. Medical School in San Francisco. } I'll } try to recall that name. } } I agree that Audrey Glauert is a terrific choice. } } Ted Pella } } } } -----Original Message----- } } From: Caroline Schooley [mailto:schooley-at-mcn.org] } Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2005 2:43 PM } To: Debby Sherman } Cc: Microscopy-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } Subject: [Microscopy] Re: Women pioneers in electron microscopy } } } } } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } - } ------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } - } ------- } } } ---------------------------------------------------------------------- } } - } } ------- } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } America } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } ---------------------------------------------------------------------- } } - } -------- } } } } I have had a request for information on women who were on the } } forefront } } } during the early days of development of electron microscopy. Of most } } interest would be those who were involved in Biological imaging. I } } drew } } } a blank as all the early pioneers that came to mind were men. } } } } Help me out here! } } } } Debby - } } How early is early? 1950s? The wonderful protozoologist who gave me } my first EM job at U.C. Berkeley in '53, Dorothy Pitelka. I watched } her make glass knives by throwing a piece of plate glass on the floor } & picking thru the shards. And certainly Audrey Glauert, who is } still with us; ask her for more names: amg44-at-cam.ac.uk } } Caroline } -- } Caroline Schooley } Project MICRO Coordinator } Microscopy Society of America } Box 117, 45301 Caspar Point Road } Caspar, CA 95420 } Phone/FAX (707)964-9460 } Project MICRO: http://www.msa.microscopy.com/ProjectMicro/ } Intertidal invertebrates: } http://www.fortbragg.k12.ca.us/AG/marinelab.html } } } } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 1 17:01:38 2005
A small correction is needed here. Professor Farquar is still based in San Diego (UCSD), where she moved to when she left Yale.
No-one has mentioned Betty Hay yet. She ran the Anatomy Department at Harvard Medical School for many years. This department was very influential in sponsoring electron microscopy for biologists. I can think of a few names that have links with this department (Fawcett, Ito, Karnovski). I am sure there are more in this list. I think I once saw a photo of a young Ted Pella looking down an AEI microscope that may have been in Harvard.
Is it true that the early TEMs used rubber mallets to align the apertures?
Yes Debbie, Marilyn Farquhar was the woman I was thinking of - married to Dr. Geo. Palade, Rockefeller-Yale-UCSFMedSch
Ted
-----Original Message----- } From: Marc Pypaert [mailto:marc.pypaert-at-yale.edu] Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2005 2:44 PM To: Debby Sherman Cc: message to: MSA list
How about Marilyn Farquhar, who used to work here at Yale with another great pioneer of cell biology and EM - George Palade. She published some influential EM papers in the 50's already.
Marc
On Thursday, March 31, 2005, at 03:17 PM, Debby Sherman wrote:
} } } ---------------------------------------------------------------------- } - } ------- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } -------- } } I have had a request for information on women who were on the } forefront during the early days of development of electron microscopy.
} Of most interest would be those who were involved in Biological imaging. I } drew a } blank as all the early pioneers that came to mind were men. } } Help me out here! } } Debby } } Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 } Life Science Microscopy Facility FAX: 765-494-5896 } Purdue University E-mail: dsherman-at-purdue.edu } S-052 Whistler Building } 170 S. University Street } West Lafayette, IN 47907 http://www3.agriculture.purdue.edu/microscopy } } } }
-- Marc Pypaert Department of Cell Biology Center for Cell and Molecular Imaging Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Yale University School of Medicine 333 Cedar Street, PO Box 208002 New Haven, CT 06520-8002 TEL 203-785 3681 FAX 203-785 7446
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 1 18:35:18 2005
Karnovsky was in the Pathology dept not Anatomy. I once asked Sandford Palay (Anatomy at HMS) in the late 80's about using TEM's in the "old" days and he told me how they used rubber mallets to align the apertures. they just tapped on the column until they fell into the correct location. I am not sure but I think it was Fawcett who hired Ito and Hay and then Betty Hay went on to assume Fawcett's position when he retired.
At 05:12 PM 04/01/05, you wrote:
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Paul -
I guess I AM a pioneer, because I've seen this. Dorothy Pitelka used Tom Hayes' RCA EMU 2 at what is now Lawrence Berkeley Lab in the mid 50s. That scope had a "fixed" aperture & owners loosened the clamping screws. Tom used a ball peen hammer - gently.
Caroline -- Caroline Schooley Project MICRO Coordinator Microscopy Society of America Box 117, 45301 Caspar Point Road Caspar, CA 95420 Phone/FAX (707)964-9460 Project MICRO: http://www.msa.microscopy.com/ProjectMicro/ Intertidal invertebrates: http://www.fortbragg.k12.ca.us/AG/marinelab.html
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 1 19:37:51 2005
Can anybody tell me what is chromosome stickiness and star anaphase ? How do they occur ?
thanks all, Narasimhan
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 1 19:51:06 2005
We stigmated (objective lens) our RCA 2A and 2E with a rubber mallet for yrs - very gently!!! It moved the aperture around enough to affect the astigmatism.
We had the 2nd Cambridge SEM in the country Mark I and did several things with that with a rubber mallet!!!!!
Judy Murphy
Caroline Schooley wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 1 21:57:59 2005
unlike carolyn, my first experience was with an old Siemens, they used a soft brass mallet, not a ball peen hammer. i say they - a young technician trainee would never have been allowed to touch the beast.
paul
Paul R. Hazelton, PhD Electron Microscope Unit University of Manitoba Department of Medical Microbiology 531 Basic Medical Sciences Building 730 William Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3E 0W3 e-mail: paul_hazelton-at-umanitoba.ca Phone:204-789-3313 Pager:204-931-9354 Cell:204-781-1502 Fax:204-789-3926
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sat Apr 2 00:50:13 2005
Siemens I: Like Paul's lab, most weren't allowed to tinker with the Siemens I as it was the "research microscope" in the early 60's at the Bevier Hall Center for Microscopy at Univ of Illinois (Urbana). ALL of us users however were many times tempted as The bathroom was a couple doors away down the hall. EVERYTIME someone flushed the toilet, the Siemens "red barred" which meant it got a signal for low water pressure, and went through its vacuum sequencing and one had to manually valve it back to high vacuum which took a long time. It wasn't very conducive for "research microscopy" or any kind of microscopy on busy lab days (i.e. when lots of folks used the bathroom).
Can't resist sharing this story also about the Siemens: apologize for the aside ahead of time. The Siemens was in a room (column only, power supplies in separate room) about 4 ft x 5 ft or very small. The Electronics Engineer in the lab decided one morning to bring his son's 10 ft boa constrictor into lab (haven't a clue why, but anyway he did) and decided he wanted it contained in a small room i.e. the Siemens room (smallest room in the set of labs). He had come in at 5:30am and put it in the room. The snake of course liked the warmth near the diffusion pump at the front bottom of the column. I had the Siemens that day from 6am to 6pm. Got the sample loaded, and turned out the lights (the snake being out of sight underneath). Well you can imagine my surprise when something crawled around my legs which were under the scope. After running out of the room, and likely screaming at the top of my voice, the Siemens took on a whole different meaning besides microscopy!!!!! Later, much later,it was determined that the engineer knew I had the scope at 6, and thus planned to have it in there when I arrived. ALSO, I didn't appreciate the humor in it all until a GREAT deal of time passed! AND yeah, before anyone asks, after that I didn't like snakes much, especially crawling on me.
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sat Apr 2 19:24:26 2005
Well, I guess I have to add the name of Elizabeth MacLean, who was my guide in a course in Optical Methods in Biology at Brandeis during 1963. I remember not only the optical theory, but also the aroma of floating colloidion films out of amyl acetate.
Send reply to: {ted_pella-at-tedpella.com} } From: "Ted Pella" {ted_pella-at-tedpella.com} To: "'Caroline Schooley'" {schooley-at-mcn.org} , "'Debby Sherman'" {dsherman-at-purdue.edu} Copies to: {Microscopy-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com}
All,
Does anyone know of a Edwards vacuum pump service company in the Houston TX area.
Regards,
Walter Protheroe E-MAC, Inc corvos-at-aol.com www.emaci.com
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sun Apr 3 21:38:13 2005
My request for names of women who were pioneers in the field of electron microscopy has resulted in a extensive list. The list starts with those active in the 40¹s and continues on to many women who are still very active in the field today. Their inclusion in the list is due to their influence on someone who took the time to honor them by responding to my initial request.
I have sorted out those that I knew were active in the very early days. These women were indeed pioneers in both scientific research, when the numbers of active women were rather small, and in the new discipline of electron microscopy. In addition there is an extensive list of others who carried on with the research using EM and helped expand or open new areas of research.
Thanks to all who replied and I apologize if I left someone off of the list. It was not intentional but rather a matter of trying to do to many things in too short of an amount of time.
Debby
Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 Life Science Microscopy Facility FAX: 765-494-5896 Purdue University E-mail: dsherman-at-purdue.edu S-052 Whistler Building 170 S. University Street West Lafayette, IN 47907 http://www3.agriculture.purdue.edu/microscopy
Women in the early 40¹s Beatrice Deacon and Alice Gray (Toronto, E.F Burton group) Katherine Polevitsky (Bacteriology, U. of Penn.) Irene Manton FRS: very early plant electron microscopist who worked primarily at Leeds University in the UK. She held the Chair of Botany there from 1946 - 1969, and died in 1988. A building at Leeds University is now named after her as well as prize from the Linnean Society and Phycological Society
mid to late-40s Mary Schuster Jaffe: formvar fenestrated films (first worked with E.F. Fullam) Gertrude Fleming Rempfer: Electron optics -- one of the best, man or woman
Early 50¹s Jean Hanson (E.J. Hanson) who first showed the structure of actin microfilaments. Marie Jakus: Biological EM (collagen & muscle proteins) with F.O. Schmitt and Cecil Hall at MIT Audrey Glauert: originally trained at the Rockefeller Cytology Group (Porter and Palade) along with Farquar and Bonnneville Marilyn Farquhar (Yale) Mary Bonneville
EMSA Education Committee members in the early years (with most still active) Caroline Schooley Judy Murphy Betty Mathews Beverly Giammara
June Almeida, Francis Doane and Nan Anderson: Microbiology, esp virology
Katherine Esau: light microscopist who entered the field of EM to better elucidate plant structure, and plant pathogen/host systems. Member of Nat¹l Academy of Science
Elizabeth (Betsy) Haye: Head of Anatomy, Harvard School of Medicine
Dorothy Pitelka: protobiologist..Berkeley
Chris Pella
Helen Padykula (Mt. Holyoke 1948, Harvard 1954) the American Society of Cell Biology¹s second woman president
Geraldine Gauthier, a student of Helen Padykula, was at Brown, Harvard, Wellesley and U. Mass. Med. from the 60s to the 80s. Norma Reid: wrote "Sectioning" in the Glauert series
Dr. Betty Geren Uzman, Mary Jaffe, and Marie Jakus.
Eleanor H. Slifer: insect chemoreceptors. Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia
Elizabeth Luduc,cro-TEM sectioning methods (1960s)
Agnes Oberlin: electron microscopist in France (TEM) going back to the 40s. carbon-based materials
Helen Gay: first of cold Spring Harbor and later The University of Michigan? In the mid 1950's she published beautiful micrographs of cell nuclei and nucleocytoplasmic relationships --"blebs".
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon Apr 4 08:46:03 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (somayyeh_kheiri-at-yahoo.com) from http://microscopy.com/Ask-A-Microscopist/Ask-A-Microscopist.html on Sunday, April 3, 2005 at 00:13:14 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have a question about FAA preserved materials: I am doing experiments on ssectionig fruit pericarp and leaves.I have gathered the material in FAA how long do you put the material in FAA?the epidermis in the fruits that i have preserved in FAA sometimes become detached from the mesocarp. I thought may this problem be because of the long time of preservation i have kept the material.(6month)I thought the tissues have been loosened.
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (Bstud-at-yandex.ru) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Monday, April 4, 2005 at 04:09:17 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: Bstud-at-yandex.ru Name: Andrey
Organization: IPM RAS
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] Backscattered and secondary electrons
Question: I'm doing some work in electron-beam lithografy and need to know: how to calculate, where backscattered and secondary electrons will occur. Please give me references to abstracts or computer programs which may be helpful for this.
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (Somayyeh_kheiri-at-yahoo.com) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Sunday, April 3, 2005 at 06:26:26 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] about pollen grain counting
Question: Hello dear all
I have been counting the number of pollen grains and ovules to get the pollen/ovule ratio for verbascum species and populations.
I pressed the anthers of the flowers and provided a susponsion of the debris of anthers in distilled water to count the pollen grains in a 5 microliter volume.
some of the samples in the susponsion were counted one day after they were provided so the result showed differences from the first sample which was counted immidiately after providing the susponsion. I myself thought keeping the material in water for oneday caused the grains to be attached together and the amount of the grains that are counted are reduced.
can anybody help me solve the problem?
is this reasonable or there maybe errors in the method of counting?
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (vfink-at-shaw.ca) from http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Friday, April 1, 2005 at 17:37:07 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: vfink-at-shaw.ca Name: Victoria
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] Thanks to all for recommendations
Question: I just wanted to thank you all for the making recommendations, and providing with useful information regarding to the used analytic techniques search. It is amazing how helpful could be this professional collaboration networking!
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (narasimhanpotti-at-hotmmail.com) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Friday, April 1, 2005 at 19:40:04 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (corvos-at-aol.com) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Friday, April 1, 2005 at 17:02:43 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: corvos-at-aol.com Name: Walter J. Protheroe Jr.
Organization: Energy - Micro-Analytical Consultants, Inc.
I'm looking for a motorized linear positioner that will be putting different types of mirrors in and out of the beam path. X resolution is not critical. Speed is a moderate concern. I need an approximate travel distance of 16 cm. Weight is also not a concern.
I searched and found about 30 different places. Does anyone have any experience with any product such as this?
Thanks in advance for your help. Best,
Gary
Gary Laevsky, Ph.D. Keck Facility Manager, CenSSIS Northeastern University 302 Stearns 360 Huntington Ave. Boston, MA 02115 voice(617) 373 - 2589 {br} fax(617) 373 - 7783 {br} {br}
http://www.censsis.neu.edu
http://www.ece.neu.edu/groups/osl
http://www.keck3dfm.neu.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon Apr 4 17:07:47 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (GAFTUNE-at-A0L.COM) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Monday, April 4, 2005 at 12:14:11 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: I AM AN ENGINEER WHO IS INTERESTED IN THE TECHNIQUES USED INIDENTIFYING PARTICLES FILTERED ONTO FILTER PAPER USING AN OPTICAL MICROSCOPE. THE PARTICL SIZE WOULD BE MINIMALLY APPROXIMATELY 1 MICRON NOMINAL DIAMETER OR LENGTH.
THESE PARTICLES WOULD BE PRESENT IN ELECTROPLATING SOLUTIONS. THEY MIGHT TYPICALLY BE ACTIVATED CARBON, METAL FINES(LIKE ELEMENTAL NICKEL OR COPPER), FILTER MEDIA POWDERS, OR ATMOSPHERIC DIRT.
ALSO, IS THERE AN ACCOUNTING PROCEDURE TO MEASURE THE QUANTITY OF EACH PRESENT?
CAN SOMEONE GIVE ME TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS?
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (diller-at-assisi.de) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Monday, April 4, 2005 at 13:52:55 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: Dear listeners, I am looking for manuals and electronic layouts for an EMSCOPE Sputtercoater SC 500 with carbon coater head SB 250. Any help would be fine, especially a short explanation how to work with it... I reach the first trip-point at 0,15 Torr but then nothing happens after pressing the start-button...
How long should the vacuum (and thus the LN2 consumption and the resolution) of a Be-window EDS detector last?
The LN2 consumption of ours rose to about 2.2 litres/day by the time it was two years old, then it was sent back to the factory for a leak-check and a pump 'n' bake.
When we got it back, the consumption rate was about 1.3 litres/day, but after a further twenty-two months, the consumption had risen to around 2 litres.day. During this time the detector had been mounted on an SEM which was under vacuum 24/7, and had not been allowed to warm up at all.
The consumption then continued to rise, and after a further six months, all under vacuum and with no warmups, it ran out of LN2 over 3 1/2 days of Easter, indicating a consumption rate of about 2.2 litres/day.
And now, after recooling, the consumtion is up to about 2.4 litres/day, and, of course, the resolution has degraded by about 3 eV.
It seems to me that this detector has always had a slow leak, not through the window, which the factory failed to find and fix both at the time of manufacture and when it was returned to them.
The factory, however, maintains that, because it was leak-checked when it was returned to them, that any problem must have developed subsequently.
Now I'm not a deeply cynical person, but it seems to me unlikely that twice the same detector has developed vacuum problems within two years of leaving the factory.
I will be interested in the opinions of others about the history of this particular detector, and also in the experience of others with the vacuum lifetimes of their EDS detectors.
cheers
rtch
-- Ritchie Sims Ph D Phone : 64 9 3737599 ext 87713 Microanalyst Fax : 64 9 3737435 Department of Geology email : r.sims-at-auckland.ac.nz The University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland New Zealand
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon Apr 4 18:54:09 2005
please contact me via email. We have a product for exactly that application.
Mike
Michael Bode, Ph.D. Soft Imaging System Corp. 12596 West Bayaud Avenue Suite 300 Lakewood, CO 80228 =================================== phone: (888) FIND SIS (303) 234-9270 fax: (303) 234-9271 email: mailto:info-at-soft-imaging.com web: http://www.soft-imaging.com ===================================
-----Original Message----- } From: GAFTUNE-at-A0L.COM [mailto:GAFTUNE-at-A0L.COM] Sent: Monday, April 04, 2005 16:24 To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (GAFTUNE-at-A0L.COM) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Monday, April 4, 2005 at 12:14:11 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: I AM AN ENGINEER WHO IS INTERESTED IN THE TECHNIQUES USED INIDENTIFYING PARTICLES FILTERED ONTO FILTER PAPER USING AN OPTICAL MICROSCOPE. THE PARTICL SIZE WOULD BE MINIMALLY APPROXIMATELY 1 MICRON NOMINAL DIAMETER OR LENGTH.
THESE PARTICLES WOULD BE PRESENT IN ELECTROPLATING SOLUTIONS. THEY MIGHT TYPICALLY BE ACTIVATED CARBON, METAL FINES(LIKE ELEMENTAL NICKEL OR COPPER), FILTER MEDIA POWDERS, OR ATMOSPHERIC DIRT.
ALSO, IS THERE AN ACCOUNTING PROCEDURE TO MEASURE THE QUANTITY OF EACH PRESENT?
CAN SOMEONE GIVE ME TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS?
} How long should the vacuum (and thus the LN2 consumption and the } resolution) of a } Be-window EDS detector last? } } The LN2 consumption of ours rose to about 2.2 litres/day by the time } it was two years } old, then it was sent back to the factory for a leak-check and a pump } 'n' bake. } } When we got it back, the consumption rate was about 1.3 litres/day, } but after a further } twenty-two months, the consumption had risen to around 2 litres.day. } During this time } the detector had been mounted on an SEM which was under vacuum 24/7, } and had not } been allowed to warm up at all. } } The consumption then continued to rise, and after a further six } months, all under } vacuum and with no warmups, it ran out of LN2 over 3 1/2 days of } Easter, indicating a } consumption rate of about 2.2 litres/day. } } And now, after recooling, the consumtion is up to about 2.4 } litres/day, and, of course, } the resolution has degraded by about 3 eV. } } It seems to me that this detector has always had a slow leak, not } through the window, } which the factory failed to find and fix both at the time of } manufacture and when it was } returned to them. } } The factory, however, maintains that, because it was leak-checked when } it was } returned to them, that any problem must have developed subsequently. } } Now I'm not a deeply cynical person, but it seems to me unlikely that } twice the same } detector has developed vacuum problems within two years of leaving the } factory. } } I will be interested in the opinions of others about the history of } this particular detector, } and also in the experience of others with the vacuum lifetimes of } their EDS detectors. } Dear Rich, The detector we had on the HVEM also had a slow leak, and I think that any system that has o-rings, valves, and other parts that can be disassembled will have a slow leak. When we mounted a modified back plate on our system to facilitate pump-outs in situ, we had to fiddle with it to minimize the leaks, and, even so, we had to pump the system out every few months to get good resolution. (BTW, 3 eV is very good--I suspect you mean 300 eV.) We didn't ever have to replace the LN2 more frequently than once a week, but your dewar may be smaller than ours. 2+ l/d is a fast consumption rate, though. If you can hook up a leak detector to the EDS detector, you might be able to find the leak(s) and remedy it or them. Good luck. Yours, Bill Tivol, PhD EM Scientist and Manager Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility Broad Center, Mail Code 114-96 California Institute of Technology Pasadena CA 91125 (626) 395-8833 tivol-at-caltech.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon Apr 4 20:21:31 2005
When we moved into our new building, a home had to be found for the TEM. The new building, though beautiful and heritage listed sandstone, was not exactly suited for an electron microscope. We had the choice of the first or second floor. There was no choice of the underground railway or the main road outside. As there was no money to pay for proper testing, I spent a delightful day checking for vibration with a saucer of water. I could be found for long periods at prospective locations crouched on the floor with my saucer staring intently at the water surface waiting for a train or the traffic lights to change. As we in a hospital complex, this gave rise to several people solicitously stopping and asking if I needed medical attention. I dare say they were completely confused when I explained my mission; I really should have thought up something more plausible, such as an alien attack!
As it turned out, the microscope is very happy and vibration free in its second floor location!
The moral? It may seem impossible, but if there's no choice and some imagination.......
Diana van Driel Dept Ophthalmology Sydney University GPO Box 4337 Sydney, NSW AUSTRALIA 2001
Phone 61 2 93827278 Mobile 0423 151614 FAX 61 2 93827318 On 1 Apr 2005, at 3:45 PM, Coetzee, Mr S. H Physics Science wrote:
} } } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } ------- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } -------- } } Dear All } I just love this list. We are having a workshop on Laboratory } infrastructure and M {management. } Most EM Units (like ours) I know was shoved into a existing building. } Some even of 2nd and 3rd floors. } I will appreciate it if people can share there experience with } relationship to performance problems observed, instrument involved (W, } LaB6 or FEG, SEM, ESEM, Duelbeem TEM etc.) How it was solved and a } few nice and humorous examples will be great. I hope to get the point } across that an EM unit is a important part of a University, and if } possible must be taken into consideration during building design and } ultimately must play a part in the location decision of a University. } } Thanks } } } Since some mail do get Lost, Bounces, etc Please send a duplicate/copy } of all urgent mail to: } } coetzeesh-at-yahoo.co.uk {mailto:coetzeesh-at-yahoo.co.uk} } } Mr S. H. Coetzee } Electron Microscope Unit } University of Botswana } Private Bag 0022 } Gaborone } Botswana } Phone : +267 355 2462/5222 } Mobile : +267 718 36547 } Fax : +267 318 5097 } e-mail : coetzees-at-mopipi.ub.bw }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon Apr 4 20:44:48 2005
SEM with EDX would make this a simple analysis. It could even be automated.
Bill McManus Mt Ogden Scientific Services moss-at-relia.net
} } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was } submitted by (GAFTUNE-at-A0L.COM) from } http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Monday, } April 4, 2005 at 12:14:11 } --------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Email: GAFTUNE-at-A0L.COM } Name: GERALD FISHER } } Organization: NA } } Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: } } Question: I AM AN ENGINEER WHO IS INTERESTED IN THE TECHNIQUES USED } INIDENTIFYING PARTICLES FILTERED ONTO FILTER PAPER USING AN OPTICAL } MICROSCOPE. THE PARTICL SIZE WOULD BE MINIMALLY APPROXIMATELY 1 MICRON } NOMINAL DIAMETER OR LENGTH. } } THESE PARTICLES WOULD BE PRESENT IN ELECTROPLATING SOLUTIONS. THEY MIGHT } TYPICALLY BE ACTIVATED CARBON, METAL FINES(LIKE ELEMENTAL NICKEL OR } COPPER), FILTER MEDIA POWDERS, OR ATMOSPHERIC DIRT. } } ALSO, IS THERE AN ACCOUNTING PROCEDURE TO MEASURE THE QUANTITY OF EACH } PRESENT? } } CAN SOMEONE GIVE ME TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS? } } --------------------------------------------------------------------------- } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 02:03:00 2005
Several thoughts: If you are having contrast problems, try using mineral oil or immersion oil to "remove" the paper background. Also, reflected light darkfield microscopy often helps.
Secondly, regarding counting - if your particles are indeed only 1 micron in size, it will probably be difficult to get enough pixels to really image them well with a camera. I'd recommend that you try, but it might be tough because there won't be enough pixels/particle to really limage them. If you can, indeed, see them by eye, you may want to invest in a simple grid that fits in your eyepiece and count the number in a representative number of squares. If the distribution is homogeneous, you don't have to count all the particles in all the squares. Just count a representative number then multiply by the total number of squares.
If the particles are as small as you say they are, you might get tricky and use a camera to project them onto a computer monitor then make a grid on a piece of overhead transparency and count them as you see them on the monitor.
These are just several options. I'm sure the listserver will have lots of others.
Good hunting!
Best regards, Barbara Foster
Microscopy/Microscopy Education 313 S Jupiter Rd, Suite 100 Allen, TX 75002 P: 972-954-8011 W: www.MicroscopyEducation.com
P. S. Need a good general reference or light microscopy text? Visit our website to learn more about "Optimizing LIght Microscopy". Copies still available through MME... even for class-room lots ... and we give quantity discounts.
At 05:23 PM 4/4/2005, GAFTUNE-at-A0L.COM wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 04:21:16 2005
Only picked up my e-mails after a few days but I would agree that Irene Manton was one of the leaders at least in the UK from the 40's to the 70's. It so happens that Dr Peter Evennett is giving a talk on the contributions of Irene Manton (and EM in Leeds) at the 35 year Anniversary Meeting of the SEMT (Society of Electron Microscope Technology) in The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK on the 27th of April. If you can get there great as we would love to see you, but if not I would guess a transcript of the talk might be available,
Regards
Terry Cooper TAAB Laboratories Equipment Ltd 3 Minerva House, Calleva Park Aldermaston, Berks, RG7 8NA, England
Diane, You were very fortunate that you were able to retrofit a facility with minimum problems to house your microscopes. This is not always possible for high end instruments and high resolution demands.
One topic to be addressed during the Core Facility Management session at M&M2005 is construction of a facility for these special needs. I hope all that are fortunate enough to be able to attend the meeting will come and share their experiences and solutions to both routine and high end installation problems during our extensive discussion period.
I hope that the proceedings of this session will be able to be taped and published in Microscopy Today as we have done previously so all will benefit.
By the way, this is the first time that this session is officially sponsored by our newly MSA-certified Focused Interest Group on Facility Operations.
Debby
Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 Life Science Microscopy Facility FAX: 765-494-5896 Purdue University E-mail: dsherman-at-purdue.edu S-052 Whistler Building 170 S. University Street West Lafayette, IN 47907 http://www3.agriculture.purdue.edu/microscopy
On 4/4/05 8:36 PM, "Diana van Driel" {dianavd-at-eye.usyd.edu.au} wrote:
} } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------} - } } When we moved into our new building, a home had to be found for the } TEM. The new building, though beautiful and heritage listed sandstone, } was not exactly suited for an electron microscope. We had the choice of } the first or second floor. There was no choice of the underground } railway or the main road outside. As there was no money to pay for } proper testing, I spent a delightful day checking for vibration with a } saucer of water. I could be found for long periods at prospective } locations crouched on the floor with my saucer staring intently at the } water surface waiting for a train or the traffic lights to change. As } we in a hospital complex, this gave rise to several people solicitously } stopping and asking if I needed medical attention. I dare say they were } completely confused when I explained my mission; I really should have } thought up something more plausible, such as an alien attack! } } As it turned out, the microscope is very happy and vibration free in } its second floor location! } } The moral? It may seem impossible, but if there's no choice and some } imagination....... } } } Diana van Driel } Dept Ophthalmology } Sydney University } GPO Box 4337 } Sydney, NSW } AUSTRALIA 2001 } } Phone 61 2 93827278 } Mobile 0423 151614 } FAX 61 2 93827318 } On 1 Apr 2005, at 3:45 PM, Coetzee, Mr S. H Physics Science wrote: } } } } } } } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } } ------- } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } } America } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } } -------- } } } } Dear All } } I just love this list. We are having a workshop on Laboratory } } infrastructure and M {management. } } Most EM Units (like ours) I know was shoved into a existing building. } } Some even of 2nd and 3rd floors. } } I will appreciate it if people can share there experience with } } relationship to performance problems observed, instrument involved (W, } } LaB6 or FEG, SEM, ESEM, Duelbeem TEM etc.) How it was solved and a } } few nice and humorous examples will be great. I hope to get the point } } across that an EM unit is a important part of a University, and if } } possible must be taken into consideration during building design and } } ultimately must play a part in the location decision of a University. } } } } Thanks } } } } } } Since some mail do get Lost, Bounces, etc Please send a duplicate/copy } } of all urgent mail to: } } } } coetzeesh-at-yahoo.co.uk {mailto:coetzeesh-at-yahoo.co.uk} } } } } Mr S. H. Coetzee } } Electron Microscope Unit } } University of Botswana } } Private Bag 0022 } } Gaborone } } Botswana } } Phone : +267 355 2462/5222 } } Mobile : +267 718 36547 } } Fax : +267 318 5097 } } e-mail : coetzees-at-mopipi.ub.bw } } } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 09:29:05 2005
Perhaps an easier way to use the water saucer trick is to reflect a laser from the surface onto a wall. By having a large saucer-to-wall distance, you can amplify the effect of the water ripples. One thing you do need to watch out for are air currents which can also ripple the surface of the water. I reduced this effect by taking a large cardboard box (with appropriate cutouts) and placing it over the water dish.
I used an old HeNe laser we had in the lab, but I suspect that with a little ingenuity, you could use a laser pointer just as well.
Does anyone else have home-made environmental sensors for EM labs? (vibration, acoustics, EM fields, etc)?
Cheers, Henk
At 09:36 PM 04/04/05, Diana van Driel wrote:
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Hendrik O. Colijn colijn.1-at-osu.edu Campus Electron Optics Facility Ohio State University (614) 292-0674 http://www.ceof.ohio-state.edu Time is that quality of nature which keeps events from happening all at once. Lately it doesn't seem to be working.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 09:37:30 2005
I agree with the post by Bill McManus that SEM/EDS methods are the best way to identify the contaminant sample you described. I do this routinely for various customers who present contaminants on filter paper. I don't believe one micron-sized particles are amenable to analysis using optical microscopy methods. My approach using SEM/EDS is cutomized for each set of analyses I perform, depending on the customer's concerns.
I recommend you get in touch with a laboratory that has SEM/EDS and an operator that can interpret the results.
Stu Smalinskas, P.E. Metallurgist SKF USA Plymouth, Michigan (734) 414-6862
Question: I AM AN ENGINEER WHO IS INTERESTED IN THE TECHNIQUES USED IN IDENTIFYING PARTICLES FILTERED ONTO FILTER PAPER USING AN OPTICAL MICROSCOPE. THE PARTICLE SIZE WOULD BE MINIMALLY APPROXIMATELY 1 MICRON NOMINAL DIAMETER OR LENGTH.
THESE PARTICLES WOULD BE PRESENT IN ELECTROPLATING SOLUTIONS. THEY MIGHT TYPICALLY BE ACTIVATED CARBON, METAL FINES (LIKE ELEMENTAL NICKEL OR COPPER), FILTER MEDIA POWDERS, OR ATMOSPHERIC DIRT.
ALSO, IS THERE AN ACCOUNTING PROCEDURE TO MEASURE THE QUANTITY OF EACH PRESENT?
CAN SOMEONE GIVE ME TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS?
__________________________________ Yahoo! Messenger Show us what our next emoticon should look like. Join the fun. http://www.advision.webevents.yahoo.com/emoticontest
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 10:30:56 2005
I need to embed some very small larvae of Ostertagia ostertagi in paraffin, but they are only visible under the microscope. I have a basic protocol advising to embed the larvae in 3% agar, fix them overnight in Bouins fluid, and subsequently process and embed them in paraffin, but does it mean that the larvae, pre-embedded in agar, can subsequently be fixed, processed and embedded in paraffin ? Or do I have to remove the agar in a particular step ? Or are there other protocols that I can use ?
Thanks in advance for your comments.
Kind regards,
Wim.
--- Wim Van den Broeck, DVM, MSc, PhD Docent Cytology and Histology Department of Morphology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke BELGIUM tel.: +32 (0)9 264 77 16 fax: +32 (0)9 264 77 90 Email: wim.vandenbroeck-at-UGent.be http://allserv.rug.ac.be/~bdepauw/
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 10:39:10 2005
I would like to find a suitable scanner to scan Kodak 4489 film, that is: 3.25" X 4" negatives. Preferably as low a priced system as possible would be suitable, so I'm interested to see what others have done or are doing when it comes to scanning this size of negative.
I've already noticed that when Nikon or Minolta talks about "electron microscope film" they have in mind a format of 59mm X 82 mm, which is too small for us.
Your help with valuable ideas would be GREATLY appreciated in this matter.
Garry Burgess
Charge Technologist - Electron Microscopy Department of Pathology Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg Canada
This e-mail and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the address(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 11:22:29 2005
I use a small magnetometer that plugs into my notebook PC. Using Spectrum Laboratory Windows app. Free download is from here:
www . qsl. net/dl4yhf/spectra1.html
It was made by ham radio folks to recover Morse Code and to do other radio things but is great for FFT analysis of all sorts of vibration and acoustic noise.
gary g. N6OIJ
At 07:43 AM 4/5/2005, you wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 11:41:20 2005
There are two components to your proposed analysis: 1) you want to count particles that are as small as 1 micrometer, and 2) you want to count particles based on their elemental composition and/or morphology. I am doubtful that you will be able to clearly distinguish between the groups of particles using the light microscope and even with EDXS, you may have some difficulty distinguishing between the activated carbon and some atmospheric dirt and perhaps the filter media powders depending on their composition (are they a silicon based material?); the nickel and copper would be easy to do with EDXS as has been suggested by other replies. The other aspect of using the light microscope would, as Ms Foster mentioned, be the ability to image the smallest of the particles with a digital camera, too few pixels.
Another concern is the use of filter paper (depth filters) where the smaller particles can get trapped within the matrix of the paper and be lost to imaging on the SEM. What you need to use is a mesh type filtration membrane. Nuclear track etched membranes can also cause "piling up" of particles around the pore and consequently you can lose some particles embedded in a "mountain" of other particles (I've seen this unless you have very few particles in your solution). If you can get access to an SEM with EDXS I have another procedure that you can use to filter the particles but that would require that you 1) can dilute the electroplating solution with 0.45 micrometer or smaller filtered distilled water, 2) that the electroplating solution will not attack aluminum, and 3) there is no aluminum or gold in the solution to be filtered.
If you can live with the above limitations, dilute the electroplating solution with filtered distilled water and filter the particles on a vacuum evaporated gold coated 0.2 micrometer retention rated Anodisc(TM) filtration membrane. This filtration medium is like a filter screen so the particles will all sit atop the flat surface. I've found that coating helps reduce clumping of the particles and of course reduces charging. The total particulate burden can be easily determined using a series of Fovea Pro 3.0 (plug-ins for Photoshop) steps which I can give you (other software can probably do the same thing). The EDXS with other dedicated image analysis software can also do this for each type of particle based on elemental composition (probably even automated) although again, separating some of the types of particles may be problematic.
-----Original Message----- } From: by way of MicroscopyListserver [mailto:GAFTUNE-at-A0L.COM] Sent: Monday, April 04, 2005 5:24 PM To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (GAFTUNE-at-A0L.COM) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Monday, April 4, 2005 at 12:14:11 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: I AM AN ENGINEER WHO IS INTERESTED IN THE TECHNIQUES USED INIDENTIFYING PARTICLES FILTERED ONTO FILTER PAPER USING AN OPTICAL MICROSCOPE. THE PARTICL SIZE WOULD BE MINIMALLY APPROXIMATELY 1 MICRON NOMINAL DIAMETER OR LENGTH.
THESE PARTICLES WOULD BE PRESENT IN ELECTROPLATING SOLUTIONS. THEY MIGHT TYPICALLY BE ACTIVATED CARBON, METAL FINES(LIKE ELEMENTAL NICKEL OR COPPER), FILTER MEDIA POWDERS, OR ATMOSPHERIC DIRT.
ALSO, IS THERE AN ACCOUNTING PROCEDURE TO MEASURE THE QUANTITY OF EACH PRESENT?
CAN SOMEONE GIVE ME TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS?
I am looking at moving my Philips EM420 from film to digital imaging. This is a materials science program so diffraction as well as bright-field imaging are important.
I have done an online search for suppliers for digital cameras and found the following:
Gatan SIS Teitz SIA
As with everyone money is a factor in this decision.
I am looking for recommendations in two areas.
1) Do you have experience with cameras from the above manufacturers, or other manufacturers my search missed? Are you happy with the product and the support?
2) What are the pros and cons of top mount vs bottom mount cameras? I know the top mount cameras have imaging areas which are similar to the plate film my students are used to, but there is lower resolution. Any other tradeoffs to consider?
Thanks for your help,
Tom
------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------- Thomas M Murray email: murraytm-at-u.washington.edu Electron Microscopy Center Manager Phone: (206)543-2836 Materials Science & Engineering Fax: (206)543-3100 Box 352120 302 Roberts Hall Cell: (425)345-0083 University of Washington Seattle, WA 98195
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 12:19:50 2005
The New England Society for Microscopy (NESM), along with it's co-host, the Connecticut Microscopy Society (CMS)is pleased to announce it's 22nd Annual Spring Symposium at Marine Biological Lab (MBL) in Woods Hole, MA. The 2-day Symposium will be held Friday April 29th and Saturday, April 30th. Preceeding the symposium on Thursday, April 28th, there will be a half-day workshop on "Presentation Skills and Details for Microscopists" presented by Paul Matsudaira of The Whitehead Institute-MIT (Cambridge, MA).
The program will include presentations from both the Materials Science and Biological Sciences. After registration at Noon on Friday, and the welcome by NESM's President-elect, Dan Gibson, there will be 2 technical sessions which will include such fascinating talks as large X-ray mapping for the analysis of geological samples and the use of Northeastern's Keck 3D fusion microscope to examine protein expression in mouse embryos. At the close of the technical presentations on Friday, attendees will enjoy socializing at a cocktail hour and dinner at MBL's Swope Center with a wonderful view of Eel Pond. The after-dinner speaker, Dr. Greg erickson of Florida Statue University, will present an interesting talk entitled, "Building Giants: Unlocking the Mysteries of Dinosaurian Growth Patterns".
The Saturday morning session will include 3 talks, after which the attendees can meet with our sponsors in the vendor display and peruse the Poster session (many submitted by students). Monetary prizes will be awarded for the Best Poster, Best Student Poster, and Best Photo-as-Art. Do come and support our poster entrants for all their hard work!
Pre-registration is mandatory: if you plan on staying for dinner and if you want to attend the workshop, you must reserve your spot. Complete details re: the meeting program, the Poster Session, and the workshop (which is a separate registration from the Symposium) can be found on NESM's website (http://nesm.cims.harvard.edu) under "current newsletter".
If you require any information re: the meeting, please contact Paul Bain, NESM's Treasurer at paul_bain-at-HMS.HARVARD.EDU or by phone: 617-432-3236.
Please plan on joining us at Woods Hole! It is one of the most anticipated meetings of the year for NESM.
Peggy Sherwood Lab Associate, Photopathology Wellman Center for Photomedicine (W224) Massachusetts General Hospital 55 Fruit Street Boston, MA 02114 617-724-4839 (voice mail) 617-726-6983 (lab) 617-726-3192 (fax) msherwood-at-partners.org
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 12:31:19 2005
a key feature in the selection of a scanner for EM film is the Dmax. most "home" flat bed scanners don't have a sufficiently high enough Dmax value to capture the essential information. my epson 1680 does a decent job.
} X-Authentication-Warning: ns.microscopy.com: mail set sender to } MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com using -f } Date: Tue, 5 Apr 2005 10:54:32 -0500 } From: Garry Burgess {GBurgess-at-exchange.hsc.mb.ca} } Subject: [Microscopy] Scanning 3 1/4" X 4" Negatives } To: {microscopy-at-microscopy.com} } X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2653.19) } X-OriginalArrivalTime: 05 Apr 2005 17:28:06.0738 (UTC) } FILETIME=[D461B320:01C53A04] } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Thomas E. Phillips, PhD Professor of Biological Sciences Director, Molecular Cytology Core 3 Tucker Hall University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211-7400
Does any on the list know if one can perform surface roughness measurements using a SEM either directly or through EDS software? I am aware that this can be accomplished using AFMs and light and laser profilometers, but is there software out there that allows the use of a SEM?
TIA,
Ed Komarnicki Sr. Analytical Chemist MacDermid Inc.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 12:53:06 2005
I am quite happy with Epson Perfection 4870 Photo flatbed scanner (just a happy user).
Ann Fook Yang EM Unit/ Unite EM Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada Telephone/Téléphone: 613-759-1638 Facsimile/Télécopieur: 613-759-1701 960 Carling Ave/960 Boul Carling Ottawa,Ontario/Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1A 0C6 yanga-at-agr.gc.ca
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada
-----Original Message----- } From: Garry Burgess [mailto:GBurgess-at-exchange.hsc.mb.ca] Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2005 11:55 AM To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
I would like to find a suitable scanner to scan Kodak 4489 film, that is: 3.25" X 4" negatives. Preferably as low a priced system as possible would be suitable, so I'm interested to see what others have done or are doing when it comes to scanning this size of negative.
I've already noticed that when Nikon or Minolta talks about "electron microscope film" they have in mind a format of 59mm X 82 mm, which is too small for us.
Your help with valuable ideas would be GREATLY appreciated in this matter.
Garry Burgess
Charge Technologist - Electron Microscopy Department of Pathology Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg Canada
This e-mail and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the address(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 13:14:08 2005
Help! I need a different name to call "Dualbeam" or "Crossbeam" instruments since one is trademarked and the other is registered (FEI & Zeiss).
Richard E. Edelmann, Ph.D. Associate Editor of EXPO, Microscopy and Microanalysis Supplement Electron Microscopy Facility Director 350 Pearson Hall Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 Ph: 513.529.5712 Fax: 513.529.4243 E-mail: edelmare-at-muohio.edu http://www.emf.muohio.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 13:26:51 2005
I want to stabilize the capsule surrounding a bacteria in order to see if the lectin I intend to use is binding to a sugar residue located in the capsule itself or on the cell wall.
I have already tried negative staining (PTA) and I was not satisfy with the results. There is some binding but I cannot discriminate clearly if it on the capsule or the wall.
I decided to go for thin sections but I need to stabilize the capsule, with ruthenium red per exemple, in order to avoid its collapse, but I am wondering if the affinity lectin/sugar residue will be affected by the stabilization.
Any ideas anyone?
Diane Montpetit Centre de Recherche et de Développement sur les Aliments 3600 Boul. Casavant Ouest, St-Hyacinthe, (Québec) Canada J2S 8E3 Téléphone/Phone: 450-773-1105 Télécopieur/ Fax: 450-773-8461 montpetitd-at-agr.gc.ca
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 13:31:29 2005
We have the Epson Perfection 3200 scanner and like it very much.
Peggy Sherwood Lab Associate, Photopathology Wellman Center for Photomedicine (W224) Massachusetts General Hospital 55 Fruit Street Boston, MA 02114 617-724-4839 (voice mail) 617-726-6983 (lab) 617-726-3192 (fax) msherwood-at-partners.org
-----Original Message----- } From: Garry Burgess [mailto:GBurgess-at-exchange.hsc.mb.ca] Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2005 11:55 AM To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
I would like to find a suitable scanner to scan Kodak 4489 film, that is: 3.25" X 4" negatives. Preferably as low a priced system as possible would be suitable, so I'm interested to see what others have done or are doing when it comes to scanning this size of negative.
I've already noticed that when Nikon or Minolta talks about "electron microscope film" they have in mind a format of 59mm X 82 mm, which is too small for us.
Your help with valuable ideas would be GREATLY appreciated in this matter.
Garry Burgess
Charge Technologist - Electron Microscopy Department of Pathology Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg Canada
This e-mail and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the address(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 14:12:21 2005
Gary, I have an Epson Expression 1600 (its about 4 years old) that works well for me. It has 1600 dpi resolution It does not have a holder that fits the negatives, but it does have 2 focus settings (one for film in holders and a 0mm distance for "contact prints"). As long as my film is perfectly dry and I position it carefully, I have no problems with Newton rings. I do scan it as positive film and then reverse contrast in Photoshop, since the settings for scanning negative film give really awful results. When new, the scanner cost around $2,500, which at the time was half of my budget for a new computer system. I don't what what the current prices are, but I think that I get a lot of bang for my buck. Just a happy user.... Lee -- Leona Cohen-Gould, M.S. Sr. Staff Associate Director, Electron Microscopy & Histology Core Facility Manager, Optical Microscopy Core Facility Joan & Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University voice (212)746-6146 fax (212)746-8175
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 14:31:50 2005
Richard, You might try "Orthobeam" (though perhaps "Onthebeam" would be more poetic?) or "Pairabeam".
TB
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Aaron Hicks Electron Microscopy Preparation Technician
Comparative Physiology and Anatomy Institute of Veterinary, Animal, and Biomedical Sciences Massey University
PN-412 Private Bag 11 222 Palmerston North New Zealand
Phone +64 06 350 4874
-----Original Message----- } From: Gary Gaugler [mailto:gary-at-gaugler.com] Sent: Wednesday, 6 April 2005 4:32 a.m. To: Hendrik O. Colijn Cc: MSA listserver
I use a small magnetometer that plugs into my notebook PC. Using Spectrum Laboratory Windows app. Free download is from here:
www . qsl. net/dl4yhf/spectra1.html
It was made by ham radio folks to recover Morse Code and to do other radio things but is great for FFT analysis of all sorts of vibration and acoustic noise.
gary g. N6OIJ
At 07:43 AM 4/5/2005, you wrote:
} ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } ------- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
} water. I reduced this effect by taking a large cardboard box (with } appropriate cutouts) and placing it over the water dish. } } I used an old HeNe laser we had in the lab, but I suspect that with a } little ingenuity, you could use a laser pointer just as well. } } Does anyone else have home-made environmental sensors for EM } labs? (vibration, acoustics, EM fields, etc)? } } Cheers, } Henk } } At 09:36 PM 04/04/05, Diana van Driel wrote: } } } } ---------------------------------------------------------------------- } } -------- } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
} } was not exactly suited for an electron microscope. We had the choice } } of the first or second floor. There was no choice of the underground } } railway or the main road outside. As there was no money to pay for } } proper testing, I spent a delightful day checking for vibration with a
} } saucer of water. I could be found for long periods at prospective } } locations crouched on the floor with my saucer staring intently at the
} } water surface waiting for a train or the traffic lights to change. As } } we in a hospital complex, this gave rise to several people } } solicitously stopping and asking if I needed medical attention. I dare
} } say they were completely confused when I explained my mission; I } } really should have thought up something more plausible, such as an } } alien attack! } } } } As it turned out, the microscope is very happy and vibration free in } } its second floor location! } } } } The moral? It may seem impossible, but if there's no choice and some } } imagination....... } } } } } } Diana van Driel } } Dept Ophthalmology } } Sydney University } } GPO Box 4337 } } Sydney, NSW } } AUSTRALIA 2001 } } } } Phone 61 2 93827278 } } Mobile 0423 151614 } } FAX 61 2 93827318 } } On 1 Apr 2005, at 3:45 PM, Coetzee, Mr S. H Physics Science wrote: } } } } } } } } } } } --------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } -- } } } ------- } } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } } } America
} } } shoved into a existing building. Some even of 2nd and 3rd floors. } } } I will appreciate it if people can share there experience with } } } relationship to performance problems observed, instrument involved (W, } } } LaB6 or FEG, SEM, ESEM, Duelbeem TEM etc.) How it was solved and a } } } few nice and humorous examples will be great. I hope to get the point } } } across that an EM unit is a important part of a University, and if } } } possible must be taken into consideration during building design and } } } ultimately must play a part in the location decision of a University. } } } } } } Thanks } } } } } } } } } Since some mail do get Lost, Bounces, etc Please send a } } } duplicate/copy of all urgent mail to: } } } } } } coetzeesh-at-yahoo.co.uk {mailto:coetzeesh-at-yahoo.co.uk} } } } } } } Mr S. H. Coetzee } } } Electron Microscope Unit } } } University of Botswana } } } Private Bag 0022 } } } Gaborone } } } Botswana } } } Phone : +267 355 2462/5222 } } } Mobile : +267 718 36547 } } } Fax : +267 318 5097 } } } e-mail : coetzees-at-mopipi.ub.bw } } Hendrik O. Colijn colijn.1-at-osu.edu } Campus Electron Optics Facility Ohio State University } (614) 292-0674 http://www.ceof.ohio-state.edu } Time is that quality of nature which keeps events from happening all at } once. Lately it doesn't seem to be working.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 15:48:37 2005
I would second Ann Fook Yang's comments on the Epson 4870, it has a quoted DMax of 3.8 and certainly compares well with a dedicated negative scanner used by our photographic section. Like most scanners it does not have a negative holder that exactly fits the 4489 size but the films can be securely held by the 4" x 5" holder.
Ian
Ian Hallett HortResearch Mt Albert Research Centre, Private Bag 92 169 Auckland, New Zealand Fax +64 9 815 4201 Telephone +64 9 815 4200 EMail ihallett-at-hortresearch.co.nz
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
I would like to find a suitable scanner to scan Kodak 4489 film, that is: 3.25" X 4" negatives. Preferably as low a priced system as possible would be suitable, so I'm interested to see what others have done or are doing when it comes to scanning this size of negative.
I've already noticed that when Nikon or Minolta talks about "electron microscope film" they have in mind a format of 59mm X 82 mm, which is too small for us.
Your help with valuable ideas would be GREATLY appreciated in this matter.
Garry Burgess
Charge Technologist - Electron Microscopy Department of Pathology Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg Canada
This e-mail and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the address(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original.
The contents of this e-mail are privileged and/or confidential to the named recipient and are not to be used by any other person and/or organisation. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender and delete all material pertaining to this e-mail. ______________________________________________________
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 15:54:07 2005
Btw, I don't know if by making these suggestions here I would infringe or perhaps gain copyright to these words. In any case, I don't mind if you use any of them ;-)
mike
Michael Bode, Ph.D. Soft Imaging System Corp. 12596 West Bayaud Avenue Suite 300 Lakewood, CO 80228 =================================== phone: (888) FIND SIS (303) 234-9270 fax: (303) 234-9271 email: mailto:info-at-soft-imaging.com web: http://www.soft-imaging.com ===================================
-----Original Message----- } From: Richard Edelmann [mailto:edelmare-at-MUOhio.Edu] Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2005 12:00 To: microscopy-at-MSA.Microscopy.com
Folks:
Help! I need a different name to call "Dualbeam" or "Crossbeam" instruments since one is trademarked and the other is registered (FEI & Zeiss).
Richard E. Edelmann, Ph.D. Associate Editor of EXPO, Microscopy and Microanalysis Supplement Electron Microscopy Facility Director 350 Pearson Hall Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 Ph: 513.529.5712 Fax: 513.529.4243 E-mail: edelmare-at-muohio.edu http://www.emf.muohio.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 16:00:18 2005
depending on the amplitude of the roughness, you could use Stereo imaging and analysis. Essentially, you take a stereo pair and run it through software to obtain a surface profile. We can do this with our stereo package for the Scandium software, contact me off-line if you need further information. The surface profile can then be analyzed to get roughness parameters (r_sub_m, r_sub_q, etc.).
mike
Michael Bode, Ph.D. Soft Imaging System Corp. 12596 West Bayaud Avenue Suite 300 Lakewood, CO 80228 =================================== phone: (888) FIND SIS (303) 234-9270 fax: (303) 234-9271 email: mailto:info-at-soft-imaging.com web: http://www.soft-imaging.com ===================================
-----Original Message----- } From: ekomarnicki-at-MacDermid.com [mailto:ekomarnicki-at-MacDermid.com] Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2005 12:05 To: microscopy-at-MSA.microscopy.com
Does any on the list know if one can perform surface roughness measurements using a SEM either directly or through EDS software? I am aware that this can be accomplished using AFMs and light and laser profilometers, but is there software out there that allows the use of a SEM?
TIA,
Ed Komarnicki Sr. Analytical Chemist MacDermid Inc.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 16:58:29 2005
You could go with multi-beam. Even though it is only two it is technically multi.
On Apr 5, 2005, at 12:44 PM, Tobias Baskin wrote:
} } } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } ------- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } -------- } } Richard, } You might try "Orthobeam" (though perhaps "Onthebeam" would be more } poetic?) or "Pairabeam". } } TB } } } } ---------------------------------------------------------------------- } } -------- } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } } America } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } ---------------------------------------------------------------------- } } --------- } } } } Folks: } } } } Help! I need a different name to call "Dualbeam" or "Crossbeam" } } instruments since one is trademarked and the other is registered (FEI } } & } } Zeiss). } } } } } } } } Richard E. Edelmann, Ph.D. } } Associate Editor of EXPO, Microscopy and Microanalysis Supplement } } Electron Microscopy Facility Director } } 350 Pearson Hall } } Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 } } Ph: 513.529.5712 Fax: 513.529.4243 } } E-mail: edelmare-at-muohio.edu } } http://www.emf.muohio.edu } } } -- } _ ____ __ ____ / \ / / \ / } \ \ Tobias I. Baskin } / / / / \ \ \ Biology Department } /_ / __ /__ \ \ \__ 611 N. Pleasant St. } / / / \ \ \ University of } Massachusetts } / / / \ \ \ Amherst, MA, 01003 } / / ___ / \ \__/ \ ____ } http://www.bio.umass.edu/biology/baskin/ } Voice: 413 - 545 - 1533 Fax: 413 - 545 - 3243 } }
------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------- Thomas M Murray email: murraytm-at-u.washington.edu Electron Microscopy Center Manager Phone: (206)543-2836 Materials Science & Engineering Fax: (206)543-3100 Box 352120 302 Roberts Hall Cell: (425)345-0083 University of Washington Seattle, WA 98195
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 17:30:38 2005
I am wondering why Si and O are detected from commercial C films (two companies). I measured C film and empty area (hole) next to the film, and I only detected Si and O from C film. I think that Si and O really come from C film.
I think that C was coated on plastic film with small holes. Commercial lacey/holey C films are pure C or C on plastic. I don't think that plastic contains Si.
I would appreciate any suggestion you might have.
Thank you, Hiromi Konishi IU and JHU
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 17:35:56 2005
On Apr 5, 2005, at 10:59 AM, Richard Edelmann wrote:
} Help! I need a different name to call "Dualbeam" or "Crossbeam" } instruments since one is trademarked and the other is registered (FEI & } Zeiss). } Dear Richard, How about "colliding beam"? I'm sure that the accelerator physics people let that one get into the public domain. Yours, Bill Tivol, PhD EM Scientist and Manager Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility Broad Center, Mail Code 114-96 California Institute of Technology Pasadena CA 91125 (626) 395-8833 tivol-at-caltech.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 17:38:54 2005
-----Original Message----- } From: Richard Edelmann [mailto:edelmare-at-MUOhio.Edu] Sent: Wednesday, 6 April 2005 04:00 To: microscopy-at-MSA.Microscopy.com
Folks:
Help! I need a different name to call "Dualbeam" or "Crossbeam" instruments since one is trademarked and the other is registered (FEI & Zeiss).
Richard E. Edelmann, Ph.D. Associate Editor of EXPO, Microscopy and Microanalysis Supplement Electron Microscopy Facility Director 350 Pearson Hall Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 Ph: 513.529.5712 Fax: 513.529.4243 E-mail: edelmare-at-muohio.edu http://www.emf.muohio.edu
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 18:28:44 2005
FYI, this announcement is posted on the MSA web-site.
Regards
Ivan
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory
SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST IN ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
The Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois is seeking an experienced electron microscopist as a staff member in the Center for Microanalysis of Materials. The Center is a major DOE sponsored research facility for electron beam microcharacterization and maintains state of the art electron microscopy instrumentation as well as instruments for surface microanalysis, x-ray diffraction and other analytical techniques.
The successful candidate will focus mainly on analytical STEM/TEM but is expected to have the experience and the flexibility to work on other techniques if needed. We are particularly interested in hiring a person with experience in working with field emission TEMs, EDS and EELS techniques. The Center houses five TEMs including a VG HB 501, JEOL 2010F, and is expected soon to acquire a Cs-corrected STEM instrument with a monochromator and in-colunm energy filter. The person appointed will have primary responsibility for these advanced instruments. The successful candidate will also be responsible for facilitating the research of approximately 50 users per year on advanced TEM and STEM techniques. With the broad range of research programs active at the Center, the position will offer ample opportunity to develop an interactive research program as well as to pursue individual research agenda.
This position requires a Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related discipline with at least three years experience in advanced electron microscopy techniques. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
This is a full-time appointment with standard university benefits. The proposed starting date is as soon as possible after the closing date. In order to ensure full consideration, applications must be received by May 15, 2005. Please send letter of application, resume, and names and addresses of three references to Ivan Petrov, c/o Susan Logan, University of Illinois, Materials Research Laboratory, 104 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, phone (217) 244-2944.
The University of Illinois is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
===================================================================== Prof. Ivan Petrov, Director Center for Microanalysis of Materials http://cmm.mrl.uiuc.edu Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory University of Illinois tel: 217-333-8396 104 S. Goodwin Avenue fax: 217-244-2278 Urbana, IL 61801 USA email: petrov-at-uiuc.edu =====================================================================
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 18:31:21 2005
Substitute "column" for "beam" in any of the suggestions. Dual-Column and Cross-Column seem to work.
Ron Anderson
Richard Edelmann wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 18:56:51 2005
To avoid any such problems, we have referred to these instruments in the M&M "FIB" session as:
"Dual Platform" Instruments or how about
"Dual Column" Instruments or
"Multi-Column Platforms"
Lucille Giannuzzi FEI Company
---- George Theodossiou {George.Theodossiou-at-amcor.com.au} wrote: } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } BiBeam, DuoBeam, DeauxBeam, DiploBeam, MultiBeam...... } } -----Original Message----- } } From: Richard Edelmann [mailto:edelmare-at-MUOhio.Edu] } Sent: Wednesday, 6 April 2005 04:00 } To: microscopy-at-MSA.Microscopy.com } Subject: [Microscopy] "Dualbeam" "Crossbeam" need a better name } } } } ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- } -- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America To
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 19:19:02 2005
On Apr 5, 2005, at 3:46 PM, hkonishi-at-indiana.edu wrote:
} I am wondering why Si and O are detected from commercial C films (two } companies). I measured C film and empty area (hole) next to the film, } and I } only detected Si and O from C film. I think that Si and O really come } from C } film. } } I think that C was coated on plastic film with small holes. Commercial } lacey/holey C films are pure C or C on plastic. I don't think that } plastic } contains Si. } } I would appreciate any suggestion you might have.
Dear Hiromi, If the films are prepared by coating the plastic on a glass slide, evaporating C onto the plastic, placing the coating onto grids (or grids onto coating), then dissolving away the plastic, some of the Si (and maybe O) could be removed from the glass and remain on the C even after the plastic is dissolved, since the Si may be insoluble in the organic solvent used to remove the plastic. If, however, the plastic is cast onto water, picked up onto grids and C evaporated onto it without using glass in any part of the process (except as a major constituent of the bell jar in the evaporator), I would not expect to see Si, although O is still possible. You could prepare films yourself using each method and see if my expectations are borne out. I would be interested in what the vendors who sell C-coated grids have to say. Yours, Bill Tivol, PhD EM Scientist and Manager Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility Broad Center, Mail Code 114-96 California Institute of Technology Pasadena CA 91125 (626) 395-8833 tivol-at-caltech.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 19:22:15 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (somayyeh_kheiri-at-yahoo.com) from http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Monday, April 4, 2005 at 23:12:44 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] thanks Dr Rosemary white
Question: Dear Dr White
Thanks for replying me for the lenghth of FAA preserved material. SO if the FAA shrinks the material what can I do with fruit preserved in FAA?can I use these material or they have become unconsumable and useless? and should I provide some other samples in a new FAA solution?
may this shrinking happen if I provide sectioning by microtomy or not?
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (guillet-at-chim.ucl.ac.be) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Tuesday, April 5, 2005 at 12:33:44 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: Hi, I'm looking for to choose a selective staining for polystyrene against polyethyleneoxyde. Before, I've tried ruthenium tetraoxide, but unsuccesfully. I've plenty of hopes with osmium tetraoxide, but I don't know precisely its staining mecanism: do you think that polyethyleneoxide will be preserved from OsO4? Have you some tips about it? Thank you.
Pierre GUILLET PhD Student University of Louvain-La-Neuve Belgium
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (montpetitd-at-agr.gc.ca) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Tuesday, April 5, 2005 at 12:34:18 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] bacteria capsular material and lectins
Question: Hello all,
I need to stabilize the capsular material surrounding a bacteria, in order to see if the lectin I intend to use is directed againts a sugar residue standing on the capsular material or on the cell wall itself.
I have already looked at the bacteria with PTA (negative staining)and I am not satisfied. There is binding but it is still unclear, so I decided that I would go for thin sectioning.
But I believe I need to somehow stabilize the capsule, in order to avoid most of the collapsing, and I am wondering if doing so, using ruthenium red per exemple, I would affect the affinity lectin/sugar ?
Anyone has an idea?
thank you, Diane
Diane Montpetit Centre de Recherche et de DÈveloppement sur les Aliments 3600 Boul. Casavant Ouest, St-Hyacinthe, (QuÈbec) Canada J2S 8E3 TÈlÈphone/Phone: 450-773-1105 TÈlÈcopieur/ Fax: 450-773-8461 montpetitd-at-agr.gc.ca
As can be seen by the responses there are quite a variety of methods to check a lab. Unfortunately we are always required to do it the correct way and use the expensive test kits. In 90% of cases where we do a pre-install site check there is never a problem for the applications of 80% of our customers.
I will define that. We install SEMs on Mine sites where at 12pm every day they blast with dynamite. It's no problem. Its not that they get all the lab staff to lift the SEM off the floor for that 1/2 a second. The SEM is actually running at the time. They use the SEM to analyze rock particle sections on a 24-7 basis. So, yes when the blast occurs possibly 1 or 2 particle sections may have a bit of a jaggered edge to them but in a total of possibly 2000 sections in that run, who cares.
I would also dare to say for most SEM operators who never go over 10,000 times are even aware that their SEM may have vibration from old fans etc.
Vibration and fields only really start becoming a problem when you are expecting to really drive the EM. FEG's and TEM's being used for micrographing Diffraction patterns need to have a decent vibration and field check done.
So my point here could really be that in a perfect world we would all pay the service company to do a thorough job on a site inspection, but on realty university budgets, in most cases the cup of water and working credit cards after them being in a room can also work. It mostly depends on what you are going to expect from the system.
Then the second consideration is; how easy can we move the unit, if that method did not work. Most modern SEM's come on wheels. But try de-installing a TEM if you find fields in the room you thought was OK. A bit more costly than possibly having paid for the site check and sharing a coffee with you friendly support engineer before the install. It's all about risk and who gets blamed when it does not work.
Luc Harmsen www.Anaspec.co.za
-----Original Message----- } From: Diana van Driel [mailto:dianavd-at-eye.usyd.edu.au] Sent: 05 April 2005 03:36 To: Coetzee, Mr S. H Physics Science Cc: Microscopy
When we moved into our new building, a home had to be found for the TEM. The new building, though beautiful and heritage listed sandstone, was not exactly suited for an electron microscope. We had the choice of the first or second floor. There was no choice of the underground railway or the main road outside. As there was no money to pay for proper testing, I spent a delightful day checking for vibration with a saucer of water. I could be found for long periods at prospective locations crouched on the floor with my saucer staring intently at the water surface waiting for a train or the traffic lights to change. As we in a hospital complex, this gave rise to several people solicitously stopping and asking if I needed medical attention. I dare say they were completely confused when I explained my mission; I really should have thought up something more plausible, such as an alien attack!
As it turned out, the microscope is very happy and vibration free in its second floor location!
The moral? It may seem impossible, but if there's no choice and some imagination.......
Diana van Driel Dept Ophthalmology Sydney University GPO Box 4337 Sydney, NSW AUSTRALIA 2001
Phone 61 2 93827278 Mobile 0423 151614 FAX 61 2 93827318 On 1 Apr 2005, at 3:45 PM, Coetzee, Mr S. H Physics Science wrote:
} } } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } ------- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } -------- } } Dear All } I just love this list. We are having a workshop on Laboratory } infrastructure and M {management. } Most EM Units (like ours) I know was shoved into a existing building. } Some even of 2nd and 3rd floors. } I will appreciate it if people can share there experience with } relationship to performance problems observed, instrument involved (W, } LaB6 or FEG, SEM, ESEM, Duelbeem TEM etc.) How it was solved and a } few nice and humorous examples will be great. I hope to get the point } across that an EM unit is a important part of a University, and if } possible must be taken into consideration during building design and } ultimately must play a part in the location decision of a University. } } Thanks } } } Since some mail do get Lost, Bounces, etc Please send a duplicate/copy } of all urgent mail to: } } coetzeesh-at-yahoo.co.uk {mailto:coetzeesh-at-yahoo.co.uk} } } Mr S. H. Coetzee } Electron Microscope Unit } University of Botswana } Private Bag 0022 } Gaborone } Botswana } Phone : +267 355 2462/5222 } Mobile : +267 718 36547 } Fax : +267 318 5097 } e-mail : coetzees-at-mopipi.ub.bw }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 5 23:58:37 2005
Does anyone have any views on the relative merits of the RMC Boeckler FS-7500 and Leica EM AFS freeze substitution systems.
Thanks
Ian
Ian Hallett HortResearch Mt Albert Research Centre, Private Bag 92 169 Auckland, New Zealand Fax +64 9 815 4201 Telephone +64 9 815 4200 EMail ihallett-at-hortresearch.co.nz
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 6 01:25:23 2005
Richard; I don't think you can trademark the English language. Dual and Beam with a space between them can be used as a descriptor as long as you use something else to be your tool's model name, and the tool itself does not violate patents.
John Mardinly 408-765-2346 877-277-1182
-----Original Message----- } From: Richard Edelmann [mailto:edelmare-at-MUOhio.Edu] Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2005 11:00 AM To: microscopy-at-MSA.Microscopy.com
Folks:
Help! I need a different name to call "Dualbeam" or "Crossbeam"
instruments since one is trademarked and the other is registered (FEI & Zeiss).
Richard E. Edelmann, Ph.D. Associate Editor of EXPO, Microscopy and Microanalysis Supplement Electron Microscopy Facility Director 350 Pearson Hall Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 Ph: 513.529.5712 Fax: 513.529.4243 E-mail: edelmare-at-muohio.edu http://www.emf.muohio.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 6 03:54:23 2005
Hello, I have posted a question about guinea-pig mast cells and their demonstration (many thanks to Karen Bentley for the most successful method). However we have moved on and we now need to actually catch degranulation in progress. Due to the difficulty of guinea-pig we are moving to the mouse. Other getting tissue quickly post the 'trigger' then glut fixing, osmium and processing to resin and looking at the Tol blue for purple/pink granules a la Dvorak, Blood 1994 83:3600-3612 and Oliani 2001 Cell Biol Int 25:795-803, does any-one know of an other method? We are doing this in the nasal airways and will be taking lavages etc so can measure tryptase histamine but these are considered circumstantial. The tryptase antibody we use for human does not work in mouse but has any-one any ideas for 'activated' mast cell markers tinctorial or IHC I would be most grateful.
many thanks Gillian Brown
Histopathology Group GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre,
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 6 07:13:47 2005
After receiving all the very helpful replies on this topic, we decided to severely limit the use of our machine for "industrial strength" uses. Unfortunately I was about a week too late, and it looks like a board fried, probably, I'm told, due to being run too hard for too long. Except for an old conventionally pumped Au coater, we are down.....
So, a word to the wise out on the list----unless you have a } 15 year old Emscope SC500, best keep your general use coaters for general use and leave the heavy duty stuff to the big machines. And, David, can we borrow your coater for a couple weeks?
Sputterlessly, Randy
-----Original Message----- } From: David Patton [mailto:David.Patton-at-uwe.ac.uk] Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2005 7:13 AM To: Tindall, Randy D.
Hi All,
Many thanks for the replies to my original question on the scaling Pt target and microcracks in the specimen coating. The consensus seems to be that overheating is the problem.
I wasn't clear in my original posting about why we are doing this. These specimens are not being coated for SEM viewing, but because we have the only sputter coater on campus and the particular lab doing all this work requires an extremely heavy layer of whatever metal they are using---which may be Ni, Pt, or Ta. They are the ones driving the 90 mA and repeated 4 minute cycles (because 4 minutes is the longest time we can program into the coater and there is no manual on/off, if we want a 16 minute coat, we have to do 4 runs). This is very heavy use for a coater designed for general EM use, rather than industrial strength use, and I am concerned that it's beyond the design parameters of the instrument and may leave us with a crippled coater (and a crippled lab). We don't have the funds readily available to replace this machine if it dies. Normally we run this instrument between 10 and 20 mA for 15 seconds to 3 minutes for SEM coating.
In terms of purging the chamber with argon, etc., this turbo pumped EmiTech K575X runs on a programmed, automated cycle. The user's role is to punch in the parameters and push the start button. It has been a very reliable instrument after some initial setup problems were corrected. We hope it remains so!
Thanks again, everybody.
Randy Tindall EM Specialist Electron Microscopy Core Facility---We Do Small Well! W122 Veterinary Medicine University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211 Tel: (573) 882-8304 Fax: (573) 884-5414 Email: tindallr-at-missouri.edu Web: http://www.emc.missouri.edu
This incoming email to UWE has been independently scanned for viruses and any virus detected has been removed using McAfee anti-virus software
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 6 08:46:58 2005
I have an Epson Perfection 3200 and I just put the negative, emulsion side up (yes up) on the bed and scan it as if it were a negative transparency. Works fine. Dedicated film scanners that will do 3.25x4 film cost thousands of dollars. Geoff
} } } } Garry Burgess {GBurgess-at-exchange.hsc.mb.ca} 6/04/2005 3:54:32 a.m. } } } } } } } } } } } } ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 6 08:57:51 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (Stacey.Andringa-at-uc.edu) from http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 at 06:26:44 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver:Fun stories about EM
Question: Several of us were inspired by a previous listserv response to collect interesting, funny, and odd stories about our experiences in microscopy (especially those historical and hysterical ones) to create a small compendium to submit to one of the microscopy journals, or just to circulate for nostalgic reading. Any and all stories are welcome. If you contribute and want your name withheld for some reason, please advise. If you have imges (tifs, jpgs, gifs, or psds)they are welcome too. Have fun, thanks, and have a great day, Marian L. Miller
Hello everyone, I'm hoping I can get some advise on my Philips 430 TEM.
The problem appears that the filament, condenser aperture, specimen (lets not forget those little guys)and objective aperture are not alined. I have walked through the alinement procedure several times, but I continue to see some odd artifacts:
At relatively low (6300X) mag I still see the edge of my objective aperture in the plane of the specimen (I don't normally see this at this mag).
Going through cross-over I get a "dark field image" of my specimen surrounding the bight field image on what appears to be an image of the condenser aperture.
With the objective aperture out, I get a relatively even and circular opening and closing cross over. When I put the objective aperture in the cross over becomes egg shaped cross over. Centering either the objective or condenser aperture doe's not seem to resolve the problem.
I have these problems with the specimen in or out.
Please feel free to contact me directly, if you think the response doesn't merit the bandwidth.
Thanks........
Frank.karl-at-degussa.com
Frank Karl Degussa Corporation Akron Technical Center 3500 Embassy Parkway Suite 100 Akron, Ohio 44333
330-668-2235 Ext. 238
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 6 10:15:53 2005
I would just like to thank everyone for their advice and comments on this scanner question that I posted. I was able to research it fairly well in a very short period of time.
I find this mailing list a huge and valuable resource to answer questions like this, esp. when it comes to rapidly changing technology. I ended up going with the Epson Perfection 4870 Photo because several people recommended it, and the specs looked good, and the price was also very reasonable, and I would be able to fit my negatives into the 4X5" holders putting them crossways. I don't have it yet but people here have made me feel confident about my decision. Thanks again.
This e-mail and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the address(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 6 11:10:59 2005
I have on occasion seen batches of grids that are contaminated with silicone. Most EM people will eschew silicone based vacuum greases and fluids, but I do not know if all the makers of carbon films are as careful. The times that I have seen this, the manufacture was happy to replace the grids.
I have also seen hydrocarbon solvents that are contaminated with silicon. The result is the grid is clean until a user places their suspended sample on the grid. Using a bare grid will confirm this.
If you have silicone contamination and you focus a small spot on the sample, you will see a rapidly growing contamination spot. EDS will verify this spot is Si and O rather than carbon.
Hope this helps, Ray
Ray D. Twesten, PhD. Center for Microanalysis of Materials Seitz Materials Research Laboratory 104 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801 +1 217 244-6177 (Fax -2278)
} -----Original Message----- } From: hkonishi-at-indiana.edu [mailto:hkonishi-at-indiana.edu] } Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2005 5:46 PM } To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com } Subject: [Microscopy] Si and O in lacey/holey C film } } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------ } ------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------ } ------------- } } Hello, } } I am wondering why Si and O are detected from commercial C films (two } companies). I measured C film and empty area (hole) next to the } film, and I } only detected Si and O from C film. I think that Si and O really } come from C } film. } } I think that C was coated on plastic film with small holes. Commercial } lacey/holey C films are pure C or C on plastic. I don't think } that plastic } contains Si. } } I would appreciate any suggestion you might have. } } Thank you, } Hiromi Konishi } IU and JHU }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 6 11:23:37 2005
We are in the market for a twin (preferably) jet polisher for TEM foils. I searched the List Server archives and found that this question was discussed in 1997. Is there any improvement since then? The players then were: Fischione South Bay Struers. Anyone have any experience with any of them? The South Bay unit looks suspiciously like the Struer's unit anyone know who actually makes it? Anyone have recommendations or horror stories?
Email please and I'll summarize if there are other parties interested.
John Mansfield PhD CPhys CSci MInstP North Campus Electron Microbeam Analysis Laboratory 417 SRB, University of Michigan 2455 Hayward, Ann Arbor MI 48109-2143 USA Phone: (734) 936-3352 FAX (734) 763-2282 Cell. Phone: (734) 834-3913 (Leaving a phone message at 936-3352 is preferable to 834-3913) Email: jfmjfm-at-engin.umich.edu URL: http://emalwww.engin.umich.edu/people/jfmjfm/jfmjfm.html Location: Lat. 42° 16' 48" Long. 83° 43' 48" AIM: thejfmjfm Yahoo: thejfmjfm Skype: thejfmjfm, (preferred)
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 6 11:34:33 2005
I would seriously looked at the Microtek type of flatbed scanner. It is similar to the old AGFA Duoscan having a standard A4+ glass flatbed and a similar size glassless film drawer with glassless holders for negatives and transparencies up to A4. Check out the i900 below: http://www.microtekusa.com/smi900.html
or other dual scan glassless flatbeds: http://www.microtekusa.com/pp.html
I have been using the Microtek Scanmaker 8700 for some time and have been very impressed, yet it's specification is blown away by the new Microtek. It appears to be offering 3200x6400dpi resolution, 4.2 Dmax (ie dense negatives and 48 bit colour - 16 bit B&W). I still use the original 4x5 inch glassless holders on my 3.25 x 4inch negatives but I am planning to get a special holder made up.
The only annoying quibble that I have is the i900 system comes with digital 'ICE' for reduction of dust and scratches but this is only available for prints - not negatives. So it may be worth checking if there is a version that has 'ICE' for negatives/transparencies (in fairness I think that only the Epson 4700 has 'ICE' on a normal flatbed).
The i900 is about 600 US dollars (I,ve seen an advert for 60 dollars less as well) but that's a lot cheaper than a true dedicated large film scanner. I don't know how the prices compare in the USA with the Epson 4700 but the Epson is copying negatives on a glass bed which may mark. gather dust or create Newtons's Rings.
I have no connection with Microtek other than as a satisfied user and I was very happy with my old Epson 1200 scanner before that.
Malcolm
Malcolm Haswell e.m. unit School of Health, Natural and Social Sciences Fleming Building University of Sunderland Tyne & Wear SR1 3SD UK e-mail: malcolm.haswell-at-sunderland.ac.uk
----- Original Message ----- } From: Geoff McAuliffe {mcauliff-at-umdnj.edu}
On Apr 6, 2005, at 8:13 AM, frank.karl-at-degussa.com wrote:
} I'm hoping I can get some advise on my Philips 430 TEM. } } The problem appears that the filament, condenser aperture, specimen } (lets } not forget those little guys)and objective aperture are not alined. I } have } walked through the alinement procedure several times, but I continue } to see } some odd artifacts: } } At relatively low (6300X) mag I still see the edge of my objective } aperture } in the plane of the specimen (I don't normally see this at this mag). } } Going through cross-over I get a "dark field image" of my specimen } surrounding the bight field image on what appears to be an image of the } condenser aperture. } } With the objective aperture out, I get a relatively even and circular } opening and closing cross over. When I put the objective aperture in } the } cross over becomes egg shaped cross over. Centering either the } objective } or condenser aperture doe's not seem to resolve the problem. } } I have these problems with the specimen in or out. } } Please feel free to contact me directly, if you think the response } doesn't } merit the bandwidth. } Dear Frank, From your description it looks like the filament, condenser aperture and specimen are OK. I surmise this from the fact that with the objective aperture out the beam spot expands evenly on both sides of crossover, and that you do not report image motion when the condenser is changed. I also assume that if the magnification were much different from the indicated value, you'd have noticed and reported it, and that you are not in some weird defocus condition (although this would account for the dark-field-surrounding-bright-field effect, which sounds somewhat like defocussed diffraction). Having the objective aperture visible in the specimen plane sounds like a low mag condition, where the objective aperture becomes an area-selecting aperture, and I wonder if the "egg shaped cross over" is the edge of the objective aperture occluding the beam. Have you checked all the lens currents? If some of them are not at the usual values for the microscope settings, there may be problems with the electronics. Good luck. Yours, Bill Tivol, PhD EM Scientist and Manager Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility Broad Center, Mail Code 114-96 California Institute of Technology Pasadena CA 91125 (626) 395-8833 tivol-at-caltech.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 6 11:44:40 2005
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND MATERIALS SCIENCE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-DAVIS
3 postdoctoral positions are available in the Interface Physics Group at the University of California-Davis (UCD). Research in the Interface Physics Group focuses on the use of atomic resolution imaging/analytical techniques and newly developed dynamic measurement capabilities (sub-ns time resolution) in electron microscopy, coupled with theoretical simulations, to determine the structure-property relationships in nanoscale systems. The positions that are currently available are related to high-Tc superconductors, semiconductor quantum dots and the development of nanoscale programs for the dynamic TEM. Successful candidates will be recent Ph.D. graduates in physics, metallurgy, or materials science with a sound background in the relevant materials issues and an ambition to be part of a developing program pushing at the frontiers of interface physics. Please send a resume and publication list to Professor Nigel D. Browning at the address below. Prior experience in STEM or TEM is essential. However, consideration will be based on the candidates overall potential for success in the field and applicants with prior experience in related fields are encouraged to apply. Positions are for one year initially, normally renewed for a second year with possibilities existing for further years. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Nigel D. Browning
Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science University of California-Davis One Shields Ave Davis, CA 95616
AND
National Center for Electron Microscopy, MS 72-150 Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Berkeley, CA 94720
Actually, that's what we do too with our Epson 3200--works nicely.
Peggy Sherwood Lab Associate, Photopathology Wellman Center for Photomedicine (W224) Massachusetts General Hospital 55 Fruit Street Boston, MA 02114 617-724-4839 (voice mail) 617-726-6983 (lab) 617-726-3192 (fax) msherwood-at-partners.org
-----Original Message----- } From: Geoff McAuliffe [mailto:mcauliff-at-umdnj.edu] Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2005 1:01 PM To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
I have an Epson Perfection 3200 and I just put the negative, emulsion side up (yes up) on the bed and scan it as if it were a negative transparency. Works fine. Dedicated film scanners that will do 3.25x4 film cost thousands of dollars. Geoff
} } } } Garry Burgess {GBurgess-at-exchange.hsc.mb.ca} 6/04/2005 3:54:32 a.m. } } } } } } } } } } } } ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 6 12:54:15 2005
Michael Zemyan wrote: ========================================================= In reading the description of these automatic dessicators, I notice that they have 2 fans, one of which continually circulates air inside the chamber Does anyone know, are the fan bearings oil-lubricated? Is this potentially a source of oil vapor contamination? We use dessicators (not the automatic kind) to store cleaned vacuum parts, and so oil is a concern. =========================================================== With regard to the Secador Automatic desiccator cabinets, see URL http://www.2spi.com/catalog/supp/secador-desiccator-cabinets-4-0-vertical. shtml
A ball bearing fan is used and these ball bearings are never oiled, however they do contain oil. We have never heard of any reports however of anyone reporting oil contamination of otherwise clean parts after sitting in the environment of a Secador cabinet. I guess the acid test would be to do XPS on similar parts stored, manual desiccator vs. automatic.
If you do this experiment, please share your results with us!
Disclaimer: SPI Supplies offers the Secador automatic desiccating cabinets, both automatic as well as "manual" so if you don't like the automatic feature, we would be happy to have you consider the manual version!
Chuck
=================================================== Charles A. Garber, Ph. D. Ph: 1-(610)-436-5400 President SPI SUPPLIES FAX: 1-(610)-436-5755 PO BOX 656 e-mail: cgarber-at-2spi.com West Chester, PA 19381-0656 USA Cust. Service: spi2spi-at-2spi.com
Look for us! ############################ WWW: http://www.2spi.com ############################ ==================================================
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 6 13:14:53 2005
Hello, Since the topic of sputter coating has come up, I had a question I was wondering about. We have a Balzers/technotrade MED020 sputter coater. When coating, sometimes I have trouble generating the plasma. It will go through arcing. If I adjust the argon flow to give a good amount of argon in the chamber I can usually get the plasma to ignite better and have more stability, then I can turn the argon flow down. Sometimes though, the plasma will not ignite at all. I'm stumped by the problem and was wondering if anyone had some advice?
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ Gordon Ante Vrdoljak Electron Microscope Lab AOL/IM rakhasha http://nature.berkeley.edu/~gvrdolja 26 Giannini Hall gvrdolja-at-nature.berkeley.edu UC Berkeley phone (510) 642-2085 Berkeley CA 94720-3330 fax (510) 643-6207 cell (510) 290-6793
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 6 13:33:42 2005
I find that the 4" X 5" film holder is clumsy to use. I had asked my machinist to cut two 31/4" X 4" holes, each with a 1 mm thick lip and a cut- out for lifting the negative, out of a black plastic sheet. You may have four holes cut from a plastic sheet; I chose two because I was afraid that four holes would weaken the plastic too much. Placing the negatives on the glass is workable, but, one may get Newton rings.
Ann Fook Yang EM Unit/ Unite EM Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada Telephone/Téléphone: 613-759-1638 Facsimile/Télécopieur: 613-759-1701 960 Carling Ave/960 Boul Carling Ottawa,Ontario/Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1A 0C6 yanga-at-agr.gc.ca
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada
-----Original Message----- } From: Garry Burgess [mailto:GBurgess-at-exchange.hsc.mb.ca] Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2005 11:31 AM To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
I would just like to thank everyone for their advice and comments on this scanner question that I posted. I was able to research it fairly well in a very short period of time.
I find this mailing list a huge and valuable resource to answer questions like this, esp. when it comes to rapidly changing technology. I ended up going with the Epson Perfection 4870 Photo because several people recommended it, and the specs looked good, and the price was also very reasonable, and I would be able to fit my negatives into the 4X5" holders putting them crossways. I don't have it yet but people here have made me feel confident about my decision. Thanks again.
This e-mail and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the address(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 6 13:42:51 2005
I am interested in purchasing a new Ultramicrotome for sectioning in diagnostic pathology to replace an aging Reichert that has been giving us some problems. I have used Reichert Ultramictrotomes for the last 21 years, and now they have become Leica, but I was wondering what opinions that people have other other ultramicrotomes from other manufacturers, especially new ultramicrotomes, such as the Powertome X or XO from RMC Products. Are there other ultramicrotomes on the market that I should know about?
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 6 14:24:59 2005
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-- [ From: Garber, Charles A. * EMC.Ver #3.1 ] --
Michael Zemyan wrote: ========================================================= In reading the description of these automatic dessicators, I notice that they have 2 fans, one of which continually circulates air inside the chamber Does anyone know, are the fan bearings oil-lubricated? Is this potentially a source of oil vapor contamination? We use dessicators (not the automatic kind) to store cleaned vacuum parts, and so oil is a concern. =========================================================== With regard to the Secador Automatic desiccator cabinets, see URL http://www.2spi.com/catalog/supp/secador-desiccator-cabinets-4-0-vertical. shtml
A ball bearing fan is used and these ball bearings are never oiled, however they do contain oil. We have never heard of any reports however of anyone reporting oil contamination of otherwise clean parts after sitting in the environment of a Secador cabinet. I guess the acid test would be to do XPS on similar parts stored, manual desiccator vs. automatic.
If you do this experiment, please share your results with us!
Disclaimer: SPI Supplies offers the Secador automatic desiccating cabinets, both automatic as well as "manual" so if you don't like the automatic feature, we would be happy to have you consider the manual version!
Chuck
=================================================== Charles A. Garber, Ph. D. Ph: 1-(610)-436-5400 President SPI SUPPLIES FAX: 1-(610)-436-5755 PO BOX 656 e-mail: cgarber-at-2spi.com
West Chester, PA 19381-0656 USA Cust. Service: spi2spi-at-2spi.com
Look for us! ############################ WWW: http://www.2spi.com ############################ ==================================================
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 6 14:39:47 2005
If I remember correctly, you can look to confirm this yourself, that the argon inlet is at the bottom of the chamber NOT anywhere near the sputterhead, imagine that! I found that most of the argon was going right down the throat of the TMP.. The fix is to get a small SST tube that will fit snuggly into the Argon inlet aperture and bend it around so it goes around all of the other hardware in the chamber and end up about 1 cm lower than the sputter head when sealed to the bell jar. This should do the trick by actually putting the gas where it's needed, an advanced concept my friends from "Happy Valley" didn't think of when designing the beast.
Should you care to discuss it further feel free to give me a call.
Cheers!
Al Coritz Electron Microscopy Sciences www.emsdiasum.com
----- Original Message ----- } From: "Gordon Vrololjak" {gvrdolja-at-nature.berkeley.edu} To: {microscopy-at-msa.microscopy.com} Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2005 2:30 PM
HI, Garry,
Leica, which is the company which acquired the Reichert microtome business as part of the Cambridge-Leitz merger in 1990, came out last year with the UC6. I had a chance to see it "up close and personal" at Cell Bio last December and to work with it a little as part of a new AFM/ultramicrotome integration for both bio and polymer applications. The same people who sold your Reichert (ex: Ann Korsen) are with Leica and can answer your questions. Ann can be reached at Akorsen-at-leica-microsystems.com
Hope this is helpful.
Best regards, Barbara Foster
Microscopy/Microscopy Education 313 S Jupiter Rd, Suite 100 Allen, TX 75002 P: 972-954-8011 W: www.MicroscopyEducation.com
P. S. Need a good general reference or light microscopy text? Call us today to learn more about "Optimizing LIght Microscopy". Copies still available through MME... even for class-room lots ... and we give quantity discounts.
At 01:58 PM 4/6/2005, Garry Burgess wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 6 15:35:56 2005
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Although I do have a vested interest, quite honestly I can't see that 'legal' protection for these terms achieves anything for anybody apart from feeding the lawyers. In both cases, they are hardly more than a simple description.
Personally, I'd suggest everybody use both as much as possible to emphasise what nonsense it is. -- Larry Stoter JEOL (UK) Ltd tel: +44-(0)1707-377117, fax: +44-(0)1707-373254, e-mail: larrys-at-jeoleuro.com
PLEASE NOTE 1. Any mail other than plain text will be automatically deleted. 2. Any mail, legitimate or not, apparently or actually from hotmail, netscape, yahoo or excite will automatically be deleted. 3. Mail with no subject or without a clear subject will be ignored :-)
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 6 16:35:08 2005
MKS http://www.mksinst.com/ was making a product in the past that might work nicely. It is a tiny UV gas discharge lamp mounted in a standard vacuum fitting. 120V AC, plugs into wall outlet. It is intended for starting up and maintaining stable operation of cold cathode (Penning) vacuum sensors at very low pressures (down to 10 -10 Torr). Description was "Cold Cathode Starting Device", IgniTorr, part #100006850 (for 120V AC), used to cost $220.
Even if it is discontinued, similar devices must be available from semiconductor process tools suppliers (plasma etch, vac. vapor deposition, etc.). In fact, any similar low power slow discharge UV lamp will work, just find a way of placing it anywhere inside the process chamber. The one used in IgniTorr has 2mA current and 55V breakdown voltage. It was connected to 120V AC line through 60K Ohm resistor. An isolation transformer wouldn't hurt, plus, you will need only single pole vacuum connector.
Vitaly Feingold Scientific Instruments and Applications 2773 Heath Lane Duluth, GA 30096 Tel. (770)232-7785 Fax (770)232-1791 Mobile (678)467-0012 www.sia-cam.com ----- Original Message ----- } From: "Gordon Vrololjak" {gvrdolja-at-nature.berkeley.edu} To: {microscopy-at-msa.microscopy.com} Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2005 2:30 PM
-- [ From: Garber, Charles A. * EMC.Ver #3.1 ] --
Larry Stoter wrote: ================================================================= Although I do have a vested interest, quite honestly I can't see that 'legal' protection for these terms achieves anything for anybody apart from feeding the lawyers. In both cases, they are hardly more than a simple description.
Personally, I'd suggest everybody use both as much as possible to emphasise what nonsense it is. ================================================================== A trade name is someone's intellectual property right. It is analogous to ownership in a patent.
It is also the only way a customer has of differentiating between products of one brand vs. another (which indeed might have entirely different properties and qualities). In microscopy, keeping track of brand identity could be the difference in being able to reproduce someone else's results. Indeed the major use of trade names on this listserver would show that as an industry we do understand the importance of recognizing brand differences.
I would respectfully maintain that respecting someone's trade name is not "nonsense". And to not respect such intellectual property rights and use trade names incorrectly, is also illegal in most countries.
Chuck
=================================================== Charles A. Garber, Ph. D. Ph: 1-(610)-436-5400 President SPI SUPPLIES FAX: 1-(610)-436-5755 PO BOX 656 e-mail: cgarber-at-2spi.com West Chester, PA 19381-0656 USA Cust. Service: spi2spi-at-2spi.com
Look for us! ############################ WWW: http://www.2spi.com ############################ ==================================================
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 6 20:07:51 2005
Chuck; Maybe a parallel could be seen in the auto industry where they have a larger legal budget. Did auto company ever register 'Dual Exhausts'? Dual is just a simple adjective, and to claim exclusive right to that would be to hijack the English language. 'Magic Tip', on the other hand, is a delightfully creative assembly of words, and registering that does not hijack the English language. Anyway, who knows how it could be decided when too many lawyers get involved. Witness the spat in the courts now over Smucker's attempt to patent the peanut butter and jelly sandwich!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7408857/
John Mardinly
-----Original Message----- } From: Garber, Charles A. [mailto:cgarber-at-2spi.com] Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2005 4:42 PM To: MICROSCOPY BB
-- [ From: Garber, Charles A. * EMC.Ver #3.1 ] --
Larry Stoter wrote: ================================================================= Although I do have a vested interest, quite honestly I can't see that 'legal' protection for these terms achieves anything for anybody apart from feeding the lawyers. In both cases, they are hardly more than a simple description.
Personally, I'd suggest everybody use both as much as possible to emphasise what nonsense it is. ================================================================== A trade name is someone's intellectual property right. It is analogous to ownership in a patent.
It is also the only way a customer has of differentiating between products of one brand vs. another (which indeed might have entirely different properties and qualities). In microscopy, keeping track of brand identity could be the difference in being able to reproduce someone else's results. Indeed the major use of trade names on this listserver would show that as an industry we do understand the importance of recognizing brand differences.
I would respectfully maintain that respecting someone's trade name is not "nonsense". And to not respect such intellectual property rights and use trade names incorrectly, is also illegal in most countries.
Chuck
=================================================== Charles A. Garber, Ph. D. Ph: 1-(610)-436-5400 President SPI SUPPLIES FAX: 1-(610)-436-5755 PO BOX 656 e-mail: cgarber-at-2spi.com West Chester, PA 19381-0656 USA Cust. Service: spi2spi-at-2spi.com
Look for us! ############################ WWW: http://www.2spi.com ############################ ==================================================
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 6 20:11:57 2005
I had terrible experience with Ann Korsen - she basically did not returned telephone calls and ignored my E.mails. At one single instance when I had a chance to talk to her, she was quite helpless and rigid. I am sorry, this is my personal experience on the way to purpose new ultratome. I also had multiple problems a couple years ago when my UCT needed service. Finally, some problems were resolved (not in my favor to be truthful, on some I just gave up) but I still have a feeling that Leica's personnel was sort of unfriendly to me. To me, Leica provides miserable 5% "educational" discount (as a huge favor to me), they do not exchange/return stuff at all: illuminator I ordered for UC6 appeared to be for UCT and they denied to exchange (unopened box) or get it back. Spare-parts box for UCT was broken, it took more than year for Leica to replace it. Knifemaker was at least a month late than promised... In my last purpose, they were trying to "sweet" my experience with Leica including some free stuff. Paul DeGeorge was quite nice after all, I appreciate it. Nevertheless, having terrible customer service (from my experience), they have superior instruments. I also have to admit that I never ever had any negative experience (only positive) with people from RMC - they are extremely helpful and flexible. I don't have any interest in Leica or RMC: I am using the products from both companies. Sergey
At 01:35 PM 4/6/2005, you wrote:
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_____________________________________
Sergey Ryazantsev Ph. D. Electron Microscopy UCLA School of Medicine Department of Biological Chemistry 10833 Le Conte Ave, Room 33-080 Los Angeles, CA 90095
I have a student who is trying to grow cultured cells on coverslips to use them for SEM imaging. However, the cells either do not stay on the coverslips when they are transported to our lab or tend to lift during preparation for SEM. Growth conditions, etc are below.
Cell media: Dulbecco's Mod. Eagle Medium, 4.5g/L glucose, Na pyruvate, L- glutamine. The cells are grown in the presence of 10% FBS, but the FBS is removed from the media the day before the experiment.
Coverslips: Thermanox plastic coverslips, cell culture treated on one side, purchased from VWR. Glass coverslips have also been tried and actually worked better than the thermanox.
Cells: Caco-2 cells, grown for 8-10 days prior to conducting experiment.
Fixation is with 3% glutaraldehyde in phosphate buffer followed by 1% osmium, ETOH series and critical pint dry. Samples are handled very gently when solutions are changed.
We usually have little trouble with cultured cells but this one has been nothing but problems. Suggestions for growth or SEM prep would be appreciated.
Debby
Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 Life Science Microscopy Facility FAX: 765-494-5896 Purdue University E-mail: dsherman-at-purdue.edu S-052 Whistler Building 170 S. University Street West Lafayette, IN 47907 http://www3.agriculture.purdue.edu/microscopy
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 6 21:44:43 2005
The holder has a responsibility to defend the trademark. If not, the mark is lost. If I call my company Intel or Microsoft or AMD or Micron, or whatever, is that OK?
No. These are registered trademarks and are not useable without attribution. And they cannot be usurped or owned.
The trademark has other more powerful yet obscure values. A registered trademark that is a TLD overpowers any one else trying to use it as a domain name. This is of course based on the TM or TLD being registered before an attempted infringement.
Trademarks are valuable and costly. They are to be protected. I have one and I protect it.
gary g.
At 06:22 PM 4/6/2005, you wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 00:27:19 2005
Dear Debby Quite some time ago I was involved sorting the a similar problem for a Masters degree Student, Denise Lindsey in microbiology at WITS University, Johannesburg, South Africa. She work on bio films. Might work equally well for Caco-2 cells. I am not sure if she ever published the sample preparation technique. We resorted to polished Stainless steel squares with a small hole in one corner. The surface finish was polished to 1200# SiC grinding paper. If the surface is to rough you do not get a good view the cells and if it is to smooth you loose to many cells during processing. To that we tied a thin string through the whole to handle it through the fixation and Dehydration process. Worked beautifully. They are reusable and have some direct industrial application in the case of biofilms. Give less charging problems in conventional SEM. Apparently she finished a PhD and is still in academia. The best person to contact is her former supervisor Prof. Alex von Holy. He should be able to get you in contact with her. His e-mail is: alex-at-gecko.biol.wits.ac.za I am also copying him in the mail. Hope this helps
} -----Original Message----- } From: Debby Sherman [mailto:dsherman-at-purdue.edu] } Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2005 4:47 AM } To: message to: MSA list } Subject: [Microscopy] Cultured cell prep for SEM } } } } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } ---------------- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society } of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -------------------------------------------------------------- } ----------------- } } Hi all, } } I have a student who is trying to grow cultured cells on } coverslips to use } them for SEM imaging. However, the cells either do not stay on the } coverslips when they are transported to our lab or tend to lift during } preparation for SEM. Growth conditions, etc are below. } } Cell media: Dulbecco's Mod. Eagle Medium, 4.5g/L glucose, Na } pyruvate, L- } glutamine. The cells are grown in the presence of 10% FBS, } but the FBS is } removed from the media the day before the experiment. } } Coverslips: Thermanox plastic coverslips, cell culture } treated on one side, } purchased from VWR. Glass coverslips have also been tried and actually } worked better than the thermanox. } } Cells: Caco-2 cells, grown for 8-10 days prior to conducting } experiment. } } Fixation is with 3% glutaraldehyde in phosphate buffer followed by 1% } osmium, ETOH series and critical pint dry. Samples are } handled very gently } when solutions are changed. } } We usually have little trouble with cultured cells but this } one has been } nothing but problems. Suggestions for growth or SEM prep would be } appreciated. } } Debby } } Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 } Life Science Microscopy Facility FAX: 765-494-5896 } Purdue University E-mail: dsherman-at-purdue.edu } S-052 Whistler Building } 170 S. University Street } West Lafayette, IN 47907 } http://www3.agriculture.purdue.edu/microscopy } } } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 02:27:46 2005
Completely agree. I believe when somebody selecting trademark, or name of the company a few optional names should be provided by the applying person. You should pay for the name search prior a registration. And they usually checking up our options. If none of them will not go through you will need to do this again. I would suggest to check out already known names on similar products to avoid to pay again. You should be creative enough to select this name. If you have created product, I sure you will be able to create a name for it. This is not necessary should be name of your product, it could be name of your lovely person ( as "Mercedes" did) , or anything you like, or anything you have invented in this model, any language: classic ones, bible, anything. When you designed your product you did it with passion as usually creative people do. Try to concentrate on the one or two worlds you would express your passion, or what does it mean for you, or your customers benefit/s. Good luck!
Victoria
----- Original Message ----- } From: "Gary Gaugler" {gary-at-gaugler.com} To: "MSA listserver" {Microscopy-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com} Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2005 8:00 PM
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 04:36:24 2005
I am using Hitachi S-4700 FESEM (cold tip) and so far didn’t succeed to achieve a SE image with resolution better than 10 nm (including in the ultra high- resolution mode). Can anyone help us with a guide lines how to reach high resolution by controlling the parameters (Ie, Cond lens, and etc) with this microscope?.
Thanks,
E. Yossef Helsinki University of Technology Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 05:40:46 2005
Or the bitter fight over ownership of the term 'Ugg Boots'. That delightfully australian sheepskin footwear that is oh so comfortable and oh so warm.
-----Original Message----- } From: Mardinly, John [mailto:john.mardinly-at-intel.com] Sent: Thursday, 7 April 2005 11:23 To: Garber, Charles A.; MICROSCOPY BB
Chuck; Maybe a parallel could be seen in the auto industry where they have a larger legal budget. Did auto company ever register 'Dual Exhausts'? Dual is just a simple adjective, and to claim exclusive right to that would be to hijack the English language. 'Magic Tip', on the other hand, is a delightfully creative assembly of words, and registering that does not hijack the English language. Anyway, who knows how it could be decided when too many lawyers get involved. Witness the spat in the courts now over Smucker's attempt to patent the peanut butter and jelly sandwich!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7408857/
John Mardinly
-----Original Message----- } From: Garber, Charles A. [mailto:cgarber-at-2spi.com] Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2005 4:42 PM To: MICROSCOPY BB
-- [ From: Garber, Charles A. * EMC.Ver #3.1 ] --
Larry Stoter wrote: ================================================================= Although I do have a vested interest, quite honestly I can't see that 'legal' protection for these terms achieves anything for anybody apart from feeding the lawyers. In both cases, they are hardly more than a simple description.
Personally, I'd suggest everybody use both as much as possible to emphasise what nonsense it is. ================================================================== A trade name is someone's intellectual property right. It is analogous to ownership in a patent.
It is also the only way a customer has of differentiating between products of one brand vs. another (which indeed might have entirely different properties and qualities). In microscopy, keeping track of brand identity could be the difference in being able to reproduce someone else's results. Indeed the major use of trade names on this listserver would show that as an industry we do understand the importance of recognizing brand differences.
I would respectfully maintain that respecting someone's trade name is not "nonsense". And to not respect such intellectual property rights and use trade names incorrectly, is also illegal in most countries.
Chuck
=================================================== Charles A. Garber, Ph. D. Ph: 1-(610)-436-5400 President SPI SUPPLIES FAX: 1-(610)-436-5755 PO BOX 656 e-mail: cgarber-at-2spi.com West Chester, PA 19381-0656 USA Cust. Service: spi2spi-at-2spi.com
Look for us! ############################ WWW: http://www.2spi.com ############################ ==================================================
************************************************************************ CAUTION - This message may contain privileged and confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this message you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or reproduction of this message is prohibited. If you have received this message in error please notify AMCOR immediately. Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of AMCOR. ************************************************************************
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 06:19:58 2005
Hi Garry we have three OM3s, an Ultracut E and an Ultracut T, all Leica. For the International Cryo EM Course last year, Leica brought in the UC6 which we got to thoroughly test. We really liked it.
They have made so many improvements on it that we (by that I actually mean George Postuma, Philip Hyam and Paul de George) easily had the course participants cutting cryo sections in a very short time. Three UC6's were bought by new faculty at UBC for their own labs in the next year and I believe them to be satisfied customers. These don't have cryo capability; they use our cryo system if they need it. Since we have George at the cryo course, we have been using the Tokuyasu method in our lab a lot more. He makes it very easy. The advantages of course being that the immunogold penetrates the whole section as there is no resin to get in the way. We used to have a lot of trouble with this method until George came from Jan Slot's lab gave us his experience.
We have cryo cutting ability on the Ultracut E, but the ease of use of the Ultracut E and UC6 is night and day. Leica are bringing UC6s to the cryo course this year. One thing we hope to try is high pressure freezing, cryo planing (UC6) and transfering onto the cryo stage of the cryo sem. We will also be trying the new Bal-Tec cryo transfer device to go from the high pressure freezer to the cryo-sem. I haven't advertised the cryo course on the website this year as there are only two places left. This year Helmut Gnaegi from Diatome will also be coming to teach cutting techniques.
I am sorry that I have no experience of the other products that you mentioned. Will you be going to the Microscopy Society of Canada meeting in Hamilton in May? Maybe we can touch base then as I would love to network and find out about these other products.
As you are in Canada, I guess Philip Hyam is your Leica rep too. We have always had very good dealings with him. We have someone in Vancouver who is very good at servicing our microtomes which is an added benefit and probably the most important thing about buying a new piece of equipment. At least for me running a facility.
----Original Message-----
} Date: Wed Apr 06 11:58:27 PDT 2005 } From: "Garry Burgess" {GBurgess-at-exchange.hsc.mb.ca} } Subject: [Microscopy] New Ultramicrotomes } To: "Microscopy MSA" {microscopy-at-microscopy.com} } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } I am interested in purchasing a new Ultramicrotome for sectioning in } diagnostic pathology to replace an aging Reichert that has been giving us } some problems. I have used Reichert Ultramictrotomes for the last 21 years, } and now they have become Leica, but I was wondering what opinions that } people have other other ultramicrotomes from other manufacturers, especially } new ultramicrotomes, such as the Powertome X or XO from RMC Products. Are } there other ultramicrotomes on the market that I should know about? } } This e-mail and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the address(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original. }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 06:32:55 2005
Hi Garry we have three OM3s, an Ultracut E and an Ultracut T, all Leica. For the International Cryo EM Course last year, Leica brought in the UC6 which we got to thoroughly test. We really liked it.
They have made so many improvements on it that we (by that I actually mean George Postuma, Philip Hyam and Paul de George) easily had the course participants cutting cryo sections in a very short time. Three UC6's were bought by new faculty at UBC for their own labs in the next year and I believe them to be satisfied customers. These don't have cryo capability; they use our cryo system if they need it. Since we have George at the cryo course, we have been using the Tokuyasu method in our lab a lot more. He makes it very easy. The advantages of course being that the immunogold penetrates the whole section as there is no resin to get in the way. We used to have a lot of trouble with this method until George came from Jan Slot's lab and gave us his experience.
We have cryo cutting ability on the Ultracut E, but the ease of use of the Ultracut E and UC6 is night and day. Leica are bringing UC6s to the cryo course this year in June. One thing we hope to try is high pressure freezing, cryo planing (UC6) and transfering onto the cryo stage of the cryo sem. We will also be trying the new Bal-Tec cryo transfer device to go from the high pressure freezer to the cryo-sem. I haven't advertised the cryo course on the website this year as there are only two places left. This year Helmut Gnaegi from Diatome will also be coming to teach cutting techniques.
I am sorry that I have no experience of the other products that you mentioned. Will you be going to the Microscopy Society of Canada meeting in Hamilton in May? Maybe we can touch base then as I would love to network and find out about these other products.
As you are in Canada, I guess Philip Hyam is your Leica rep too. We have always had very good dealings with him. We have someone in Vancouver who is very good at servicing our microtomes which is an added benefit and probably the most important thing about buying a new piece of equipment. At least for me running a facility. Elaine ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } I am interested in purchasing a new Ultramicrotome for sectioning in } diagnostic pathology to replace an aging Reichert that has been giving us } some problems. I have used Reichert Ultramictrotomes for the last 21 years, } and now they have become Leica, but I was wondering what opinions that } people have other other ultramicrotomes from other manufacturers, especially } new ultramicrotomes, such as the Powertome X or XO from RMC Products. Are } there other ultramicrotomes on the market that I should know about? } } This e-mail and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the address(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original. } -- Dr. Elaine Humphrey Director, BioImaging Facility President, Microscopy Society of Canada University of British Columbia 6270 University Blvd, mail-stop Botany Vancouver, BC CANADA, V6T 1Z4 Phone: 604-822-3354 FAX: 604-822-6089 e-mail: ech-at-interchange.ubc.ca website: www.emlab.ubc.ca
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 07:29:48 2005
With respect to Charles and a few other vendors, I agree with Larry and John. A Unique name is very valuable and can serve a company exceedingly well in recognition - and justifyable should be protected legally. If the name comes be associated with a particular product or even better to be almost synonymous with technique or product so much the better for the vendor - as in Kleenex, or EDAX. But like “Miracle Tip” forceps, you will note that these are unique names and NOT simply descriptive terms. Attempting to force synonymy by trademarking or registering a description is “questionable” to say the least. However, we at least have EDS, EDX, EDXS, XEDS, or even EDXRF under which to list the technique used.
What I was hoping for was an answer from the folks who are actually USING “dual column ,dual gun, sample milling and imaging FIB/SEM systems “ on a term they use or even would LIKE to use for the technique. I have no vested interest in the technology, I do not use the instruments, nor even write about them, but in trying to assemble the buyers guide for the EXPO supplement for this summers M&M meeting I just wanted a name to list the vendors under rather than leaving the “products” out of the listing all together.
However, it has turned into an interesting discussion and I do hope the vendors are listening. Secondly, it does raise the point that as a society of real users perhaps we should be the ones whom tell the vendors what to call things.
(With some apologies to the marketing folks at FEI and Zeiss for offending or even EDAX)
} } } } Folks: } } } } Help! I need a different name to call "Dualbeam" or "Crossbeam" } } instruments since one is trademarked and the other is registered (FEI & } } Zeiss). } } } } } } } } Richard E. Edelmann, Ph.D. } } Although I do have a vested interest, quite honestly I can't see that } 'legal' protection for these terms achieves anything for anybody } apart from feeding the lawyers. In both cases, they are hardly more } than a simple description. } } Personally, I'd suggest everybody use both as much as possible to } emphasise what nonsense it is. } -- } Larry Stoter } JEOL (UK) Ltd } tel: +44-(0)1707-377117, fax: +44-(0)1707-373254, e-mail: larrys-at-jeoleuro.com } } PLEASE NOTE } 1. Any mail other than plain text will be automatically deleted. } 2. Any mail, legitimate or not, apparently or actually from hotmail, } netscape, yahoo or excite will automatically be deleted. } 3. Mail with no subject or without a clear subject will be ignored :-) }
Richard E. Edelmann, Ph.D. Associate Editor of EXPO, Microscopy and Microanalysis Supplement Electron Microscopy Facility Director 350 Pearson Hall Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 Ph: 513.529.5712 Fax: 513.529.4243 E-mail: edelmare-at-muohio.edu http://www.emf.muohio.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 07:45:34 2005
Hi Debby, You may be making for some very unhappy cells by removing the FBS a day ahead of fixation. Yes, you want to remove it so that it does not get fixed to the surface of your cells, but I have found that washing the cells with serum-free media 2-3 times just prior to fixation is usually adequate and that way the cells are kept in their "happy" conditions right up to the end. When you say that the coversilps are cell culture treated, what does that mean? Poly-l-lysine? Collagen? A different base might work better. Caco-2 cells are big ugly things, but they are widely used so you should be able to find references for conditions for good adherence. Lee -- Leona Cohen-Gould, M.S. Sr. Staff Associate Director, Electron Microscopy & Histology Core Facility Manager, Optical Microscopy Core Facility Joan & Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University voice (212)746-6146 fax (212)746-8175
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 08:33:25 2005
We also have this microscope and we can see 10nm immunogold label in backscatter mode, so you should get much better than that in SE. For highest resolution, we use the shortest working distances possible, high KV's, and keep the stage lock on. We normally just use high-resolution mode, but sometimes we manually set the condenser lenses to higher values. Often, however, by doing this the image may become so noisy that the increased resolution doesn't do any good, since you can't really see it anyway. At close working distances we make sure the lower detector is "off", since it contributes little or nothing to the signal.
The lower the noise level in the room, the better. Keep very quiet during high-mag image recording, since we can often see noise vibration from voices in the picture. Try to keep your vacuum pumps and air compressor in another room, if possible. If that's not possible, try to reduce vibrations from them by setting pumps on short lengths of thick vacuum hose. Make sure the nitrogen dewar for the cold finger is full and give it time to settle down---it will contribute significant vibration for up to 15 minutes after filling.
For surface resolution on "softer", i.e., less dense samples, such as most biological specimens, it may be better to use lower accelerating voltages to limit generation of SE's from deeper inside the specimen. This will increase contrast of surface features, which is not the same as resolution, and will help keep them from being overwhelmed by secondaries originating from deeper inside the sample.
One thing we have consistently noted in our instrument is that very close working distances require more or less constant realignment of the scope, including electronic aperture alignment and stigmation. We check alignment at the highest mag possible for each and every image we record. I don't know if this is a characteristic of these scopes, in general, but it is certainly the case for us. A little error in stigmation can really mess up an image at high magnification.
Use the lightest coatings of the finest grain metals possible. We routinely use platinum to coat our samples, and for high-resolution work we start with a light coat (say 10mA for 15-30 seconds in our coater) and add more metal as needed until we get charging under control. You can always add more, but removing a too-heavy layer is another story. Chromium coating is another option for even finer grain, but the oxidation problem limits the useful lifetime of a single coating. Or one can carbon coat.
We find that every sample is unique, especially when trying for the highest resolutions we can get. We often check several accelerating voltages.
I am sure that other users of this scope have their own tricks and tips for high-res work and Dr. David Joy and others teach a short course on how to maximize the potential of these instruments.
We love this scope! It requires tweaking to get the best results, but those results can be spectacular.
Hope this helps a little.
Randy
Randy Tindall EM Specialist Electron Microscopy Core Facility---We Do Small Well! W122 Veterinary Medicine University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211 Tel: (573) 882-8304 Fax: (573) 884-5414 Email: tindallr-at-missouri.edu Web: http://www.emc.missouri.edu
-----Original Message----- } From: yezer-at-cc.hut.fi [mailto:yezer-at-cc.hut.fi] Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2005 4:51 AM To: Microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Hi all,
I am using Hitachi S-4700 FESEM (cold tip) and so far didn't succeed to achieve a SE image with resolution better than 10 nm (including in the ultra high- resolution mode). Can anyone help us with a guide lines how to reach high resolution by controlling the parameters (Ie, Cond lens, and etc) with this microscope?.
Thanks,
E. Yossef Helsinki University of Technology Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 09:03:49 2005
getting back to the original issue, which was raised by larry stoter, i believe.
for those of us who also work with molecular biology, there is a prominant example of the importance of trade names and what can happen if we fail to protect them. i refer to the TaqMan assay system. i suspect most of us have heard of TaqMan, and 'the TaqMan machine'. this system for (RT-)PCR, which utilizes 5' nuclease sensitive oligonucleotides for probes, was developed by Perkin Elmer and used prominantly in marketing and use of their 7100 realtime thermocycler system. the way i understand the story, several years ago a competitor, Roche, realized that the name had not been trademarked. they registered the name. technically, now you can only use the name when you are referring to realtime (RT)-PCR using a Roche system, while those who popularized the concept have been left out in the cold.
we should all remember this type of story when the issue of trade names arises, along with the consequences of failure to adequately protect them. personally, i view the merchandising of scientific discoveries with a great deal of distaste, and from the notes suspect larry stoter has a similar view. but the issue of recognition is important. we need to know that our peers know what we do and recognize us. it is important in our scientific careers. we depend upon protection through referencing our publications, copyright protection against plagerism, and legal protection against theft of intellectual property. like it or not, tradenames are as important to the business community as our publications and recognition guaranteed by copyrights are to us.
note, i have no interest in any companies, molecular, EM, or otherwise, but have used 5'-nuclease probes with various systems. to avoid any dispute and try to be fair to all, i make it clear that i refer to the system as "5'-nuclease probe" regardless of what method or manufacturer's system i am using to test for a molecular target.
paul
Paul R. Hazelton, PhD Electron Microscope Unit University of Manitoba Department of Medical Microbiology 531 Basic Medical Sciences Building 730 William Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3E 0W3 e-mail: paul_hazelton-at-umanitoba.ca Phone:204-789-3313 Pager:204-931-9354 Cell:204-781-1502 Fax:204-789-3926
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 09:39:11 2005
First, try fixing with 1.25% glut + 1% tannic acid. This should improve the cells' structures, especially the membrane. Also, when we do SEM of cultured cells, we typically don't use OsO4. No need, and it can interfere with visualizing colloidal metal labels with BSE imaging. When I have used OsO4 with cells, I again add 1% tannic acid to the OsO4. I'm not surprised the cells stick better to glass, though. They may stick even better to gold. If you have a 100% Au target in your sputter coater, or gold wire for your vacuum evaporator, you might try gold-coating the glass or Thermanox and then growing the cells. Caco-2 ... the only time I've done these was using transwells in multi-well plates, 1.25% glut in serum (and other protein) free buffer (organics free is better, like Na/Na2 PO4, as the organics tend to fix into an obscuring goo over the cells), no OsO4. The Caco-2 cells stuck to the transwell membranes very nicely. Given the way OsO4 can harden cells and tissues, this may be your problem. These wells also allow experiments where the cells have different environments on the two surfaces (basal and lumenal). Give the transwells a try.
Phil P.S. When you "critical pint dry", what pint do you use? I tend to prefer Elijah Craig.
} Hi all, } } I have a student who is trying to grow cultured cells on coverslips to use } them for SEM imaging. However, the cells either do not stay on the } coverslips when they are transported to our lab or tend to lift during } preparation for SEM. Growth conditions, etc are below. } } Cell media: Dulbecco's Mod. Eagle Medium, 4.5g/L glucose, Na pyruvate, L- } glutamine. The cells are grown in the presence of 10% FBS, but the FBS is } removed from the media the day before the experiment. } } Coverslips: Thermanox plastic coverslips, cell culture treated on one side, } purchased from VWR. Glass coverslips have also been tried and actually } worked better than the thermanox. } } Cells: Caco-2 cells, grown for 8-10 days prior to conducting experiment. } } Fixation is with 3% glutaraldehyde in phosphate buffer followed by 1% } osmium, ETOH series and critical pint dry. Samples are handled very gently } when solutions are changed. } } We usually have little trouble with cultured cells but this one has been } nothing but problems. Suggestions for growth or SEM prep would be } appreciated. } } Debby } } Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 } Life Science Microscopy Facility FAX: 765-494-5896 } Purdue University E-mail: dsherman-at-purdue.edu } S-052 Whistler Building } 170 S. University Street } West Lafayette, IN 47907 } http://www3.agriculture.purdue.edu/microscopy
-- Philip Oshel Supervisor, BBPIC microscopy facility Department of Animal Sciences University of Wisconsin 1675 Observatory Drive Madison, WI 53706 voice: (608) 263-4162 fax: (608) 262-5157 (dept. fax)
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 09:59:15 2005
I find that with our Balzers MED 010, which is basically the same thing, I have to have the pressure at 2X10^-5 mbar to 1X10^-1 mbar routinely, as was given this value by the good folks at TechnoTrade. As to arcing and never getting the plasma to ignite, the only times I've had this happen, it was cured by opening up the chamber and lid and cleaning everything, including under the sputtering target. Especially around the target.
Phil
} Hello, } Since the topic of sputter coating has come up, I had a question I } was wondering about. We have a Balzers/technotrade MED020 sputter } coater. When coating, sometimes I have trouble generating the } plasma. It will go through arcing. If I adjust the argon flow to } give a good amount of argon in the chamber I can usually get the } plasma to ignite better and have more stability, then I can turn the } argon flow down. Sometimes though, the plasma will not ignite at } all. I'm stumped by the problem and was wondering if anyone had } some advice? } } \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ } Gordon Ante Vrdoljak } Electron Microscope Lab } AOL/IM rakhasha http://nature.berkeley.edu/~gvrdolja 26 Giannini Hall } gvrdolja-at-nature.berkeley.edu UC Berkeley } phone (510) 642-2085 Berkeley CA 94720-3330 } fax (510) 643-6207 cell (510) 290-6793
-- Philip Oshel Supervisor, BBPIC microscopy facility Department of Animal Sciences University of Wisconsin 1675 Observatory Drive Madison, WI 53706 voice: (608) 263-4162 fax: (608) 262-5157 (dept. fax)
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 10:01:26 2005
Well, not everyone has had bad experiences with Ann Korsen. She has brought us instruments on loan last fall, and was most helpful and generous towards us, as well as easily reachable at all times. Overall my experience with Leica has always been most pleasant. Yes, they do offer small rebates on instruments, but in the end you get what you pay for! All the experts in the field of cryo-ultramicrotomy will tell you that there is only one machine on the market worth considering. I experienced this first-hand at a EMBO course in Paris last September, when we had the choice between Leica Ultracut microtomes and RMC. Yes, maybe RMC works well when you know how to use it, but there was no doubt in my mind (and that of the other instructors on the course) that the Leica machine is beautifully designed, user-friendly and reliable, at least as far as cryo-sectioning is concerned. So OK, one company will cost much more and give smaller rebates, but if you had the choice between a Yugo with a 25% rebate, or a Mercedes with no rebate, and money was not an issue, what would you buy?!! And like you, I don't have any special interests in either company. I'm just a very happy Leica customer!
Marc
On Wednesday, April 6, 2005, at 09:29 PM, Sergey Ryazantsev wrote:
} } } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } ------- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } -------- } } I had terrible experience with Ann Korsen - she basically did not } returned telephone calls and ignored my E.mails. At one single } instance when I had a chance to talk to her, she was quite helpless } and rigid. I am sorry, this is my personal experience on the way to } purpose new ultratome. I also had multiple problems a couple years } ago when my UCT needed service. Finally, some problems were resolved } (not in my favor to be truthful, on some I just gave up) but I still } have a feeling that Leica's personnel was sort of unfriendly to me. } To me, Leica provides miserable 5% "educational" discount (as a huge } favor to me), they do not exchange/return stuff at all: illuminator I } ordered for UC6 appeared to be for UCT and they denied to exchange } (unopened box) or get it back. Spare-parts box for UCT was broken, it } took more than year for Leica to replace it. Knifemaker was at least a } month late than promised... In my last purpose, they were trying to } "sweet" my experience with Leica including some free stuff. Paul } DeGeorge was quite nice after all, I appreciate it. Nevertheless, } having terrible customer service (from my experience), they have } superior instruments. I also have to admit that I never ever had any } negative experience (only positive) with people from RMC - they are } extremely helpful and flexible. I don't have any interest in Leica or } RMC: I am using the products from both companies. Sergey } } At 01:35 PM 4/6/2005, you wrote: } } } } ---------------------------------------------------------------------- } } -------- } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } } America } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } ---------------------------------------------------------------------- } } --------- } } } } HI, Garry, } } } } Leica, which is the company which acquired the Reichert microtome } } business as part of the Cambridge-Leitz merger in 1990, came out last } } year with the UC6. I had a chance to see it "up close and personal" } } at Cell Bio last December and to work with it a little as part of a } } new AFM/ultramicrotome integration for both bio and polymer } } applications. The same people who sold your Reichert (ex: Ann } } Korsen) are with Leica and can answer your questions. Ann can be } } reached at Akorsen-at-leica-microsystems.com } } } } Hope this is helpful. } } } } Best regards, } } Barbara Foster } } } } Microscopy/Microscopy Education } } 313 S Jupiter Rd, Suite 100 } } Allen, TX 75002 } } P: 972-954-8011 } } W: www.MicroscopyEducation.com } } } } P. S. } } Need a good general reference or light microscopy text? Call us today } } to learn more about "Optimizing LIght Microscopy". Copies still } } available through MME... even for class-room lots ... and we give } } quantity discounts. } } } } } } } } At 01:58 PM 4/6/2005, Garry Burgess wrote: } } } } } } } --------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } --------- } } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } } } America } } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } } } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } } } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } } --------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } ---------- } } } } } } } } } I am interested in purchasing a new Ultramicrotome for sectioning in } } } diagnostic pathology to replace an aging Reichert that has been } } } giving us } } } some problems. I have used Reichert Ultramictrotomes for the last } } } 21 years, } } } and now they have become Leica, but I was wondering what opinions } } } that } } } people have other other ultramicrotomes from other manufacturers, } } } especially } } } new ultramicrotomes, such as the Powertome X or XO from RMC } } } Products. Are } } } there other ultramicrotomes on the market that I should know about? } } } } } } This e-mail and/or any documents in this transmission is intended } } } for the address(s) only and may contain legally privileged or } } } confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, } } } distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If } } } you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender } } } immediately and return the original. } } } } } } _____________________________________ } } Sergey Ryazantsev Ph. D. } Electron Microscopy } UCLA School of Medicine } Department of Biological Chemistry } 10833 Le Conte Ave, Room 33-080 } Los Angeles, CA 90095 } } Phone: (310) 825-1144 (office) } (310) 206-1029 (Lab) } FAX (departmental): (310) 206-5272 } mailto:sryazant-at-ucla.edu } } } } }
-- Marc Pypaert Department of Cell Biology Center for Cell and Molecular Imaging Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Yale University School of Medicine 333 Cedar Street, PO Box 208002 New Haven, CT 06520-8002 TEL 203-785 3681 FAX 203-785 7446
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 10:13:21 2005
Would it be possible for the student to glow-discharge the coverslips (either glass or Thermanox) before plating the cells? This would make them much more adhesive and has the side-benefit of sterilising them as well. It could affect the behaviour of the cells, but this might not matter, depending on the experiment. Another possibility is to remove the FBS from the medium closer to the time of the experiment, if possible. The presence or absence of FBS has large effects on cell behaviour, possibly including adhesion.
Lesley Weston.
} From: Debby Sherman {dsherman-at-purdue.edu} } Date: Wed, 06 Apr 2005 21:47:16 -0500 } To: "message to: MSA list" {microscopy-at-MSA.microscopy.com} } Subject: [Microscopy] Cultured cell prep for SEM } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --} - } } Hi all, } } I have a student who is trying to grow cultured cells on coverslips to use } them for SEM imaging. However, the cells either do not stay on the } coverslips when they are transported to our lab or tend to lift during } preparation for SEM. Growth conditions, etc are below. } } Cell media: Dulbecco's Mod. Eagle Medium, 4.5g/L glucose, Na pyruvate, L- } glutamine. The cells are grown in the presence of 10% FBS, but the FBS is } removed from the media the day before the experiment. } } Coverslips: Thermanox plastic coverslips, cell culture treated on one side, } purchased from VWR. Glass coverslips have also been tried and actually } worked better than the thermanox. } } Cells: Caco-2 cells, grown for 8-10 days prior to conducting experiment. } } Fixation is with 3% glutaraldehyde in phosphate buffer followed by 1% } osmium, ETOH series and critical pint dry. Samples are handled very gently } when solutions are changed. } } We usually have little trouble with cultured cells but this one has been } nothing but problems. Suggestions for growth or SEM prep would be } appreciated. } } Debby } } Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 } Life Science Microscopy Facility FAX: 765-494-5896 } Purdue University E-mail: dsherman-at-purdue.edu } S-052 Whistler Building } 170 S. University Street } West Lafayette, IN 47907 } http://www3.agriculture.purdue.edu/microscopy } } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 10:22:17 2005
I have a question about picking up ultrathin cryosections. I have notice when I am using very lightly fixed tissue, many of the sections look like the tissue is stretching apart, leaving small holes throughout. I thought at first that this was just due to lack of fixation, however I could find a ocassional section/grid that was amazingly better. This indicated that the pickup is a major factor. I have tried sucrose vs. methylcellulose/sucrose vs. methylcellulose/sucrose/UA and find that it is still just in the pickup that some are better than others. Do you have some advice on how to pickup the sections to avoid this type of artifact? Thank you for any advice.
Robert Underwood Research Scientist University of Washington Seattle, WA USA
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 11:08:53 2005
another nice thing about Transwells (for TEM): if you cut the filter from the holder before dehydration, when you put them into Proplyene oxide they curl up like a jelly roll. You can then embed them in a flat mold and cut cross sections of the roll so that you get many more cell profiles/section than if you'd cut a strip of the membrane and just embedded that. For SEM, I leave them intact and put them into the CPD. You just have to keep track of which one is which. Lee -- Leona Cohen-Gould, M.S. Sr. Staff Associate Director, Electron Microscopy & Histology Core Facility Manager, Optical Microscopy Core Facility Joan & Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University voice (212)746-6146 fax (212)746-8175
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 11:13:28 2005
We were using this technique around 1970 when I was a grad student. It was published by a guy named J. Furtado and it may have been published in MYCOLOGIA. That is the best I can do for you with out some more digging. It worked quite nicely to keep fungal spores in place during ptocessing.
Good luck on finding it and let me know.
Greg
At 09:00 AM 4/7/2005, Lesley Graham wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Gregory W. Erdos Ph.D. Assistant Director, Biotechnology Program Scientific Director, Electron Microscopy P.O. Box 118525 217 Carr Hall University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611 gwe-at-ufl.edu 352-392-1295 fax- 352-846-0251
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 11:26:35 2005
In my earlier reply to this, I forgot to mention one other factor that affects the final quality of the digital image produced by our S4700. A peculiarity of our instrument, and I have seen at least one other mention of this on the listserv, is that when an image from the scope is opened in Adobe Photoshop it comes up in "Indexed Color" mode. I have no idea why. If this image is converted into 8-bit greyscale mode it gets cleaned up quite a bit in terms of "noise"---the difference is sometimes striking.
Granted this has nothing to due with the resolution of the image in the microscope, but it does have a lot to do with the appearance of the final presentation image.
Is anyone else familiar with this?
Randy
Randy Tindall EM Specialist Electron Microscopy Core Facility---We Do Small Well! W122 Veterinary Medicine University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211 Tel: (573) 882-8304 Fax: (573) 884-5414 Email: tindallr-at-missouri.edu Web: http://www.emc.missouri.edu
-----Original Message----- } From: yezer-at-cc.hut.fi [mailto:yezer-at-cc.hut.fi] Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2005 4:51 AM To: Microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Hi all,
I am using Hitachi S-4700 FESEM (cold tip) and so far didn't succeed to achieve a SE image with resolution better than 10 nm (including in the ultra high- resolution mode). Can anyone help us with a guide lines how to reach high resolution by controlling the parameters (Ie, Cond lens, and etc) with this microscope?.
Thanks,
E. Yossef Helsinki University of Technology Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 11:37:16 2005
HI, Debby- I don't know why anyone would want to use cover slips. We grow them on the regular plastic dishes they are used to. These samples are easy to embed and the cell layer separates readily from the dish if the procedure is performed correctly. If yu give me a FAX number, I shall send you a protocol This one is not on our web site (yet). Carol
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
-- __ Carol A. Heckman, Ph.D. Professor of Biological Sciences Director, Center for Microscopy & Microanalysis Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403 fax: (419) 372-2024 email: heckman-at-bgnet.bgsu.edu http://www.bgsu.edu/departments/biology/facilities/MnM ___________________________________________________________________________
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 12:35:58 2005
I'm sure I'm not alone in my fond memories of the cool micrographs that used to grace the cover of the Journal of Irreproducible Results (and maybe I'm not the only one to drop my subscription when they stopped doing it). Does anyone know whether there exists a compendium of those cover images? Or any other collection of weird & wonderful micrographs?
Paul Grover
---------------------------------------------------------------------- "Keep your eyes slightly wide and blank. Show no interest or excitement." - Dr. Miles Bennell Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
(Opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of my employer or of Purdue University)
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 12:51:18 2005
Below you will find a short comment from a lawyer on trademarks, copyrights and patents that might clarify - or confuse! - the issue. In any event if there is enough interest I am sure the MSA Public Policy committee could organize a discussion on trademarks at the Hawaii meeting this August.
If nyone is interested, please respond to me with the word "Trademaks" in the Subject line so that a) the Listserv and b) my regular email don't get unecessarily cluttered!
Peter Ingram
MSA Legal Liaison
Comments:
The two (trademarks and copyrights) are wholly different species of intellectual property, and both are distinct from patents. Each is governed by statute, but copyright and trademark law also has a large add-on of "common law" arising out of both state statute and decided cases. An overview/introduction to the three categories of intellectual property staes that there are actually "3.5 categories" - the ".5" is a very different, but very interesting, area of "trade secrets." These are largely non-statutory and, most interesting, based on exactly the opposite legal basis of the other three - that is, copyright, trademark and patent laws depend on public disclosure, publicity, to establish their strengths - patents, as you know, mandate full public disclosure, in filings with the US Patent office, which are publicly available - in order for the patent to "issue." The reason for this is that patent protection is limited in time; after the patent time expires, all are free to exactly duplicate the instructions in the patent. Trademarks are not similarly limited in time, but may be lost by failure to protect them adequately -- Peter Ingram Duke University Medical Center Box 90319 LaSalle Street Extension DURHAM NC USA 27708-0319
You have come across an interesting observation with cryosections. As you know cryosections are not embedded in a continuous, polymerized plastic sheet, as are resin-embedded sections. The only physical bonds holding the structure together are those protein interactions that may remain after the tissue has been treated, and cross-linking bonds formed by the aldehyde fixation. Of course, less fixation will mean fewer cross-linking bonds to hold the sections together.
To cut the story short, the variability you are seeing in the section morphology is most probably due to surface tension effects on the surface of the pick-up drop. Reduce the surface tension and you will improve the section morphology.
Warm pick-up solutions will spread the sections more than frozen drops of pick-up solution. More methyl cellulose in the sucrose appears also to reduce the surface tension. You could also try adding gelatin to the sucrose to lower the surface tension.
You could also experiment with the time taken to collect the sections from the knife. You may find that as you get better at picking them up, the morphology will get worse. If this is so, slow down the process and give the pick-up solution time to cool down. Once you get a good result, stick with the protocol.
Alternatively, you could add a very small amount of glutaraldehyde to your fixative. This may toughen up the sections enough to improve the morphology.
Finally, make sure that you are not drying the sections during the labeling process. If you are in the habit of taking off excess buffer before you float that grids on antibody you may be drying them enough to cause morphology changes. Thin sections are very sensitive to drying.
I am sure that you are aware that you can take your frozen, cryoprotected blocks and either warm them up again for embedding in epoxy resin. This has always been a good way to convince people that poor fixation or freezing is not the reason for poor morphology in cryoprotected frozen material.
You can also take the frozen blocks of sucrose-infiltrated material and freeze substitute in cold methanol. This is also a good way of checking the morphology if the material is then embedded in epoxy resin.
Regards,
Paul Webster.
Paul Webster, Ph.D. House Ear Institute 2100 West Third Street Los Angeles CA 90057-1922
On 4/7/05 8:37 AM, "Robert A Underwood" {underwoo-at-u.washington.edu} wrote:
} } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------} - } } Hi Fellow Microscopists, } } I have a question about picking up ultrathin cryosections. I have notice when } I am using very lightly } fixed tissue, many of the sections look like the tissue is stretching apart, } leaving small holes } throughout. I thought at first that this was just due to lack of fixation, } however I could find a ocassional } section/grid that was amazingly better. This indicated that the pickup is a } major factor. I have tried } sucrose vs. methylcellulose/sucrose vs. methylcellulose/sucrose/UA and find } that it is still just in the } pickup that some are better than others. Do you have some advice on how to } pickup the sections to } avoid this type of artifact? } Thank you for any advice. } } Robert Underwood } Research Scientist } University of Washington } Seattle, WA USA } } } } } } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 13:01:45 2005
"Yes, maybe RMC works well when you know how to use it"
In my experience this is pretty important no matter what brand/piece of equipment you are talking about. Some people have a preference based on what they are "used to" that may have little or no bearing on the quality of the competing product. Jay
On Apr 7, 2005 10:10 AM, Marc Pypaert {marc.pypaert-at-yale.edu} wrote: } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Well, not everyone has had bad experiences with Ann Korsen. } She has brought us instruments on loan last fall, and was most } helpful and generous towards us, as well as easily reachable } at all times. Overall my experience with Leica has always been } most pleasant. Yes, they do offer small rebates on instruments, } but in the end you get what you pay for! All the experts in the } field of cryo-ultramicrotomy will tell you that there is only one } machine on the market worth considering. I experienced this } first-hand at a EMBO course in Paris last September, when } we had the choice between Leica Ultracut microtomes and } RMC. Yes, maybe RMC works well when you know how to } use it, but there was no doubt in my mind (and that of the other } instructors on the course) that the Leica machine is beautifully } designed, user-friendly and reliable, at least as far as cryo-sectioning } is concerned. So OK, one company will cost much more and } give smaller rebates, but if you had the choice between a } Yugo with a 25% rebate, or a Mercedes with no rebate, and } money was not an issue, what would you buy?!! } And like you, I don't have any special interests in either } company. I'm just a very happy Leica customer! } } Marc } } } On Wednesday, April 6, 2005, at 09:29 PM, Sergey Ryazantsev wrote: } } } } } } } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } } ------- } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } } America } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } } -------- } } } } I had terrible experience with Ann Korsen - she basically did not } } returned telephone calls and ignored my E.mails. At one single } } instance when I had a chance to talk to her, she was quite helpless } } and rigid. I am sorry, this is my personal experience on the way to } } purpose new ultratome. I also had multiple problems a couple years } } ago when my UCT needed service. Finally, some problems were resolved } } (not in my favor to be truthful, on some I just gave up) but I still } } have a feeling that Leica's personnel was sort of unfriendly to me. } } To me, Leica provides miserable 5% "educational" discount (as a huge } } favor to me), they do not exchange/return stuff at all: illuminator I } } ordered for UC6 appeared to be for UCT and they denied to exchange } } (unopened box) or get it back. Spare-parts box for UCT was broken, it } } took more than year for Leica to replace it. Knifemaker was at least a } } month late than promised... In my last purpose, they were trying to } } "sweet" my experience with Leica including some free stuff. Paul } } DeGeorge was quite nice after all, I appreciate it. Nevertheless, } } having terrible customer service (from my experience), they have } } superior instruments. I also have to admit that I never ever had any } } negative experience (only positive) with people from RMC - they are } } extremely helpful and flexible. I don't have any interest in Leica or } } RMC: I am using the products from both companies. Sergey } } } } At 01:35 PM 4/6/2005, you wrote: } } } } } } } ---------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } -------- } } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } } } America } } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } } } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } } } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } } ---------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } --------- } } } } } } HI, Garry, } } } } } } Leica, which is the company which acquired the Reichert microtome } } } business as part of the Cambridge-Leitz merger in 1990, came out last } } } year with the UC6. I had a chance to see it "up close and personal" } } } at Cell Bio last December and to work with it a little as part of a } } } new AFM/ultramicrotome integration for both bio and polymer } } } applications. The same people who sold your Reichert (ex: Ann } } } Korsen) are with Leica and can answer your questions. Ann can be } } } reached at Akorsen-at-leica-microsystems.com } } } } } } Hope this is helpful. } } } } } } Best regards, } } } Barbara Foster } } } } } } Microscopy/Microscopy Education } } } 313 S Jupiter Rd, Suite 100 } } } Allen, TX 75002 } } } P: 972-954-8011 } } } W: www.MicroscopyEducation.com } } } } } } P. S. } } } Need a good general reference or light microscopy text? Call us today } } } to learn more about "Optimizing LIght Microscopy". Copies still } } } available through MME... even for class-room lots ... and we give } } } quantity discounts. } } } } } } } } } } } } At 01:58 PM 4/6/2005, Garry Burgess wrote: } } } } } } } } } } --------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } } --------- } } } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } } } } America } } } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } } } } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } } } } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } } } --------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } } ---------- } } } } } } } } } } } } I am interested in purchasing a new Ultramicrotome for sectioning in } } } } diagnostic pathology to replace an aging Reichert that has been } } } } giving us } } } } some problems. I have used Reichert Ultramictrotomes for the last } } } } 21 years, } } } } and now they have become Leica, but I was wondering what opinions } } } } that } } } } people have other other ultramicrotomes from other manufacturers, } } } } especially } } } } new ultramicrotomes, such as the Powertome X or XO from RMC } } } } Products. Are } } } } there other ultramicrotomes on the market that I should know about? } } } } } } } } This e-mail and/or any documents in this transmission is intended } } } } for the address(s) only and may contain legally privileged or } } } } confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, } } } } distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If } } } } you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender } } } } immediately and return the original. } } } } } } } } } } _____________________________________ } } } } Sergey Ryazantsev Ph. D. } } Electron Microscopy } } UCLA School of Medicine } } Department of Biological Chemistry } } 10833 Le Conte Ave, Room 33-080 } } Los Angeles, CA 90095 } } } } Phone: (310) 825-1144 (office) } } (310) 206-1029 (Lab) } } FAX (departmental): (310) 206-5272 } } mailto:sryazant-at-ucla.edu } } } } } } } } } } } } -- } Marc Pypaert } Department of Cell Biology } Center for Cell and Molecular Imaging } Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research } Yale University School of Medicine } 333 Cedar Street, PO Box 208002 } New Haven, CT 06520-8002 } TEL 203-785 3681 } FAX 203-785 7446 } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 13:21:10 2005
If it makes you feel better, most of us are struggling with the very same problem! So I am very interested in the responses you are going to receive to your question.
I used to think that when picking up, either with sucrose alone or sucrose/methyl cellulose, one had to be extremely quick, and the sections had to magically lift up onto the still liquid drop in which it would disappear as if they were dissolving in the sucrose. But talking to others since then, I have come to realize that being too fast can actually harm the sections, by over-stretching them and making holes and tears appear. One person told me that she waits until the rim of the loop of sucrose/methylcellulose just starts freezing (a white ring appearing at the periphery of the droplet) before picking up the sections. Given the speed at which sucrose/methylcellulose freezes, this often means that by the time the sections have been picked up and the loop retrieved from the chamber, the whole drop is now frozen. You just have to wait for it to thaw again, then transfer the sections on the grid. But this technique hasn't worked too well in my hands so far - I get too many folds. There are too many factors that are involved here: size of the loop (we use a very small one - smaller diameter than a grid), percentage of sucrose and methyl cellulose (I use 50/50), temperature of the chamber (-108°C as opposed to -120°C), the use of gelatin to embed samples, and of course the fixation protocol. But anyway, you should maybe give this a try and see if waiting a few more sections during pick up, so that the surface of your drop is close to freezing point, might help prevent some of the tearing.
By the way, what do you call "very slightly fixed", and why do you have to fix so lightly?
Best
Marc
On Thursday, April 7, 2005, at 11:37 AM, Robert A Underwood wrote:
} } } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } ------- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } -------- } } Hi Fellow Microscopists, } } I have a question about picking up ultrathin cryosections. I have } notice when I am using very lightly fixed tissue, many of the sections } look like the tissue is stretching apart, leaving small holes } throughout. I thought at first that this was just due to lack of } fixation, however I could find a ocassional section/grid that was } amazingly better. This indicated that the pickup is a major factor. I } have tried sucrose vs. methylcellulose/sucrose vs. } methylcellulose/sucrose/UA and find that it is still just in the } pickup that some are better than others. Do you have some advice on } how to pickup the sections to avoid this type of artifact? } Thank you for any advice. } } Robert Underwood } Research Scientist } University of Washington } Seattle, WA USA } } } } } } }
-- Marc Pypaert Department of Cell Biology Center for Cell and Molecular Imaging Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Yale University School of Medicine 333 Cedar Street, PO Box 208002 New Haven, CT 06520-8002 TEL 203-785 3681 FAX 203-785 7446
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 13:29:05 2005
Our JEOL6500-F (JEOL PCSEM software) has the same indexed color "feature" and converting it to 8-bit greyscale has the same effect of cleaning up the noise in the image. I also have no idea why.
Bryan Bandli
Tindall, Randy D. wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 14:29:40 2005
I feel I need to chime in on this, since my experiences with Leica have been wonderful. I have dealt with Ann Korsen, Paul DeGeorge, Robert Seiler, and others in the company in both sales and training situations and have no complaints about their knowledge, willingness to work with the customer, or followup on any problems that might occur. This has also been true of their distributors, in our case Mager Scientific.
That said, I have also had very pleasant dealings with the RMC crew during demonstrations and workshops. If I were buying a new ultramicritome I would be making my equipment decisions based solely on the equipment itself and the applications it will address, since both companies field good people, in my opinion. Maybe I'm just wishy-washy....
Our lab and I have no financial or other ties with any of these companies, etc., but we do have two Leica UCT ultramicrotomes (one with cryo), a Leica high-pressure freezer, and a Leica freeze-substitution unit, so we have plenty of experience with this company.
Just my two copper-coated zinc plugs worth....
Randy
Randy Tindall EM Specialist Electron Microscopy Core Facility---We Do Small Well! W122 Veterinary Medicine University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211 Tel: (573) 882-8304 Fax: (573) 884-5414 Email: tindallr-at-missouri.edu Web: http://www.emc.missouri.edu
-----Original Message----- } From: Sergey Ryazantsev [mailto:sryazant-at-ucla.edu] Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2005 8:29 PM To: Microscopy-at-microscopy.com
I had terrible experience with Ann Korsen - she basically did not returned telephone calls and ignored my E.mails. At one single instance when I had a chance to talk to her, she was quite helpless and rigid. I am sorry, this is my personal experience on the way to purpose new ultratome. I also had multiple problems a couple years ago when my UCT needed service. Finally, some problems were resolved (not in my favor to be truthful, on some I just gave up) but I still have a feeling that Leica's personnel was sort of unfriendly to me. To me, Leica provides miserable 5% "educational" discount (as a huge favor to me), they do not exchange/return stuff at all: illuminator I ordered for UC6 appeared to be for UCT and they denied to exchange (unopened box) or get it back. Spare-parts box for UCT was broken, it took more than year for Leica to replace it. Knifemaker was at least a month late than promised... In my last purpose, they were trying to "sweet" my experience with Leica including some free stuff. Paul DeGeorge was quite nice after all, I appreciate it. Nevertheless, having terrible customer service (from my experience), they have superior instruments. I also have to admit that I never ever had any negative experience (only positive) with people from RMC - they are extremely helpful and flexible. I don't have any interest in Leica or RMC: I am using the products from both companies. Sergey
At 01:35 PM 4/6/2005, you wrote:
} ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } ------- The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society } of America To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver
} Cell Bio last December and to work with it a little as part of a new } AFM/ultramicrotome integration for both bio and polymer applications. } The same people who sold your Reichert (ex: Ann Korsen) are with Leica } and can answer your questions. Ann can be reached at } Akorsen-at-leica-microsystems.com } } Hope this is helpful. } } Best regards, } Barbara Foster } } Microscopy/Microscopy Education } 313 S Jupiter Rd, Suite 100 } Allen, TX 75002 } P: 972-954-8011 } W: www.MicroscopyEducation.com } } P. S. } Need a good general reference or light microscopy text? Call us today } to learn more about "Optimizing LIght Microscopy". Copies still } available through MME... even for class-room lots ... and we give quantity discounts. } } } } At 01:58 PM 4/6/2005, Garry Burgess wrote: } } } } ---------------------------------------------------------------------- } } -------- The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society
} } of America To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver
} } us some problems. I have used Reichert Ultramictrotomes for the last } } 21 years, and now they have become Leica, but I was wondering what } } opinions that people have other other ultramicrotomes from other } } manufacturers, especially new ultramicrotomes, such as the Powertome X
} } or XO from RMC Products. Are there other ultramicrotomes on the market that I should know about? } } } } This e-mail and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for } } the } } address(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential } } information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying } } or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this } } transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original. } }
_____________________________________
Sergey Ryazantsev Ph. D. Electron Microscopy UCLA School of Medicine Department of Biological Chemistry 10833 Le Conte Ave, Room 33-080 Los Angeles, CA 90095
The best and simple thing to do is to go to the nearest business centre and tell them that you want to register trademark on your product. They will teach you what to do, how much it may cost, and how to do this properly. Even they will recommend to you how to do this, and what start from, and you will have an idea how much it will cost. They will refer you to appropriate lawyers, and organization. Trademarks are associated with commercial, or ready to sell products. Do you have it? If you have commercial product you may wish to sell it by your own company. Then you may decide to register your company, and name of your product could be associated with name of the company. Just some ideas. Victoria
----- Original Message ----- } From: "Peter Ingram" {p.ingram-at-voice.cellbio.duke.edu} To: {microscopy-at-MSA.Microscopy.com} Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2005 11:07 AM
Hi
I'm in the market for a new LN2-cooled, Be-window Si(Li) EDS detector, to go on a JEOL 840, and to be used mainly for quantitative analysis of minerals.
The manufacturers that I'm currently considering are EDAX, Gresham, Thermo Noran, and Rontec.
Anybody got any to add to this list?
Anybody got any reasonably valid bias towards or against any of these?
Confidentiality of off-list replies will be respected.
Please note that I'm looking for a detector/preamp only, I already have a very satisfactory pulse-processor, mca, etc.
cheers
rtch
-- Ritchie Sims Ph D Phone : 64 9 3737599 ext 87713 Microanalyst Fax : 64 9 3737435 Department of Geology email : r.sims-at-auckland.ac.nz The University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland New Zealand
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 7 18:16:26 2005
Thanks for the replies so far, keep 'em coming, but please note that I'm enquiring about detectors only ie detector plus detector preamp, not systems (pulse-processor, MCA, software etc).
cheers
rtch
} From: "Ritchie Sims" {r.sims-at-auckland.ac.nz} Organization: Dept of Geology, Univ of Auckland To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com Date sent: Fri, 08 Apr 2005 08:33:45 +1200
Dear Robert,
1) It would be better to use tissues fixed with a little percentage of glutaraldehyde (0.1-0.2%). this will not kill much of antigenic epitops but will greatly improve the ultrastructural stability of the sample. You can find exact reference in the papers of P.J.Peters group in Amsterdam or H.Geuse group in Utrecht. 2) In my hands the best solution for picking up is Methylcellulose/sucrose. Sucrose alone has a very big surface tension, which will eventually destroy sensitive structures as Golgi complex. Addition of UA to the pick up solution can improve the ultrastructure but can reduce labeling. You can try to add low concentration of tannic acid (less than 0.1%) in solution. Sometimes it helps but be aware of the effects on the epitopes for labeling. 3) The other thing to consider is timing of your pick up. It is very critical to pick up at the moment when the solution just on the verge to start to freeze. If you will pick up sections sooner or later then you will probably end up with a horrible ultrastructure. It is very hard to explain how to determine the right moment. I think it will be better that you just try yourself several settings because our instuments for pick up could be different from yours (loop diameter, wire thickness etc.) and it will affect the timing. May be this movie from P.Peters' lab will help: http://129.112.18.40/cryomovies/
Sincerely, Alex
Robert A Underwood:
} } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } Hi Fellow Microscopists, } } I have a question about picking up ultrathin cryosections. I have } notice when I am using very lightly fixed tissue, many of the sections } look like the tissue is stretching apart, leaving small holes } throughout. I thought at first that this was just due to lack of } fixation, however I could find a ocassional section/grid that was } amazingly better. This indicated that the pickup is a major factor. I } have tried sucrose vs. methylcellulose/sucrose vs. } methylcellulose/sucrose/UA and find that it is still just in the } pickup that some are better than others. Do you have some advice on } how to pickup the sections to avoid this type of artifact? } Thank you for any advice. } } Robert Underwood } Research Scientist } University of Washington } Seattle, WA USA } } } } } } }
-- Aleksandr Mironov Experimental Officer G450A, Stopford Building EM Unit, Faculty of Life Sciences University of Manchester Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PT UK
} ... A peculiarity of our instrument, and I have seen at } least one other mention of this on the listserv, is that } when an image from the scope is opened in Adobe Photoshop } it comes up in "Indexed Color" mode. I have no idea why. } If this image is converted into 8-bit greyscale mode it } gets cleaned up quite a bit in terms of "noise"---
Check this behaviour at Photoshop 100% magnification and above. I believe that Photoshop blends pixels differently at lower view magnifications, depending on whether the working space is color managed or not. An indexed grayscale would not be color managed.
The better question would be to ask the manufacturuers for their reasons why grayscales are indexed. Most do, and there is really no justification.
my $0.02 & cheerios ... shAf :o) Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland www.micro-investigations.com (in progress)
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 8 07:09:35 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (cbutterick-at-poco.com) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Thursday, April 7, 2005 at 09:21:35 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (mcary-at-gatan.com) from http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Thursday, April 7, 2005 at 12:12:38 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The same thing happens with the images from our JEOL JSM-5600. A real annoyance since a lot of useful things in Photoshop are disabled for indexed images. I usually convert them wholesale to grayscale with a Photoshop script. In the case of the 5600, I believe the images are indexed so that you can apply the color lookup table, etc. to the images within the GUI. A relatively useless "eye candy" feature, in my opinion, but then I'm not a salesman. Equally annoying is that the color stuff that you can draw on the images (measurement lines, etc.) are smashed down into grayscale when they are written into the image! Why aren't these colors preserved in the indexed image? Grrr! Anybody interested in starting a thread about useless and annoying "features" on scopes that could best be left out or improved? Maybe the manufacturers are listening....
Jim
--
James M. Ehrman Digital Microscopy Facility Mount Allison University Sackville, NB E4L 1G7 CANADA
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 8 08:43:49 2005
My understanding is that there are several factors involved in selecting an accelerating voltage (KV). At higher KVs, chromatic aberration is reduced, resulting in greater resolution, i.e., the ability to separate two points visually. However, higher KVs also result in the generation of secondary electrons from a larger surface area, due to primary beam electron scattering over a larger lateral distance, as well as from deeper within the specimen.
This theoretically has two effects. One is that the larger area of the surface emitting SE's gives a larger "effective spot size", or area from which signal is generated, and this decreases resolution. The other is that the SEs escaping from deeper within the specimen are detected along with the SEs generated at or just below the surface, and this part of the signal can obscure surface detail by lowering contrast. This effect can easily be seen by taking a biological specimen or other soft sample and simply comparing a 1.0 KV image to a 30 KV image: the higher KV image looks smoother and less detailed.
This effect is complicated by the effect of sample density, in that a denser sample will have a smaller "effective spot size" than a less-dense sample at the same KV. This means that for many samples you can increase resolution by increasing KV if the sample is dense enough to restrict the electron scattering to acceptable levels for the magnification you are working at. In addition, higher KVs generally allow such adjustments as using smaller apertures to decrease spherical aberration effects and increase depth of field, and higher lens currents to demagnify the probe size and increase resolution that way. Generally speaking, adjusting the SEM for high resolution means decreasing the signal to the detectors, so if you have more signal to begin with, you can afford to lose more signal before noise overwhelms your image.
I agree with you that for many samples, especially biological ones, lower KVs are better at retaining surface detail in the image. We routinely run our FESEM at 5.0 KV, and often at 1.0 KV. But not always. Separating out the relative effects of larger "effective spot sizes" (decreased resolution), escape of SE's from deeper within the specimen (lower surface contrast), and decreased aberrations (increased resolution) at high KV's is not straightforward. And let's not even get into the effects of coatings on these factors, since you may need heavier coatings to counter increased charging effects, as you mentioned! As I said, it's probably best to approach each sample as unique and experiment.
By copy of this to the listserv I am asking to be set straight on any errors in the above sermon. I always learn a lot from these discussions and have had faulty assumptions corrected on several occasions.
Cheers, Randy
-----Original Message----- } From: Tay Yee Yan [mailto:one_twinklestar-at-yahoo.com.sg] Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2005 7:17 PM To: Tindall, Randy D.
I have been getting increasingly disturbed by the extensive traffic concerning both ultramicrotomes and personnel associated with companies selling the product. Some observations after roughly 30 years in the business of purchasing and maintaining both major instruments (TEM, SEM, XPS, Auger, EPMA, SIMS, etc) and ancillary equipment (microtomes, polishers, ion mills, etc):
1. for a given instrument most everyone with extensive experience possesses 'brand loyalty' to some degree, based on a combination of need,vs instrument specs, a good price, reasonable expectation of good service and user-friendlyness over a period of time.
2. even if the above has held true for some time, you never know when new developments may occur, pricing policies may change (or can be forced to change on a case-by-case basis), or sales and service personnel might change (don't forget the former people as they often can influence the latter). It's an ever-shifting field.
3. returning to #1, you never know when your needs may change, so be careful about swearing too much loyalty to a particular brand (unless you have a very stable capital budget and senior management that trusts you completely!).
4. I've known a lot of company staff from sales, service and/or R&D, and have met relatively few 'duds'. These people work very hard and in a surprising number of cases are paid even less than we are. For certain they have nowhere near our degree of autonomy, so please keep their names (pro or con) off the air. I doubt any of us would appreciate our qualifications and style being debated in public.
5. For that matter, why not simply keep specific product names off the Listserver as much as possible? Give your candid impressions to the inquirer off-line. If you feel the need to enlighten the Listserver at large, confine your comments to more generic comments, "I find in my lab hat a good X needs to have qualities A, B, C-- to get the job done".
6. As an example of #5, I have given some dozen workshops on hard materials microtomy with both of the producers mentioned in the above thread. Students have attended who have, or are considering, instruments from both vendors. The focus has religously been on the technique and its potential results, not the pros and cons of the products that can get you there, and the results have been very pleasing to all concerned. In my opinion, this is the prime purpose of the Listserver; education, not brand endorsement.
Is anyone using digital plates in place of film in their TEM's?
Can you let me know about cost, efficiency, resolution, practicality, and any problems that you have had. Also what system you are using and has the service been good.
We are looking into this option as one way to "go digital" with 2 old TEM's. Also, does anyone still use film, but then scan the images into a computer? That is another option that we are looking at. Thanks, Linda Fox lfox1-at-lumc.edu
Linda M. Fox Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine Core Imaging Facility 2160 S. First Ave. Maywood, Il 60153 Bld. 102 Room 0617 1-708-216-3395 lfox1-at-lumc.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 8 09:45:57 2005
We are upgrading our image analysis system (Leitz Orthoplan interfaced to an Apple computer running OSX and ImageJ) and would appreciate any suggestions for a video camera with a screw mount. We currently have an older Javelin with a ½ inch chip, which has a thread mount on a tube (approx 7/8 in diameter) out the back port. We'd like to keep the tube so we don't need to worry about the optical path, working distance, etc. Thanks, John McNulty jmcnulty-at-lumc.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 8 11:35:58 2005
On Apr 8, 2005, at 5:26 AM, by way of MicroscopyListserver wrote:
} Question: how do i most acuratly measure the ohms/square inch of an } indium tin coated surface?? } Dear Matthew, There are two papers by Mike Lamvik (RS Rader & MK Lamvik (1992) High-conductivity amorphous TiSi substrates for low-temperature electron microscopy. J. Microsc. 168, 71-77. and MK Lamvik, SD Davilla, and J Tuttle (1989) Properties of substrates for low temperature quantitative microscopy and microanalysis. Scan. Microsc. Suppl. 3 271-276.) that describe resistivity measurements of thin films. If you can configure your coating as described in those papers, that would be a way to measure the resistance accurately. If, however, your coating is already prepared, and if it is not on an insulating surface, you will have to go to greater lengths, and accurate measurement may not be possible. Good luck. Yours, Bill Tivol, PhD EM Scientist and Manager Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility Broad Center, Mail Code 114-96 California Institute of Technology Pasadena CA 91125 (626) 395-8833 tivol-at-caltech.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 8 11:37:49 2005
Surface resistivity has units of ohms per square (not per square inch). I know that this sounds strange, but the dimensions drop out in the calculations. There are a number of vendors who sell the circular concentric electrodes which are used to measure the value, for example: keithly and trek, to name just two. Also if you just Google on "surface resistivity measurement" there are some very good papers that are available in pdf format which will explain surface resistivity in much greater detail than I can. There may even be some simple way of measuring the value without the use of one of the commercial units (or without making one yourself).
Bill
mcary-at-gatan.com (by way of MicroscopyListserver) on 04/08/2005 08:26:06 AM
To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com cc:
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (mcary-at-gatan.com) from http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Thursday, April 7, 2005 at 12:12:38 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 8 12:24:25 2005
Tom, Well said. Unfortunately there have been individuals who use this listserver to make personal attacks publicly. Ultimately they are the ones who suffer.
Paul
Paul J. Gerroir Microscopy Materials Characterization Xerox Research Centre of Canada 2660 Speakman Drive Mississauga, Ontario L5K 2L1
-----Original Message----- } From: Malis, Tom [mailto:malis-at-NRCan.gc.ca] Sent: Friday, April 08, 2005 10:25 AM To: 'microscopy-at-microscopy.com'
I have been getting increasingly disturbed by the extensive traffic concerning both ultramicrotomes and personnel associated with companies selling the product. Some observations after roughly 30 years in the business of purchasing and maintaining both major instruments (TEM, SEM, XPS, Auger, EPMA, SIMS, etc) and ancillary equipment (microtomes, polishers, ion mills, etc):
1. for a given instrument most everyone with extensive experience possesses 'brand loyalty' to some degree, based on a combination of need,vs instrument specs, a good price, reasonable expectation of good service and user-friendlyness over a period of time.
2. even if the above has held true for some time, you never know when new developments may occur, pricing policies may change (or can be forced to change on a case-by-case basis), or sales and service personnel might change (don't forget the former people as they often can influence the latter). It's an ever-shifting field.
3. returning to #1, you never know when your needs may change, so be careful about swearing too much loyalty to a particular brand (unless you have a very stable capital budget and senior management that trusts you completely!).
4. I've known a lot of company staff from sales, service and/or R&D, and have met relatively few 'duds'. These people work very hard and in a surprising number of cases are paid even less than we are. For certain they have nowhere near our degree of autonomy, so please keep their names (pro or con) off the air. I doubt any of us would appreciate our qualifications and style being debated in public.
5. For that matter, why not simply keep specific product names off the Listserver as much as possible? Give your candid impressions to the inquirer off-line. If you feel the need to enlighten the Listserver at large, confine your comments to more generic comments, "I find in my lab hat a good X needs to have qualities A, B, C-- to get the job done".
6. As an example of #5, I have given some dozen workshops on hard materials microtomy with both of the producers mentioned in the above thread. Students have attended who have, or are considering, instruments from both vendors. The focus has religously been on the technique and its potential results, not the pros and cons of the products that can get you there, and the results have been very pleasing to all concerned. In my opinion, this is the prime purpose of the Listserver; education, not brand endorsement.
} Is anyone using digital plates in place of film in their TEM's? } } Can you let me know about cost, efficiency, resolution, practicality, } and any problems that you have had. Also what system you are using and } has the service been good. } } We are looking into this option as one way to "go digital" with 2 old } TEM's. Also, does anyone still use film, but then scan the images into } a computer? That is another option that we are looking at. } Dear Linda, Although I have not used imaging plates myself, I did investigate them at one time. Their resolution and linearity are excellent, and their quantum efficiency (the fraction of electrons that result in a signal) is the best of any detector system I know of for ~100 kV electrons. This falls off with increasing energy, however, and they are not so good at 300-400 kV (let alone at 1.2 MV, which I was interested in). I'm sure that the properties are likely to have improved since I looked into things. The cost of the plates themselves is not an issue, since they are reusable, and the cost of the reader was on the order of $100,000. I expect that, if the readers have improved, the cost has risen commensurably, but I am not up to date on this. As far as film is concerned, we are still investigating whether film or CCD will ultimately be better for single-particle analysis. The benefits of film are the larger field of view and (for ED measurements) the fact that one does not have to insert a beam stop over the unscattered beam. The disadvantages of film are its limited linearity and the necessity to scan it in order to use computer processing, either of which will introduce errors into quantitation. It is also more difficult to get the same consistency in the developing process as is inherent in a CCD image. Additionally, to get good quantitation requires a good scanner, and for ED, one needs something like the Perkin-Elmer microdensitometer (at a cost of a few hundred thousand dollars), since one needs to get accurate readings from small areas of high OD surrounded by large areas of essentially transparent film. In other words, the best system depends on just what kinds of experiments one is doing (and might be doing in the future). Yours, Bill Tivol, PhD EM Scientist and Manager Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility Broad Center, Mail Code 114-96 California Institute of Technology Pasadena CA 91125 (626) 395-8833 tivol-at-caltech.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 8 12:48:59 2005
One way to do the job is to paint two low resistance parallel lines on the surface with a conductive silver particle-based paint (carbon based conductive paint probably has too much resistance) and then use a good digital ohmmeter to measure the resistance across the gap. The resistance in of such an oxide film might be typically be on the order of 10-100 ohms per square.
You might want to put a straight sliver of masking tape two millimeters wide down first and then paint over it in a region 1 cm long with the conductive paint. Since the painted conductors are 1 cm long with a separation of 2 mm, this equals .2 square (once you peel away the masking tape). You would then multiply the measured resistance by five to get the correct value in ohms per square. -- Roger
} } Email: mcary-at-gatan.com } Name: Matthew Cary } } Organization: gatan inc } } Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: } } Question: how do i most acuratly measure the ohms/square inch of an } indium tin coated surface?? } } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } ---- } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 8 13:18:24 2005
Sheet resistance is measured by a 4-point probe. The probes are equidistance (about 1 mm) and inline. A constant current is put between the outer two and the voltage drop between the inner two is measured. Then the sheet resistance is given by V/I except that there is a geometric correction factor (CF) to convert the voltage/current ratio measured by the 4-point probe into sheet resistance. This correction factor accounts for the sample size, shape and probe spacings. The probes are spring mounted to avoid damaging the film. The sheet resistance measure by the probe is given by:
Rs = (V/I) * CF.
For an semi-infinite thin sheet, CF = 4.53. What is typically done is to set the current at 0.453 mA and then multiply the voltage measured by 10. The bulk resistivity of the coating material is given as Rs * t.
The measured resistance of a sample of dimensions L and W and sheet resistance, Rs is given by R = Rs * W/L. Which means that if you have a square sample of any size, the resistance will be the same. An easy way to measure the sheet resistance fairly accurately on transparent conducting coated glass samples is to take a square sample of about 12 x 12 inches and measure the resistance with a multimeter across it. If you know the sheet resistance of a coating, then all you do is "count the squares". For example if you have a sample that is twice its length, then the resistance along the long axis will be twice the sheet resistance because it is two squares by one square, but across it, it will be 1/2 because it is only a half square across.
There are commercially available four point probes for sheet resistance available. I think that Keithley makes one. You might also consider this source: http://bridgetec.com/srm.html I Don't have any financial interest in either of these companies and I am sure that they are not the only manufacturers of four point probes.
-Scott
Scott D. Walck, Ph.D. Technical Director South Bay Technology, Inc. 1120 Via Callejon San Clemente, CA 92673 USA
TEL: +1-949-492-2600 Toll-free in the USA: +1-800-728-2233 FAX: +1-949-492-1499 eMail: Walck-at-SouthBayTech.com
Temporary Pittsburgh Area Phone Number: 412-492-8127
-----Original Message----- } From: by way of MicroscopyListserver [mailto:mcary-at-gatan.com] Sent: Friday, April 08, 2005 8:26 AM To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (mcary-at-gatan.com) from http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Thursday, April 7, 2005 at 12:12:38 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition to the papers mentioned by Bill, you can order a little book called "Low Level Measurements" from Keithley Instruments, (www dot keithley dot com) - it is a free literature.
On the pages 4-27 through 4-31 of this book is a descripton of four-probe method for measurements of surface resistivity, including some tricks for enhancing accuracy.
Disclaimer: PBS&T has no financial interest in Keithley Instruments, just a satisfied user.
--- Bill Tivol {tivol-at-caltech.edu} wrote: } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The } Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } On Apr 8, 2005, at 5:26 AM, by way of } MicroscopyListserver wrote: } } } Question: how do i most acuratly measure the } ohms/square inch of an } } indium tin coated surface?? } } } Dear Matthew, } There are two papers by Mike Lamvik (RS Rader & MK } Lamvik (1992) } High-conductivity amorphous TiSi substrates for } low-temperature } electron microscopy. J. Microsc. 168, 71-77. and MK } Lamvik, SD } Davilla, and J Tuttle (1989) Properties of } substrates for low } temperature quantitative microscopy and } microanalysis. Scan. Microsc. } Suppl. 3 271-276.) that describe resistivity } measurements of thin } films. If you can configure your coating as } described in those papers, } that would be a way to measure the resistance } accurately. If, however, } your coating is already prepared, and if it is not } on an insulating } surface, you will have to go to greater lengths, and } accurate } measurement may not be possible. Good luck. } Yours, } Bill Tivol, PhD } EM Scientist and Manager } Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility } Broad Center, Mail Code 114-96 } California Institute of Technology } Pasadena CA 91125 } (626) 395-8833 } tivol-at-caltech.edu } } } }
Valery Ray
Particle Beam Systems & Technology www.partbeamsystech.com
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 8 14:15:15 2005
The "best" way to measure sheet resistivity is with a four point probe using the van der Pauw method. you can read about it here:
http://electron.mit.edu/~gsteele/vanderpauw/
The measured area must be on an insulator. Sheet rho is in units of Ohms/square. However, if you did a square inch, then you would have Ohms/square inch.
There are other structures that can be made that are still four points. One such structure is a long (relatively) runner with contacts at each end and two contacts placed inwards from each end. Make the whole thing an nice number of squares (1x1u, 2x2u, 5x5u, etc.) and make the inner two taps at another nice number of squares. Run current through the outer contacts and measure the voltage across the inner contacts.
In all of these measurements, contact resistance must be kept low or results are off.
gary g.
At 05:26 AM 4/8/2005, you wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 8 14:25:22 2005
Just a small correction, the secondary electrons from the backscattered electrons coming back out of the sample are still being generated and escaping close to the surface. It is the size of the interaction volume of the primary electrons, loosing some energy deeper in and then returning back towards the surface and generating secondaries there that decrease the resolution. Because of the more forward scattering of electrons and increased backscattered near the surface on tilted surface, that the resolution is further degraded on surface not perpendicular to the beam.
With respect to heavier coatings, what is important is to match the coating with the need and sample. If the bulk conductivity of the sample is so low that it can trap charge within it, then a high accelerating voltage can still charge a sample that has a heavy conductive coating because the charge can't escape to the surface. What is best is to have a conductive coating that is thin and uniform, i.e. continuous, across the surface and use a beam energy that will allow the charge to drain from the surface. This requires both rotating the sample and tilting it doing coating. Also remember that even if you coat your sample, you still need for the charge to drain to ground. The coating itself should not interfere with the imaging. The material type and deposition method affects the grain size and if it is too big for the magnification that you want to image, then that's what you are going to see, not the sample.
-Scott
Disclaimer: South Bay Technology, Inc. manufacturers and sells the IBS/e sputter coater for high resolution coatings.
Scott D. Walck, Ph.D. Technical Director South Bay Technology, Inc. 1120 Via Callejon San Clemente, CA 92673 USA
TEL: +1-949-492-2600 Toll-free in the USA: +1-800-728-2233 FAX: +1-949-492-1499 eMail: Walck-at-SouthBayTech.com
Temporary Pittsburgh Area Phone Number: 412-492-8127
-----Original Message----- } From: Tindall, Randy D. [mailto:TindallR-at-missouri.edu] Sent: Friday, April 08, 2005 9:59 AM To: Tay Yee Yan Cc: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Hi Yee Yan,
My understanding is that there are several factors involved in selecting an accelerating voltage (KV). At higher KVs, chromatic aberration is reduced, resulting in greater resolution, i.e., the ability to separate two points visually. However, higher KVs also result in the generation of secondary electrons from a larger surface area, due to primary beam electron scattering over a larger lateral distance, as well as from deeper within the specimen.
This theoretically has two effects. One is that the larger area of the surface emitting SE's gives a larger "effective spot size", or area from which signal is generated, and this decreases resolution. The other is that the SEs escaping from deeper within the specimen are detected along with the SEs generated at or just below the surface, and this part of the signal can obscure surface detail by lowering contrast. This effect can easily be seen by taking a biological specimen or other soft sample and simply comparing a 1.0 KV image to a 30 KV image: the higher KV image looks smoother and less detailed.
This effect is complicated by the effect of sample density, in that a denser sample will have a smaller "effective spot size" than a less-dense sample at the same KV. This means that for many samples you can increase resolution by increasing KV if the sample is dense enough to restrict the electron scattering to acceptable levels for the magnification you are working at. In addition, higher KVs generally allow such adjustments as using smaller apertures to decrease spherical aberration effects and increase depth of field, and higher lens currents to demagnify the probe size and increase resolution that way. Generally speaking, adjusting the SEM for high resolution means decreasing the signal to the detectors, so if you have more signal to begin with, you can afford to lose more signal before noise overwhelms your image.
I agree with you that for many samples, especially biological ones, lower KVs are better at retaining surface detail in the image. We routinely run our FESEM at 5.0 KV, and often at 1.0 KV. But not always. Separating out the relative effects of larger "effective spot sizes" (decreased resolution), escape of SE's from deeper within the specimen (lower surface contrast), and decreased aberrations (increased resolution) at high KV's is not straightforward. And let's not even get into the effects of coatings on these factors, since you may need heavier coatings to counter increased charging effects, as you mentioned! As I said, it's probably best to approach each sample as unique and experiment.
By copy of this to the listserv I am asking to be set straight on any errors in the above sermon. I always learn a lot from these discussions and have had faulty assumptions corrected on several occasions.
Cheers, Randy
-----Original Message----- } From: Tay Yee Yan [mailto:one_twinklestar-at-yahoo.com.sg] Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2005 7:17 PM To: Tindall, Randy D.
As someone who once made a very significant purchase from a major microscope manufacturer and then received a condenser lens assembly that was missing an entire lens element in its interior, only to encounter foot dragging and imperious responses from the regional sales manager regarding getting it replaced, I think there needs to be some room for factual critique that doesn't cross the bounds of libel. Had I not been intimately familiar with the normal construction and performance of the condenser, I would have a) suffered for ever after thinking that we got what we paid for; or b) wasted days of my instititution's time getting to the bottom of it. I don't know why U.S. researchers should feel the need to muzzle themselves regarding any irresponsible behavior on the part of sales people or unmet technical performance. After all, I would guess that a great many microscopes are bought with tax dollars directly or indirectly.
John Twilley
Gerroir, Paul wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Tom, } Well said. Unfortunately there have been individuals who use this } listserver to make personal attacks publicly. Ultimately they are the } ones who suffer. } } Paul } } Paul J. Gerroir } Microscopy } Materials Characterization } Xerox Research Centre of Canada } 2660 Speakman Drive } Mississauga, Ontario L5K 2L1 } } Phone: 905-823-7091, ext.216 } FAX: 905-822-7022 } e-mail: paul.gerroir-at-xrcc.xeroxlabs.com } } -----Original Message----- } } From: Malis, Tom [mailto:malis-at-NRCan.gc.ca] } Sent: Friday, April 08, 2005 10:25 AM } To: 'microscopy-at-microscopy.com' } Subject: [Microscopy] re new anything } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } ------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } ------- } } I have been getting increasingly disturbed by the extensive traffic } concerning both ultramicrotomes and personnel associated with companies } selling the product. Some observations after roughly 30 years in the } business of purchasing and maintaining both major instruments (TEM, SEM, } XPS, Auger, EPMA, SIMS, etc) and ancillary equipment (microtomes, } polishers, ion mills, etc): } } 1. for a given instrument most everyone with extensive experience } possesses 'brand loyalty' to some degree, based on a combination of } need,vs instrument specs, a good price, reasonable expectation of good } service and user-friendlyness over a period of time. } } 2. even if the above has held true for some time, you never know when } new developments may occur, pricing policies may change (or can be } forced to change on a case-by-case basis), or sales and service } personnel might change (don't forget the former people as they often can } influence the latter). } It's an ever-shifting field. } } 3. returning to #1, you never know when your needs may change, so be } careful about swearing too much loyalty to a particular brand (unless } you have a very stable capital budget and senior management that trusts } you completely!). } } 4. I've known a lot of company staff from sales, service and/or R&D, and } have met relatively few 'duds'. These people work very hard and in a } surprising number of cases are paid even less than we are. For certain } they have nowhere near our degree of autonomy, so please keep their } names (pro or } con) off the air. I doubt any of us would appreciate our } qualifications and style being debated in public. } } 5. For that matter, why not simply keep specific product names off the } Listserver as much as possible? Give your candid impressions to the } inquirer off-line. If you feel the need to enlighten the Listserver at } large, confine your comments to more generic comments, "I find in my lab } hat a good X needs to have qualities A, B, C-- to get the job done". } } 6. As an example of #5, I have given some dozen workshops on hard } materials microtomy with both of the producers mentioned in the above } thread. } Students have attended who have, or are considering, instruments from } both vendors. The focus has religously been on the technique and its } potential results, not the pros and cons of the products that can get } you there, and the results have been very pleasing to all concerned. In } my opinion, this is the prime purpose of the Listserver; education, not } brand endorsement. } } Tom } } Dr. Tom Malis } Manager } Academic User Access Facility (AUAF) } CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory } Natural Resources Canada } 558 Booth St., Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G1 } Tel.: (613) 995-7358 FAX: (613) 992-8735, cell: 613-371-4577 } malis-at-nrcan.gc.ca {mailto:malis-at-nrcan.gc.ca}
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 8 17:13:48 2005
} As someone who once made a very significant purchase from a major } microscope } manufacturer and then received a condenser lens assembly that was } missing an entire } lens element in its interior, only to encounter foot dragging and } imperious } responses from the regional sales manager regarding getting it } replaced, I think } there needs to be some room for factual critique that doesn't cross } the bounds of } libel. Had I not been intimately familiar with the normal } construction and } performance of the condenser, I would have a) suffered for ever after } thinking that } we got what we paid for; or b) wasted days of my instititution's time } getting to } the bottom of it. I don't know why U.S. researchers should feel the } need to muzzle } themselves regarding any irresponsible behavior on the part of sales } people or } unmet technical performance. After all, I would guess that a great } many } microscopes are bought with tax dollars directly or indirectly. }
} } Tom, } } Well said. Unfortunately there have been individuals who use this } } listserver to make personal attacks publicly. Ultimately they are the } } ones who suffer. } } } } Paul
} } } 4. I've known a lot of company staff from sales, service and/or R&D, } } } and } } } have met relatively few 'duds'. These people work very hard and in a } } } surprising number of cases are paid even less than we are. For } } } certain } } } they have nowhere near our degree of autonomy, so please keep their } } } names (pro or } } } con) off the air. I doubt any of us would appreciate our } } } qualifications and style being debated in public.
Dear John, Prompt, competent service is a key component of running any complicated piece of equipment, so both positive and negative comments regarding service experiences, IMHO, have a place on this list. These can always be made without mentioning the name of the person involved, and personal attacks--as opposed to opinions as to the level of service--have no place here. Of course, the particularly competent service or sales person would likely appreciate being mentioned by name, and I think that there are circumstances where this is proper; e.g., when someone either high up in a company or known to be in the same area as the person who posted a question to the list has performed particularly well. In that case, the poster would be likely to deal with that same person. Yours, Bill Tivol, PhD EM Scientist and Manager Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility Broad Center, Mail Code 114-96 California Institute of Technology Pasadena CA 91125 (626) 395-8833 tivol-at-caltech.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 8 18:12:14 2005
First I would like to thank Tom Malis for bringing some fairness back onto the listserver.
What we should be looking for here is educational material. If someone asks for an opinion about what microtome to buy, then we can ask what applications the machine is to be used for and what the prospective new customer will expect of their machine. If the machine does not meet the standards required of it, we should have enough knowledge to recognize this.
As an illustration, some years ago, I appealed to this list-server to help me through a purchase of an SEM. As an electron microscopist who knew nothing about SEM's, I mistakenly thought I would have some useful advice given to me when I had to finally make a decision.
Instead I only received two, off-line replies that both basically told me to buy one machine (both answers listed the same machine but neither said why I should buy it). There was no reasoned discussion on-line about the different features offered by the microscope companies and how they would be useful, nor was there any advice on sputter coaters and other ancillary equipment.
Eventually I relied on books and advice from sales people to make my final decision. It may not have been the best decision and I am sure that many people would not agree with my choice but it fitted with what I needed at the time. However, it would have been comforting to know a little more about the differences (advantages/disadvantages) of cold cathode and Schottke electron guns, or the usefulness of databases etc before purchasing.
As customers we need to know that machines will perform as they are advertised. We also need to know what is essential on a machine and what we can cut out if we have to cut costs. Also important is the quality of service offered by a company both in skill and availability.
An an aside, I once had a service engineer tell me a machine wasn't working because I didn't know how to use it properly. However, when I asked him to show me, he admitted that he didn't know how to use it either. Should I have expected him to know how to use it?
So, if anyone asks me for advice on which ultramicrotome to buy I will tell them that all currently available machines will cut sections well - this is true if the machine is made to specification. However, I also know that older ultramicrotomes that have been around for many years also cut sections well. My very first ultrathin cryosections were prepared using a Christensen cryobox attached to a Sorvall MT2-B using a glass knife. The sections were as good as any that can be made using new machines. However, these machines are no-longer available and service is impossible.
Stretching the metaphor that was used in an earlier message, a Mercedes is wonderful if you can afford to run it but why get one when it is only to be used once a month to do the shopping? After all, if we all wanted "the best" machines, surely we would all be using Macintosh computers.
More seriously, for the people wondering about which ultramicrotome to buy, I would suggest first (if possible) taking a look at the machines at a trade show. Don't expect the machine to be working, but you will get to see and touch it. You will also meet some of the company people there who will give you an insight on how the machine was developed and who uses it. Try to get a list of customers from them and talk to the customers. Of course, most customers will be partisan because they have to justify their purchase. However, if you talk to enough people off the record, you will get a good impression of the companies you will be dealing with.
The next step is to find a way to actually use a machine before you buy it. Going to a working laboratory is the best way to do this so that you can see how the machine performs in a real environment and see how the machine fits your working methods. I once saw a well endowed lady try to use a machine that required long arms to operate - it was obvious as soon as she sat down in front of it that she would be unable to use it. This is something she would not have discovered if she had to rely on the opinions of others.
If we assume that all machines will do the job they are supposed to do, then the user interface is probably the most important part of any machine. Evaluating the interface will be a personal process. For example, I think that when I organize things everything is easily accessible. My staff, who are all significantly shorter than me, think the place is a disaster when I put things away because they can't reach most of the stuff. Of course, I don't spend all my time in the lab so they are correct in their assessment.
Another good way of evaluating a machine, and especially an ultramicrotome, is to use it on a teaching course. A three day workshop will reveal much about how a machine works. Watching machines working for 10 days, being operated by novices is especially interesting.
Marc Pypaert, in his message, mentions an EMBO course in Paris last year where cryoultramicrotomes were installed in a crowded laboratory and left working all day for 10 days. This is an extreme case of what we would expect a machine to endure yet most of the machines endured it. I am sure that many sales were made as a result of what the participants witnessed. However, there have been many other courses where some machines have failed and others have excelled. Such endurance cannot be the only way of evaluating a machine. Remember that most courses are held away from the home base of the manufacturer and machines have to be shipped in (at great cost) for use on the course. Damning a machine for not working under such conditions is unfair.
In conclusion, the sale of ultramicrotomes has become a hot topic and the support for different companies is probably more political than it should be. As Tom Malis says, the people involved with manufacture and sales are people too and are trying to do their job. Sometimes what they want to do and what they have to do are conflicting tasks. However, if service and machines are substandard the company will suffer in the long term. This is normal in the business environment.
We can also affect the way we are treated by manufacturing and sales people by the way we interact with them. This too is normal because we are all human.
Our job as customers is to find what works best for us using as much knowledge as we can obtain. As advisors our role is to educate the customers.
If you read this far, thank you for your time.
Regards,
Paul Webster.
Paul Webster, Ph.D. House Ear Institute 2100 West Third Street Los Angeles CA 90057-1922 Phone: 213 273 8026 Fax: 213 13 739
On 4/8/05 7:24 AM, "Malis, Tom" {malis-at-nrcan.gc.ca} wrote:
} } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------} - } } I have been getting increasingly disturbed by the extensive traffic } concerning both ultramicrotomes and personnel associated with companies } selling the product. Some observations after roughly 30 years in the } business of purchasing and maintaining both major instruments (TEM, SEM, } XPS, Auger, EPMA, SIMS, etc) and ancillary equipment (microtomes, polishers, } ion mills, etc): } } 1. for a given instrument most everyone with extensive experience possesses } 'brand loyalty' to some degree, based on a combination of need,vs instrument } specs, a good price, reasonable expectation of good service and } user-friendlyness over a period of time. } } 2. even if the above has held true for some time, you never know when new } developments may occur, pricing policies may change (or can be forced to } change on a case-by-case basis), or sales and service personnel might change } (don't forget the former people as they often can influence the latter). } It's an ever-shifting field. } } 3. returning to #1, you never know when your needs may change, so be careful } about swearing too much loyalty to a particular brand (unless you have a } very stable capital budget and senior management that trusts you } completely!). } } 4. I've known a lot of company staff from sales, service and/or R&D, and } have met relatively few 'duds'. These people work very hard and in a } surprising number of cases are paid even less than we are. For certain they } have nowhere near our degree of autonomy, so please keep their names (pro or } con) off the air. I doubt any of us would appreciate our qualifications } and style being debated in public. } } 5. For that matter, why not simply keep specific product names off the } Listserver as much as possible? Give your candid impressions to the } inquirer off-line. If you feel the need to enlighten the Listserver at } large, confine your comments to more generic comments, "I find in my lab hat } a good X needs to have qualities A, B, C-- to get the job done". } } 6. As an example of #5, I have given some dozen workshops on hard materials } microtomy with both of the producers mentioned in the above thread. } Students have attended who have, or are considering, instruments from both } vendors. The focus has religously been on the technique and its potential } results, not the pros and cons of the products that can get you there, and } the results have been very pleasing to all concerned. In my opinion, this } is the prime purpose of the Listserver; education, not brand endorsement. } } Tom } } Dr. Tom Malis } Manager } Academic User Access Facility (AUAF) } CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory } Natural Resources Canada } 558 Booth St., Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G1 } Tel.: (613) 995-7358 FAX: (613) 992-8735, cell: 613-371-4577 } malis-at-nrcan.gc.ca {mailto:malis-at-nrcan.gc.ca} } } } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 8 18:13:38 2005
Debby and LISTers OOPS! I apologize. I thought you were asking for a TEM protocol - I also have one for SEM. There is no need to reply. I shall FAX it to you. C.
} X-Authentication-Warning: ns.microscopy.com: mail set sender to } MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com using -f } X-Sender: heckman-at-mailstore.bgsu.edu } Date: Thu, 7 Apr 2005 12:52:07 -0700 } To: {microscopy-at-MSA.microscopy.com} , Debby Sherman {dsherman-at-purdue.edu} } From: Carol Heckman {heckman-at-bgnet.bgsu.edu} } Subject: [Microscopy] Re: Cultured cell prep for SEM } X-MASF: 0.00% } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
-- __ Carol A. Heckman, Ph.D. Professor of Biological Sciences Director, Center for Microscopy & Microanalysis Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403 fax: (419) 372-2024 email: heckman-at-bgnet.bgsu.edu http://www.bgsu.edu/departments/biology/facilities/MnM ___________________________________________________________________________
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 8 23:58:09 2005
Uh, guys, well, thank you all for your opinions on how this listserver ought to be run and what is appropriate to be on it, but ah, isn't all that really up to Nestor, since he runs it (a great personal effort perhaps not always sufficiently appreciated)?
John Mardinly 408-765-2346 877-277-1182
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sat Apr 9 00:30:33 2005
Dear friends, I'd appreciate very much if you you send me the pdf of the following paper: Applied Optics, Volume 5, Issue 11, 1720- November 1966
Ernst Abbe and his work
H. Volkmann
and some other pdf or ppt related to Abbe's formula. IN Genoa, within the Science Festival 2005, I am tentatively organizing an exhibition of microscopes dedited to Abbe's work, celebrating again 1905-2005. Thank you in advance for your help. All my best Alby
p.s. Science festival will be held in Genoa from October 25 to Novembere 5, approx, see also at http://www.festival.infm.it/it/home.php
------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------------- [...] Dance with wolves and count the stars, including the unseen...(L.Ferlinghetti, Challenges to young poet, 2001) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Alberto Diaspro, MicroScoBIO Research Center, LAMBS-IFOM, Department of Physics, University of Genoa, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy facsimile +39-010314218 - voice +39-0103536426/480/309; URL: http://www.lambs.it http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0471409200.html
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (donc-at-asmicro.com) from on Friday, April 8, 2005 at 14:30:20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: donc-at-asmicro.com Name: Don Chernoff
Organization: Advanced Surface Microscopy Inc
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: AFM - want used Dimension scanner
Question: Where can I buy a used Dimension AFM scanner?
If you are not familiar with it, this is a component of Dimension-series (3000, 3100, 5000, etc...) large sample AFMs sold under the NanoScope brand by Veeco Metrology/Digital Instruments. Identifying photos are shown at: http://www.asmicro.com/Equipment/Identifying_NanoScope.htm
Please reply directly to me: donc-at-asmicro.com
regards, Don Chernoff {business activities: analytical services in AFM, AFM probes, calibration and test specimens, calibration and measurement software, used NanoScope equipment.} Advanced Surface Microscopy, Inc. E-Mail: donc-at-asmicro.com 3250 N. Post Rd. Suite 120 Voice: 317-895-5630 INDIANAPOLIS IN 46220 Toll free: 800-374-8557 (in USA) web: http://www.asmicro.com Fax: 317-895-5652
The Epson 4870 does an excellent job for all negs 4 x 5 and smaller. One can also use their 3200 Scanner which is a bit cheaper. It doesn't scan as many negs at once as the 4870, but works fine.
Some of the lower end Microtech scanners also do a decent job.
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sat Apr 9 17:56:48 2005
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sat Apr 9 18:12:44 2005
I've lived in Hawaii for just short of 37 years and, like the native New Yorker who has never been to the Statue of Liberty, I'm not a good tour guide for HOnolulu in its current incarnation. But I'm getting daily emails from microscopists about Microscopy & Microanalysis 2005 here in Honolulu, asking about hotels and transportation, so here are some observations that might help you.
Waikiki is about a mile end to end, and the Honolulu Convention Center is at the far western end, actually a bit beyond Waikiki proper, and not next to the bulk of the hotels. Waikiki is flat and an easy walk. The three meeting hotels are about 20 and 25 minutes' walk from the Convention Center, and both the Sheraton Waikiki and the Hyatt Regency Waikiki will have shuttle buses to the Convention Center for meeting attendees. Meeting rates for both hotels are very good compared to their published prices. Both larger hotels have lots of amenities and seasonal children's programs (better check first), and I think that people who choose the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani have privileges at the other Sheratons as well.
For those who choose not to stay in the above hotels, you might find some budget hotels, especially those away from the beach, such as along the Ala Wai Canal. Be aware that whole blocks at the western end of Waikiki are about to be torn down for a major new development. If you are nostalgic about rooms and eateries along part of Lewers (the makai, or ocean end), Beachwalk, Saratoga and Kalia, they will probably be a big hole in the ground in August! This will also put pressure on hotel rooms, so please book soon if you have not already. There are very few hotels outside of Waikiki, except for a few high-end resorts. If you are looking for cheap accommodations, be aware that you will be competing with lots of others who are relatively poor, such as the nearly homeless and drug-addicted. Waikiki is currently pretty safe, but you will also find those elements there. It's a big city and resort area with the usual problems; please exercise good judgment!
Traffic is really heavy in Waikiki and around the Convention Center, and parking is at a premium. I personally recommend that you do not have a car for the meeting portion of your stay, and then rent a car for sightseeing before or after the meeting. To get to the Convention Center by city bus (TheBus) from Waikiki, take the #2 or #13 bus (westbound) on Kuhio Ave. Get off on the corner of Kalakaua Ave. and Kapiolani Blvd. in front of Hard Rock Cafe, then cross the street (scary intersection!) to the Convention Center. TheBus (http://www.thebus.org, $2 per trip) is a pretty good way to get around island-wide. If you have family accompanying you, they will find lots to do within Waikiki or on tours, easily booked in the lobby of most hotels, and they may be able to do without a car until you can join them.
There is a recently published book that is pretty thorough, Oahu Revealed; the Ultimate Guide to Honolulu, Waikiki & Beyond by Andrew Doughty and Harriett Friedman. It has good maps, hotel and food reviews and tips, and I recommend it. The authors have also covered Maui, Kauai and the Big Island, and those books are supposed to be excellent.
I think airfares just hopped up, but most people I've talked to have been able to find some pretty good deals. You might look for fly/room/car deals and deals that combine inter-island travel as well. Travel agents often have access to excursion rates. Take heart in knowing that you will be able to get to Hawaii and back cheaper than I can get to the Mainland and back! I find Microscopy & Microanalysis worth the expense each year, anyway. With an excellent program and over 1100 papers, this will be the biggest M&M ever! And you won't want to miss the usual fabulous trade show. I hope to see all of you in a few months.
Aloha, Tina
Microscopy & Microanalysis 2005 Local Arrangements Committee Co-Chair
**************************************************************************** * Tina (Weatherby) Carvalho * tina-at-pbrc.hawaii.edu * * Biological Electron Microscope Facility * (808) 956-6251 * * University of Hawaii at Manoa * http://www.pbrc.hawaii.edu/bemf* ****************************************************************************
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sun Apr 10 11:24:13 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (somayyeh_kheiri-at-yahoo.com) from http://microscopy.com/Ask-A-Microscopist/Ask-A-Microscopist.html on Sunday, April 10, 2005 at 10:55:17 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: I have been counting the number of pollen grains and ovules to get the pollen/ovule ratio for verbascum species and populations.
I pressed the anthers of the flowers and provided a susponsion of the debris of anthers in distilled water to count the pollen grains in a 5 microliter volume.
some of the samples in the susponsion were counted one day after they were provided so the result showed differences from the first sample which was counted immidiately after providing the susponsion. I myself thought keeping the material in water for oneday caused the grains to be attached together and the amount of the grains that are counted are reduced.
can anybody help me solve the problem?
is this reasonable or there maybe errors in the method of counting?
Tina, Thank you for the advice. See you in August. Lee -- Leona Cohen-Gould, M.S. Sr. Staff Associate Director, Electron Microscopy & Histology Core Facility Manager, Optical Microscopy Core Facility Joan & Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University voice (212)746-6146 fax (212)746-8175
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon Apr 11 08:21:57 2005
The Electron Microscopy Core Facility at the University of Missouri-Columbia is hosting the 3rd annual Short Course and Workshop on Computer-Assisted Image Analysis and Measurement taught by Dr. John C. Russ on May 25-27, 2005. This popular course is intended to familiarize users of image analysis equipment with the fundamental principles and methods available to obtain meaningful results, and to educate laboratory supervisors or research professionals seeking to learn how to use such methods in their applications. The techniques are applicable to fields ranging from materials, geological and biological/medical research to food technology and manufacturing quality control.
The course relies heavily on tightly coupled lectures and hands-on experience with the various techniques. The laboratory includes a wide variety of image analysis methods designed to cover the range of approaches and tools, and a detailed set of practical instructions to enable their use with a minimal learning curve. No specific background is assumed, although users should already be familiar with microscopy or other imaging technology, and the techniques required to obtain the images to be measured. Many of the examples used in the course involve light or electron microscope images, but students are invited to bring their own most interesting images (TIFF files) for discussion and analysis.
Image analysis and measurement methods are used in a broad range of applications and are usually concerned with extracting a few numerical values, such as the number, size, shape or location of objects from the image. In other cases, global structural parameters such as measures of the volume and surface of structures present are of interest. These measurements may require image processing to correct defects, feature enhancement, comparison of multiple images, object recognition, or other steps. Ultimately, the image is reduced to just the features of interest. Measurements on these individual features, or on the image as a whole, must then be obtained and interpreted in a proper stereological context to obtain useful data about the objects. Statistical interpretation of the data allows comparisons of different populations, understanding of distribution plots, and other inferences about the original objects. Structural modeling and geometric probability can be used to develop models for this interpretation.
Dr. Russ is the internationally acclaimed author of innumerable articles and several books on image analysis techniques and digital imaging, including the The Image Processing Handbook. He is widely known for his workshops and short courses and has helped to develop software packages to make image analysis methods more accessible to non-specialists.
The registration fee is $1100 and has an enrollment limit of 20. Registration deadline is April 29. More information can be found at {http://www.emc.missouri.edu/works.htm} http://www.emc.missouri.edu/works.htm, or by contacting course coordinator Lou Ross at 573.882.4777 or rosslm-at-missouri.edu.
Lou Ross -- Senior Electron Microscope Specialist Electron Microscopy Core Facility W136 Veterinary Medicine University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211-5120 (573) 882-4777, fax 884=5414 email: rosslm-at-missouri.edu http://www.emc.missouri.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon Apr 11 10:34:48 2005
The Southeastern Microscopy Society's 41st Annual Meeting is fast approaching us. The Meeting Dates are May 18-20, 2005 and will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Pensacola Beach, Florida.
Meeting Information can be found on the SEMS Website at: http://www.semicroscopy.org/
As a reminder, please note the following deadlines and Abstract Due Date Extension:*
*1. Deadline for receipt of abstracts (Including Ruska Award Participants) was April 10, 2005 to Jim Sheetz, (see address below). THE DEADLINE FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO APRIL 18!!!!
Abstract Submissions to BOTH: Dr. Jim Sheetz Dept. Cell Biology Vocker Hall, Box 302 Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham 1670 Univ. Blvd. Birmingham, AL 35294 and Dr. John P. Shields phone:706-542-4080 EM Lab e-mail: jshields-at-cb.uga.edu 151 Barrow HallUniversity of Georgia
Questions or problems with preparation of abstracts - please contact the Proceedings Editor (John Shields: phone: 706-542-4080 or e-mail: jshields-at-cb.uga.edu.
2. Hotel Reservation Deadline: April 17, 2005
Please note that reservations made after April 17 will be subject to rates based on availability at the time the reservations are made. After April 17, please continue to ask for "Group Reservations" when calling the Hilton and use Group/Convention code SMS so that SEMS will be credited.
Property Location and Reservation Information Hilton Garden Inn 12 Via de Luna Drive Pensacola Beach FL 32561 1-866-916-2999 Ask for "Group Reservations" 3. Conference Registration Fee(s) Deadline: Early Registration APRIL 25 To register, please mail form to: Ms. Karen L. Kelley Phone: (352)-392- 1184 University of Florida Fax: (352)-846- 0251 P.O. Box 118525 Gainesville, Florida, 32611 John P. Shields Center for Ultrastructural Research 151 Barrow Hall University of Georgia Athens, GA 30602
706-542-4080
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon Apr 11 13:13:13 2005
I think we have a bit of a problem with Randy's explanation of secondary electron signals?
} My understanding is that there are several factors involved in selecting } an accelerating voltage (KV). At higher KVs, chromatic aberration is } reduced, resulting in greater resolution, i.e., the ability to separate } two points visually. However, higher KVs also result in the generation } of secondary electrons from a larger surface area, due to primary beam } electron scattering over a larger lateral distance, as well as from } deeper within the specimen
I have to dispute the second sentence. Secondary electrons have an energy of less than 50eV be they produced from a 500v beam or a 1MeV beam. Thus their mean free path within the specimen is reduced to less than 15nm! David Joy explains that 80% of the SE signal comes from the top 5nm, around 15% from the next 5nm and less than 5% from the final 5nm.
} This theoretically has two effects. One is that the larger area of the } surface emitting SE's gives a larger "effective spot size", or area from } which signal is generated, and this decreases resolution. The other is } that the SEs escaping from deeper within the specimen are detected along } with the SEs generated at or just below the surface, and this part of } the signal can obscure surface detail by lowering contrast. This effect } can easily be seen by taking a biological specimen or other soft sample } and simply comparing a 1.0 KV image to a 30 KV image: the higher KV } image looks smoother and less detailed.
Higher kV actually produce a probe nearer to the theoretical probe size than do lower kV where aberrations and external fields play their part in disturbing the beam. I would agree that the higher the kV the higher the emission of backscattered electrons and these are dependant upon incident beam energy. In light element materials like biological specimens a 30kV beam may bring backscattered information from as much as 3um below the surface and it is this information that may blur the image and spoil resolution. BSE you see come from the full width of the reaction volume and are therefore at a much lower spatial resolution. It is BSE not SE that are spoiling images. If you increase the kV and the specimen becomes more interesting it is the sub surface detail (BSE) that is bringing the interest as the BSE overwhelm the SE. Lowering the kV the number of BSE are reduced and the SE start to dominate. In a material science specimens the sub surface detail may be of more interest than the surface; cracks, porosity and different phases with different density etc etc.
} This effect is complicated by the effect of sample density, in that a } denser sample will have a smaller "effective spot size" than a } less-dense sample at the same KV. This means that for many samples you } can increase resolution by increasing KV if the sample is dense enough } to restrict the electron scattering to acceptable levels for the } magnification you are working at. In addition, higher KVs generally } allow such adjustments as using smaller apertures to decrease spherical } aberration effects and increase depth of field, and higher lens } currents to demagnify the probe size and increase resolution that way. } Generally speaking, adjusting the SEM for high resolution means } decreasing the signal to the detectors, so if you have more signal to } begin with, you can afford to lose more signal before noise overwhelms } your image.
The biggest gain in performance is to optimise the kV for the task in hand. Balancing resolution with information is more important than out and out resolution even when working a FEG system at 350,000X! As a general statement biological specimens will be best between 2 and 10kV, other light elements (Al, Si) 5 to 10kV, nickel, iron and copper alloys 7 to 15kV. The performance of a FEG SEM like any other often depends upon emission current rather than kV. Optimise the kV for the specimen then tune the emission current to optimise performance and signal when apertures and spot sizes are brought into play. It may interest you to know that working with an Intel laboratory we found on a Hitachi S4500 we only needed spot size 8 to achieve the highest resolution working at 4mm 15kV. Smaller spot sizes in a FEG SEM usually do not have the same advantage as in a tungsten hairpin instrument. Short working distances, good alignment of the gun and top notch alignment for the aperture (up to the magnification you intend to record the image) are far more important than putting effort into "reducing aberrations" by other means.
} I agree with you that for many samples, especially biological ones, } lower KVs are better at retaining surface detail in the image. We } routinely run our FESEM at 5.0 KV, and often at 1.0 KV. But not always. } Separating out the relative effects of larger "effective spot sizes" } (decreased resolution), escape of SE's from deeper within the specimen } (lower surface contrast), and decreased aberrations (increased } resolution) at high KV's is not straightforward. And let's not even get } into the effects of coatings on these factors, since you may need } heavier coatings to counter increased charging effects, as you } mentioned! As I said, it's probably best to approach each sample as } unique and experiment.
Please forget about SE from greater depths and concentrate on balancing the information you require. Very short WD ( {5) on a 4500/4700 restricts the imaging data to SE which can be very boring and this restriction vastly increases the possibility of charge. Move away from the lens a little (~7 to 9mm) and you bring in some of the BSE information that has been converted to secondaries, these will provide added contrast, some image depth and most of all less charge.
} By copy of this to the listserv I am asking to be set straight on any } errors in the above sermon. I always learn a lot from these discussions } and have had faulty assumptions corrected on several occasions.
I have a high regard for Randy hence this reply is not going to the listserver unless he requests it? I do not remember if I gave Randy a copy of the "Working With a SEM CD" where you will find a full explanation of signals. If I have time I will put something on my web site in Hints and Tips - Monday.
Regards to you all
Steve Chapman Senior Consultant Protrain For electron microscopy consultancy and training world wide www.emcourses.com tel +44 1280 816512 fax +44 1280 814007
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon Apr 11 15:02:07 2005
Top 10 Reasons your Boss Should Send You to M&M 2005 in Honolulu
1. You'll be networking with colleagues from the 7 participating microscopy societies, making great international contacts and developing new scientific collaborations
2. You'll see the latest and greatest in instrumentation and techniques at the M&M exhibit
3. Pre-meeting congress and short courses followed by a compelling scientific program of over 1100 papers from 40 different countries will prevent you from getting a sunburn
4. Vendor and sponsor tutorials in new and emerging technologies will keep you up-to-date
5. Free popcorn and beer in the exhibit hall/poster sessions will keep you off the beach
6. You have a chance to win a diamond knife and other goodies for your lab
7. You can interact with vendors so that they know what you need in a product
8. Face-to-face problem solving with colleagues and experts in the field
9. With the time zone difference you can get most of a day's work done by internet before even going to the meeting
10. You promise to teach everyone the hula when you return
Keep up with the news on the meeting website http://mm2005/microscopy.org
**************************************************************************** * Tina (Weatherby) Carvalho * tina-at-pbrc.hawaii.edu * * Biological Electron Microscope Facility * (808) 956-6251 * * University of Hawaii at Manoa * http://www.pbrc.hawaii.edu/bemf* ****************************************************************************
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon Apr 11 15:53:09 2005
I'm a new list member who would like to contact anyone on the list who might have access to any documentation for an early 90's Leitz Ergolux AMC optical microscrope, particularly with respect to the optional laser autofocus hardware and stage controller. I recently acquired one in quite good condition at an auction, and I am slowly bringing it up to replace my venerable old Orthoplan with its time-consuming manual stage and focus. Having this machine up and running will be a tremendous boon to my business.
The microscope is part number 020-501.015, the laser autofocus module on the illuminator path is 036-094.102, dated January 1991. The stage is labelled Wild Leitz 026-407.110, but looks identical to a number of Marzhauser stages I've dealt with in the past (rectangular motor cases with no manual knobs). The joystick/controller pad is one of the older black Leitz units with a 2-line LCD readout and a DB25 interface to the electronics rack, numbered 301-336.029. And finally, the electronics rack for the unit that contains the autofocus controller, stage motor drivers, IEE 488 interface, video hardware, and other ancillary gear is numbered 301-341.150.
Regrettably, Leitz USA has turned out to be essentially no help on this, and the instrument appears to be more or less completely unsupported. Therefore, if anyone has some of this ancient documentation gathering dust on the shelves in the back room (particularly the command set for stage positioning, and any schematics or the like), please contact me offlist at the email address below to discuss them. I'd ask that we take this discussion offlist to preserve listserver bandwidth- because wrenching on this poor old beast is probably not of general interest!
Thanks very much in advance for any help any of you might be able to render. I'd be eternally grateful for any feedback on this query.
Yours truly,
Scott Griffith, ISES-LLC 9745 Steeplechase Drive Franktown, CO 80116 303-660-2541 voice 303-660-2542 fax skod-at-ises-llc.com
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon Apr 11 18:28:01 2005
Product Manager, Crystallography Products EDAX, Mahwah, NJ, USA
Description: Management of Crystallography (Electron Backscatter Diffraction) products, including definition of future products, communicating customer/market requirements to the rest of the organization, executing marketing programs and providing sales support.
Responsibilities: Develop product line concepts and position the product line in the marketplace. Analyze the marketplace to determine growth and technology trends. Develop short, medium and long term plans and forecasts for the product line. Work closely with other Product Managers to ensure continuity and coherence in the marketing, design and support of integrated products.
Qualifications and Requirements: BS or MS in Science/Engineering. MBA or equivalent highly desirable. 5 years of relevant work experience in a marketing or sales environment. Previous Product Management experience highly desirable. Technically knowledgeable about elemental analysis and electron microscopy. Excellent communication/interpersonal skills and project management abilities.
The Company: EDAX is a leader in EDS, EBSD and Micro-XRF systems, serving customers across the globe. EDAX is a unit of AMETEK (NYSE: AME), a global manufacturer of electronic instruments with annual sales of over $1.2 billion.
An excellent compensation package is offered, together with a relocation package.
--- Steve Chapman {protrain-at-emcourses.com} wrote:
} Very short WD ( {5) on a 4500/4700 restricts the } imaging data to SE which can be very boring and this restriction vastly } increases the possibility of charge. Move away from the lens a little (~7 } to 9mm) and you bring in some of the BSE information that has been converted } to secondaries, these will provide added contrast, some image depth and most } of all less charge.
Steve,
I do not see why changing the working distance will reduce charging, all other things being equal. Whether or not signal is reaches a detector does not affect charging, I thought. Please explain.
Cheers, Mark Robertson-Tessi
__________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Small Business - Try our new resources site! http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/resources/
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 12 13:50:31 2005
WD or the geometry between a detector and sample surface does affect the S/N, especially the SE flux to the detector, hence the contrast of an image. Charging electrons are primarily those having energies ~10keV or less (SE counts vs. keV curve). By increasing WD, some of those electrons may not survive the distance, so less charging is visible. To minimize charging effects some vendors have designs to filter/block electrons within a keV window from getting into detectors.
In a sense, you are right, SE electrons of varied energy are produced anyway with little dependence on WD. But as long as "the charging electrons" dont get into the detector and dont interfere with the incident beam, they are not visible.
**************************************** Chaoying Ni, PhD The W.M. Keck Electron Microscope Facility Facility location: 022 Spencer Laboratory Mailing address: 201 duPont Hall Dept of Matls Sci & Eng University of Delaware Newark, DE 19716 (302) 831-2318(L); -4545(Fax) http://eml.masc.udel.edu *****************************************
On Tue, 12 Apr 2005, Mark Robertson-Tessi wrote:
} } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } --- Steve Chapman {protrain-at-emcourses.com} wrote: } } } Very short WD ( {5) on a 4500/4700 restricts the } } imaging data to SE which can be very boring and this restriction vastly } } increases the possibility of charge. Move away from the lens a little (~7 } } to 9mm) and you bring in some of the BSE information that has been converted } } to secondaries, these will provide added contrast, some image depth and most } } of all less charge. } } Steve, } } I do not see why changing the working distance will reduce charging, all other } things being equal. Whether or not signal is reaches a detector does not } affect charging, I thought. Please explain. } } Cheers, } Mark Robertson-Tessi } } } } } } __________________________________ } Do you Yahoo!? } Yahoo! Small Business - Try our new resources site! } http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/resources/ } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 12 15:03:11 2005
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Perhaps I didn't make myself clear.
I am not objecting to trademarks per se. If somebody has a distinguishing trademark ("Tecnai" or "Gemini", are obvious examples in the field of electron microscopy), then I'm all in favour of providing legal protection to that distiguishing mark.
What I am suggesting is that to trademark simply descriptive terms is a nonsense. Trademarking, in my personal opinion, of "Dualbeam" or "Crossbeam" is equivalent to trademarking "Mass Spectrometer" or "Yellow". It achieves little for the companies concerned, other than giving companies lawyers work and suggests that the marketing is being run by some rather unimaginative people. It certainly fails to generate a distintive brand identity. -- Larry Stoter JEOL (UK) Ltd tel: +44-(0)1707-377117, fax: +44-(0)1707-373254, e-mail: larrys-at-jeoleuro.com
PLEASE NOTE 1. Any mail other than plain text will be automatically deleted. 2. Any mail, legitimate or not, apparently or actually from hotmail, netscape, yahoo or excite will automatically be deleted. 3. Mail with no subject or without a clear subject will be ignored :-)
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 12 15:35:13 2005
Richard: as a long-time user of these types of tools, I usually refer to them as "dual-column" FIBs, unless I'm actually referencing a particular model.
Richard Edelmann wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 12 15:47:42 2005
I'm not sure if this is pertinent but check your file parameters when saving images. These problems do not occur on my system if I save images in TIFF or JPEG formats. I've only observed this when saving them as Bitmap. I personally recommend using the TIFF format.
If you are using the Hitachi data manager you select the format upon saving the image.
If you are using PCI Quartz you need to change this in the PCI.INI file located on the local PC. Open the PCI.INI file in notepad and make an edit to the "ImageFileType=" line as shown below:
-----Original Message----- } From: bbandli [mailto:bbandli-at-mvainc.com] Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2005 2:45 PM To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Our JEOL6500-F (JEOL PCSEM software) has the same indexed color "feature" and converting it to 8-bit greyscale has the same effect of cleaning up the noise in the image. I also have no idea why.
Bryan Bandli
Tindall, Randy D. wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 12 21:34:41 2005
when the SEM makers work up graphics interfaces, I suspect that they make simple color presentations. This is the basis of indexed color. Instead of true color (RBG), they use a palette of colors which are indexed by the pixel value. This is typically 4 bits (8 colors) or 8 bits (16 colors). This reduces the overhead for defining and dealing with colors. Since the SEM image itself is greyscale, the annotation and legends are typically of some set of colors. These are colors out of the palette.
When the image is saved, the result is all grey scale, usually. hence, the better observable quality. But for those programs that do not store pure grey scale, Photoshop will allow Mode change to greyscale. Then, other programs can process the image file no problem.
JPEG is by definition a true color system--RGB. However, some apps don't adhere to this. The basic theme is to figure out what mode your image files are and convert them to greyscale. Or, convert them to RGB if you want to pseudo color them.
gary g.
At 02:05 PM 4/12/2005, you wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 13 03:45:04 2005
Thank you for the suggestions and comments for achieving high resolution images. We will review them and reply with feed back. We are looking for a shareware program for calculating thin films thickness by SEM. If any one know one and can recommend we will appreciate.
Regards, Ezer Yossef
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 13 08:09:31 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (cpotter-at-scripps.edu) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Tuesday, April 12, 2005 at 14:26:52 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: cpotter-at-scripps.edu Name: Clint Potter
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] A Practical Course in Molecular Microscopy
Question: The National Resource for Automated Molecular Microscopy Sponsored by the National Center for Research Resources
Announce
A Practical Course in Molecular Microscopy November 2-10, 2005 National Resource for Automated Molecular Microscopy The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), La Jolla, California.
We invite applications to participate in a Practical Course in Molecular Microscopy. This biennial course is part of the outreach and training activities of the NCRR National Resource for Automated Molecular Microscopy (NRAMM), at the Center for Integrative Molecular Biosciences (CIMBio) at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI). The course is aimed at approximately 40 participants who want a thorough grounding in all aspects of molecular structural determination by cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM).
The course will include an extensive exposure to all of the practical aspects of cryoEM as well as a solid grounding in the theory. The basic format will be theoretical lectures in the morning followed by hands-on lab sessions and demonstrations in the afternoon. The lab sessions will include instruction in specimen preparation, use of the electron microscope for imaging of cryo specimens, evaluation of the images, and a thorough treatment of the image analysis techniques required to reconstruct three dimensional maps. In addition there will be a number of afternoon lectures introducing participants to research topics in the area of macromolecular structure. Evenings will be reserved for presentations by participants and for helping participants with their own projects.
The instructors for the course include: Francisco Asturias (TSRI), Tim Baker (UCSD), Charlie Brooks (TSRI), Nicolas Boisset (Paris), Anchi Cheng (TSRI), Wah Chiu (Baylor), David de Rosier (Brandeis), Joachim Frank (Albany), Yoshi Fujiyoshi (Kyoto), Bob Glaeser (Berkeley), Niko Grigorieff (Brandeis), Dorit Hanein (Burnham), Elizabeth Kubalek (TSRI), Steven Ludtke (Baylor), Ron Milligan (TSRI), Pawel Penczek (Houston), Clint Potter (TSRI), Tanvir Shaikh (Albany), Vinzenz Unger (Yale), Nigel Unwin (MRC), Neils Volkmann (Burnham), Thomas Walz (Harvard) and Mark Yeager (TSRI).
Applications forms may be found online at the workshop web page: http://nramm.scripps.edu/seminars/2005/cryoem/ Applicants are asked to provide a CV, publication list, and a short description of their current work and future plans. In addition participants will be asked to state a preference for the particular area of image analysis (single particles, viruses, helices, 2D crystals) on which they wish to focus. This will help balance the participation in the lab sessions.
A registration fee of $450 will be charged to participants from non-profit institutions. Meals will be provided as part of the course registration fee but participants will be expected to cover their own travel and lodging expenses. Cost of housing is approximately $60/night for a shared room. The course organizers will help coordinate room sharing arrangements.
The application deadline is 1 July and a final selection of participants will be made by 1 August.
Please see all other information pertaining to the course at the web site: http://nramm.scripps.edu/seminars/2005/cryoem/
For other inquiries send email to: amiadmin-at-scripps.edu
Organizers Bridget Carragher, Clinton S. Potter and Ronald A Milligan National Resource for Automated Molecular Microscopy, The Scripps Research Institute
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (somayyeh_kheiri-at-yahoo.com) from http://www.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Tuesday, April 12, 2005 at 13:52:20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] thanks Dr Warren E Straszheim for coments about pollen grian counting
Question: Hello Dear Dr Warren
I appreciate your helpful reply about the reason of reuction in pollen grain counting. you are right, I have mentioned the big size of pollen grains being kept in water after oneday. sincerely Somayyeh
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (yagerra-at-aol.com) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Tuesday, April 12, 2005 at 12:52:49 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: I want to expand my consulting to optical microscopy analysis of defects in organic coatings. Can anyone recommend a good starting microscope (low $$).
The candidate should have a minimum of 3-5 years experience in the evaluation and failure analysis of materials relating to both Electrical and Mechanical components. Knowledge of Materials Science and Analysis Lab experience is required. Experience in one or more of the following is preferred: Scanning Electron Microscopy, Infrared & Optical Imaging, metallurgy, thermal analysis, chemistry, coating techniques, X-ray analysis. The candidate must be proficient with Microsoft Windows and be capable of utilizing software tools relative to image processing (Image Pro, Adobe, etc.) The candidate must also be proficient at developing and presenting both oral and written test reports and be an effective communicator who can work "real-time" with designers to solve complex issues. The Senior Engineer - Electrical will be an active participant in implementing and improving the GDAIS Common Process relative to both failure analysis and general processes.
BS (EE, ChemE, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Engineering) or related area with a minimum of 3 to 5 years experience in material analysis or related areas (Required) MS (Desired)
Other Job Requirements: Strong communication and team skills. Dedication to ethics, diversity and safety. Experience in the following: Scanning Electron Microscopy, Infrared & Optical Imaging, metallurgy, thermal analysis, chemistry, coating techniques, X-ray analysis. (Preferred) Experience with Microsoft Windows (Required) Knowledge of Image processing tools and techniques (Preferred) Proficient at identifying and developing process and quality improvements. Dedication to meeting assigned budgets and schedules. Minimum travel required. Relocation negotiable
Specific Responsibilities:
The Senior Engineer - Electrical (Failure Analysis) is responsible for designing and conducting tests for physical, electrical, and mechanical attributes to determine production/process anomalies, causes of failure, and recommend corrective action.
Responsibilities include:
Perform material evaluation and failure analysis of samples provided by Engineering and Operations. Work with designers to understand underlying issues leading to a root cause of the failure. Generate reports and oral presentations documenting the tests performed, data taken and conclusions/recommendations. Improve current material evaluation and failure analysis processes and techniques.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 13 09:30:04 2005
Well, here's a report of customer service that exceeded my expectations by a good fraction. Within 12 hours of my plea for Ergolux documentation, I got a response from not only Ms. Ziegler below, but also from the Leica Microsystems Denver area dealer (Gary Hanson), who is just a few miles away. So, it would appear that I have simply been talking to the wrong people- showing once again the value of widely-distributed lists like this.
I now have some documentation on the way from Mr. Hanson, which should help somewhat with restoring the stand. I still need documentation on the stage and electronics rack (particularly cable pinouts), which will hopefully come from Germany or from some helpful list member- so don't stop dusting off any old manuals, please! But the instrument is now a lot closer to being productive again than it was.
My thanks to Ms. Ziegler to making the extra effort. Unsupported hardware or not, there are still folks out there who want to take care of their customers.
On Tue, 12 Apr 2005 07:50:10 -0500, {Gretchen.Ziegler-at-leica-microsystems.com} wrote:
} I will send out a search with our dealers, and see if anyone in Germany } has anything for you. } } Gretchen } } Gretchen Ziegler, Sales Manager, Educational Division } Leica Microsystems, Inc. } P.O. Box 151 - Ocean Grove, NJ 07756 } Phone: 732-897-9506 - Fax: 847-236-3013 } Voicemail: 1-800-248-0665 ext. 5131
-skod
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 13 09:34:38 2005
The old chestnut about relocating that area of interest on a slide. I've used my own England Finder, but have not recently used any other methods on a non-motorised stage.
Anyone out there with alternative favourite methods?
I want to ensure that I include other possibilities within a lecture I'm going to give....
Regards, Jeremy
Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 14 09:12:22 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (gazzoman-at-hotmail.com) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 at 14:44:27 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: I would appreciate if somebody could let me know if exists an immersion oil with which I can use a 100x obj. with a PET coverslip. I believe that PET index of refraction is about 1.64.
My name is Kenneth Evans and I am a retired Chemistry instructor in upstste New York (Albany region). I have recently acquired a microscope which I am intending to restore. I have been unable to find but four or five references to it on the internet and therefore I have been asking for help from people like yourself .
The scope may be called a Quantimet 720 and it may have been part of a metallurgical system produced by a company called IMANCO in or about 1969. I do not know if they produced the scope or just the "system" in which the scope was used. There seems to be little record of them on the net.
Any information you might be able to provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you1
kenneth
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 14 11:51:20 2005
I believe the microscope was part of a much larger unit, similar to the relic I once tried to resurrect at my previous position. The Quantimet unit was used for image analyzing. I imagine the microscope can be used on its own without the image analyzing system.
Are there any other brand names on the microscope? I find it hard to imagine they made a microscope dedicated just for this system, versus adapting an existing make to their unit.
Stu Smalinskas, PE Metallurgist SKF Plymouth, Michigan
--- ke {kevans1-at-nycap.rr.com} wrote: } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The } Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } Hello } } I wonder if you might be able to help me. } } My name is Kenneth Evans and I am a retired } Chemistry instructor in upstste New York (Albany } region). I have recently acquired a microscope } which I am intending to restore. I have been unable } to find but four or five references to it on the } internet and therefore I have been asking for help } from people like yourself . } } The scope may be called a Quantimet 720 and it may } have been part of a metallurgical system produced by } a company called IMANCO in or about 1969. I do not } know if they produced the scope or just the "system" } in which the scope was used. There seems to be } little record of them on the net. } } Any information you might be able to provide would } be greatly appreciated. } } } Thank you, } } kenneth } } }
__________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Make Yahoo! your home page http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 14 13:37:32 2005
Cargille labs has a wide range of immersion fluids. See http://www.cargille.com/opticalintro.shtml
} Email: gazzoman-at-hotmail.com } Name: Daniele Gazzola } Organization: university of bologna } Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] PET-100x } } Question: I would appreciate if somebody could let me know if exists an } immersion oil with which I can use a 100x obj. with a PET coverslip. } I believe that PET index of refraction is about 1.64. } } Thanks, } Daniele
____________________________________________________________________________ Michael Cammer Analytical Imaging Facility Albert Einstein Coll. of Med. Jack & Pearl Resnick Campus 1300 Morris Park Ave. Bronx, NY 10461 (718) 430-2890 Fax: 430-8996 URL: http://www.aecom.yu.edu/aif/ **This electronic transmission contains information that is privileged.**
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 15 07:31:05 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (t.keller-at-uni-jena.de) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Friday, April 15, 2005 at 03:54:57 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: t.keller-at-uni-jena.de Name: Thomas Keller
Organization: University of Jena
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] Jeol operation at different voltage
Question: Dear all,
I would like to operate our TEM (JEOL 3010) at different voltages (300 kV, and 120 kV / 200 kV). Is that possible without much realigment each time?
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (helen.gruber-at-carolinashealthcare.org) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Friday, April 15, 2005 at 06:11:02 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: helen.gruber-at-carolinashealthcare.org Name: Helen E. Gruber, Ph.D.
Organization: Carolinas Medicial Center, Charlotte, NC
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: TEM tech position available
Question: Transmission Electron Microscopy technician position is available immediately. Clinical/research work. Certification preferred but not essential. Previous TEM experience required; immuno experience is advantageous. "Hard money" hospital funded position (not grant funded). Salary range is for a Research Lab Tech II, $13.10-19.65/hour. 401k and health/dental benefits. Send me your resume, history of your TEM experience, and names and contact info for 3 references.
Carolinas Medical Center is an Academic Medical Center Teaching Hospital and the flagship facility of Carolinas HealthCare System. Carolinas HealthCare is an equal-opportunity, not-for-profit, self-supporting public organization offering a wide variety of health and human services to residents of both North and South Carolina. Carolinas HealthCare System is the largest healthcare system in the Carolinas, and fourth largest public system in the nation
The Quantimet 720 was an early image analyser which was developed and manufactured in the UK by a Company called Cambridge Instruments. A few years ago, this company was amalgamated into the Leica Group. I suspect that there may be a few people around who could still help you in this restoration project. You could try by approaching their UK address: Leica UK Ltd, Davy Avenue, Knowl Hill, Milton Keynes. MK5 8LB. UK. (tel. 00 44 01908 666663). Good luck Regards, Tony Histopathology Group Asthma Biology Department. RIRP CEDD. GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnelswood Road, STEVENAGE, Hertfordshire. SG1 2NY tel. +44 (0)1438 764117 fax. +44 (0)1438 764782 email. Tony.J.Savage-at-gsk.com mobile +44 07753609835 http://ukdiscovery.gsk.com/histopathology/default.htm
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 15 07:58:31 2005
The bigger question is, is the working distance of the oil emersion lens long enough to ue a PET cover slip. In many cases a number 1 slip is used instead of a 1.5 slip. Some folks have been known to put the specimen on the slip (blood smear or thin section) and not the slide. Working distance rules in oil emersion. Don't forget to use an oilable condenser, 'cause resolution is a function of the lowest refractive index in the condenser/sample/objective system.
Best wishes and good luck!!
Frank Karl Degussa Corporation Akron Technical Center 3500 Embassy Parkway Suite 100 Akron, Ohio 44333
330-668-2235 Ext. 238
This e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it may contain information that is confidential or legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you must not read this transmission and that any disclosure, copying, printing, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this transmission is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately notify the sender by telephone or return e-mail and delete the original transmission and its attachments without reading or saving in any manner. Thank you.
Michael Cammer {cammer-at-aecom.yu. To: gazzoman-at-hotmail.com (by way of MicroscopyListserver), edu} microscopy-at-microscopy.com cc: 04/14/2005 01:29 Subject: [Microscopy] Re: viaWWW: PET-100x PM
The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Cargille labs has a wide range of immersion fluids. See http://www.cargille.com/opticalintro.shtml
} Email: gazzoman-at-hotmail.com } Name: Daniele Gazzola } Organization: university of bologna } Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] PET-100x } } Question: I would appreciate if somebody could let me know if exists an } immersion oil with which I can use a 100x obj. with a PET coverslip. } I believe that PET index of refraction is about 1.64. } } Thanks, } Daniele
Michael Cammer Analytical Imaging Facility Albert Einstein Coll. of Med. Jack & Pearl Resnick Campus 1300 Morris Park Ave. Bronx, NY 10461 (718) 430-2890 Fax: 430-8996 URL: http://www.aecom.yu.edu/aif/ **This electronic transmission contains information that is privileged.**
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 15 09:32:02 2005
Can someone explain the how "rolling shutter" digital cameras are different? I'd especially like to know how this difference affects practical use for applications in microscopy.
Tia & cheerios ... michael shaffer :o) Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland www.micro-investigations.com (in progress)
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 15 09:59:55 2005
An electronic rolling shutter is similar to a drop-curtain shutter on a film camera. With a Rolling Shutter, only a few rows of pixels are exposed at one time. The camera builds a frame by reading out the most exposed row of pixels (and ceasing exposure of that row), starting exposure of the next unexposed row down in the Region of Interest (ROI), then repeating the process on the next most exposed row and continuing until the frame is complete. After the bottom row of the ROI starts its exposure, the process "rolls" to the top row of the ROI to begin exposure of the next frame's pixels.
The exposure down each frame, and from frame-to-frame, remains consistent due to this continuous read-out.
The row read-out rate is constant, so the longer the exposure setting, the greater the number of rows being exposed, or integrated, at a given time. Rows are added to the exposed area one at a time. The more time that a row spends being integrated, the greater the electrical charge built up in the row's pixels and the brighter the output pixels will be. As each fully exposed row is read out, another row is added to the set of rows being integrated.
Rolling Shutter provides evenly exposed image data with the greatest possible speed. Because of its speed, a camera in rolling shutter mode is programmed to free-run, that is to sends frames across the bus as fast as it can.
Each row of pixels has a slightly different exposure start and end times from the adjacent rows, so Rolling Shutter can produce a distorted effect when imaging fast moving subjects, even with very short exposure times. The distortion is due to the comparatively lengthy process of readout compared to exposure.
As an example, if using a PixeLINK Pl-A686 camera with 6.6 megapixel sensor, to readout the entire frame requires approximately 250 milliseconds. While a short exposure may stop a moving object, the same object can move appreciably in the quarter second that it takes to readout the frame resulting in distortion in the direction of motion. The distortion will be less noticeable on sensors with faster readout times, smaller resolutions (fewer rows in the ROI) or if strobe/flash illumination is used.
For best results
Rolling shutter should be used with constant illumination and with a static subject.
Yours,
Michael McKay | Product Manager | PixeLINK 3030 Conroy Road Ottawa, ON K1G 6C2 tel: 613.247.1211 x 152 | fax: 613.247.2001 | http://www.pixelink.com/
-----Original Message----- } From: michael shaffer [mailto:michael-at-Shaffer.net] Sent: April 15, 2005 10:42 AM To: MSA Listserver
MSA :o)
Can someone explain the how "rolling shutter" digital cameras are different? I'd especially like to know how this difference affects practical use for applications in microscopy.
Tia & cheerios ... michael shaffer :o) Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland www.micro-investigations.com (in progress)
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 15 10:49:59 2005
IXRF would like to invite anyone to an open house being held at Hitachi's facility in Gaithersburg, MD May 16-18, 2005. IXRF will be demonstrating on a Hitachi S4800 FE the EDS2004 as well at the new fX SEM Tube that incorperates XRF analysis in the SEM. We will be scheduling demonstrations on these 3 days from 9 am - 4 pm. For more information on these products please visit our website at www.ixrfsystems.com or find us on www.microscopy.info.
Please contact Melissa Ranieri -at- melissa-at-ixrfsystems.com or call # 281-286-6485 for further details.
Thank you and have a great weekend everyone!
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 15 11:10:23 2005
I thought that after the initial emotional impact of the "new anything" post had worn off a bit, in favor of an alternate opinion, I thought that I'd contribute my own $0.02 worth here.
So I thought that I'd give my own point by point thoughts on this post, since it seems to have been provoked by my own post on new ultramicrotomes, which was primarily prompted by my need for 3 different quotes before a major purchase can be made in most cases, and in a lot of institutions.
There is indeed brand loyalty that can happen, and sometimes with good reason, though it is true that new developments may occur, pricing policies can change, etc. That said, and given that the United States and Canada are supposedly free countries, I don't see anything particularly wrong or objectionable about expressing praise or one's brand loyalties. It's sort of like the Toyota vs. Honda thing. Everyone ultimately realizes that we are just dealing with opinions, and people also realise that there is a brand loyalty thing in many cases. And if you are test driving a Toyota Corolla, the sales person should be aware that you've probably test driven a Honda Civic. [both of them are good cars by the way!]
That said, I wouldn't myself say too many things about sales, service staff, since I not only like to give people the benefit of the doubt, but also, because overall my experience with people in commercial sales has been very good. So I would agree that it is not desirable to debate someone's qualifications and style in public. I guess I missed the part of the thread here that did that.
But when it comes to the point about keeping specific product names off the listserver, this is a totally different issue. To praise one product profusely is not necessarily to trash another product. In the post that I made about scanners for example, I found it extremely helpful to get specific product names, and model numbers. When I have many people telling me the same thing, it gives me a lot of confidence in a particular product, so that I am better able to read between the lines when I read up on the specs of a given product. It doesn't mean that other products are bad, just that for a given task, one product might be better suited. And one also has to remember that price is another variable that keeps everyone from buying the Mercedes of the lot. I find that generic comments about a product are almost useless in my opinion, because the main questions that you have are still left unanswered.
I have participated in many forums on many different sort of topics, and my experience is that most people don't find a mention of specific products objectionable, as long as people respect the opinions of those with a dissenting opinion. Indeed, this can be a way to help other products, because if they really do have merit, someone who owns it will notice it, and communicate that to others, especially if such a product is quite a bit less expensive that the frontrunner.
You can have education as a prime purpose of a listserver where there is some brand endorsement, and the education won't suffer. People are generally able to differentiate between the 2 without any adverse affects.
To give a concrete example in another area, I might mention the Nikon vs Canon debate that one might see on photography forums. Most people can recognize that it's ultimately a matter of preference, and no doubt those who own Nikons secretly want into the Canon camp, and vice-versa, but if one is considering buy a given camera, it is very valuable to be able to hear comments from an owner of such a camera directly, without having to encode such talk in generics. And usually the better photographers realize that the main reason that they have to stick to one manufacturer is primarily because they have so much invested in lenses, that it's just too expensive to change sides. One likes to hear about the pros and cons of not only a given manufacturer, but also a given model and the accessories that are available for that model. Because if the accessories are not available for a certain model, that one needs for a specific purpose, then it's better to know that beforehand than after the purchase. Each manufacturer and model has it's own strenghts and weaknesses, and it's helpful to know exactly what these are when one is making a decision about an expensive product. It's less important when one is buying a pencil.
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 15 11:24:32 2005
One point to remember: the coverslip is an optical element, just like the lenses and prisms in the microscope. The reason that we use #1-1/2 coverslips is the optical path, which is the thickness (0.17mm) times the refractive index (typically about 1.52). OP = n x t
If the optical path is too thick, you will get spherical aberration. The two best symptoms are that you can't really find a plane of focus and that the image looks milky or "soft".
Since PET has a has RI (n) of 1.64, it makes perfect sense to move down to a #1 or even a #0. My recommendation - get some and try them with YOUR sample.
Hope this is helpful.
Best regards, Barbara Foster Microscopy/Microscopy Education www.MicroscopyEducation.com
We've Moved! 313 S Jupiter Rd, Suite 100 Allen, TX 75002 P: 972-954-8011 F: 972-954-8018 ^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^& Need a good general text on light microscopy? MME still has copies of Optimizing Light Microscopy available, with discounts for class-sized orders (10 or more). For details, call us at 972-943-8011 and ask for Ken Piel.
At 07:23 AM 4/15/2005, frank.karl-at-degussa.com wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 15 13:03:04 2005
Sorry for any delay but I have been working overseas and could not download my mail.
Changing the working distance in any SEM varies the type and levels of signal reaching the Everhart-Thornley detector. Finding a position which maximises BSE reduces the appearance of charge. At the higher voltage BSE are not effected by the charge to the same extent as the lower energy SE. An example of a typical position for the maximum BSE contribution, therefore the minimum charge position, on Japanese instruments with a conventional detector position in the specimen chamber is 15mm WD and 45degs of tilt .
The simple way of determining the "minimum charge" position is to form an image and monitor its wave form. Without changing the gain move the sample to another position and view the wave form at the same magnification. You will see a rise or fall depending upon the signal level change. The point of highest signal will be that of the highest levels of backscatter or converted backscatter entering the detector; the secondary levels remain relatively constant.
For more information and ideas on signals take a look at our web site in Hints and Tips
Regards
Steve Chapman Senior Consultant Protrain For consultancy and professional training in EM world wide Tel +44 1280 814774 Direct Line 816512 Fax 814007 www.emcourses.com
----- Original Message ----- } From: Mark Robertson-Tessi {mtessi20-at-yahoo.com} To: {Microscopy-at-microscopy.com} Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2005 5:11 PM
Dear MSA Listserver Colleagues,
I have been asked to find alternative service contractors / independent contractors for our Hitachi S-2460N SEM.
I am aware that I may be the one selected as the alternative contractor, however, I would be very interested to know if others have reliable people working on their instruments aside from Hitachi's own field engineers. I have been VERY pleased with their services. This issue is cost related, with hopes of maintaining the quality.
Sincerely, Tracy
Tracy Challman Materials Scientist/Ceramic Engineer Schaefer Engineering Corporation 23109 55th Ave West Mountlake Terrace WA 98043-4711
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (amr2w-at-virginia.edu) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Friday, April 15, 2005 at 15:22:42 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: Hello All, I am interested in doing 3-D reconstruction using the SEM, but not by sectioning. There are a few programs out there that will generate a 3-D model from simply a height map and texture image or from just a stereo pair. Is there a program out there that will use micrographs from multiple angles/rotations for a more true 3-D volume? Thanks for the help!
-----Original Message----- } From: by way of MicroscopyListserver [mailto:amr2w-at-virginia.edu] Sent: Friday, April 15, 2005 9:04 PM To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (amr2w-at-virginia.edu) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Friday, April 15, 2005 at 15:22:42 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---
Question: Hello All, I am interested in doing 3-D reconstruction using the SEM, but not by sectioning. There are a few programs out there that will generate a 3-D model from simply a height map and texture image or from just a stereo pair. Is there a program out there that will use micrographs from multiple angles/rotations for a more true 3-D volume? Thanks for the help!
At 12:04 AM 4/16/2005, amr2w-at-virginia.edu wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sun Apr 17 19:49:36 2005
} } } } unique and experiment. } } Please forget about SE from greater depths and concentrate on balancing the } information you require. Very short WD ( {5) on a 4500/4700 restricts the } imaging data to SE which can be very boring and this restriction vastly } increases the possibility of charge. Move away from the lens a little (~7 } to 9mm) and you bring in some of the BSE information that has been converted } to secondaries, these will provide added contrast, some image depth and most } of all less charge.
Hi all,
I think that there is a way that both are right.
True, SE do not originate from more than about 50 nm inside most specimens.
However, the BSE that do can produce SE "on their way out", as it where. In fact, on metals, above about 5kV, most SE are produced in just this way.
With a good modern FEG SEM, I, myself, prefer 1- 1.5 kv for lightly coated biological specimens.
As far at the "less charge" claim, a lot of SE are produced from BSE hitting the polepiece, and, I suppose depending on its shape this may be more or less with longer WD. Although I guess that these might affect the actual surface charge level (by scattering back to the sepcimen?), it is important to note that seeing the "anomalous brightness" effects of charging is merely an indication that the charge present has messed up the SE collection fields, (usually to decrease the collection efficiency from nearby details but sometimes to increase it from the "charged" feature) and I think that we can assume that the SE collection field in a "below-lens" SEM will increase (and so be harder to disrupt ) at longer WD.
Cheers,
Jim P. -- ********************************************** Prof. James B. Pawley, Ph. 608-263-3147 Room 223, Zoology Research Building, FAX 608-265-5315 1117 Johnson Ave., Madison, WI, 53706 JBPAWLEY-at-WISC.EDU 3D Microscopy of Living Cells Course, June 11-23, 2005, UBC, Vancouver Canada Info: http://www.3dcourse.ubc.ca/ Applications due by March 15, 2005
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon Apr 18 10:17:43 2005
Photomodeler can be adapted for use with scanning micrographs http://www.photomodeler.com/
The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (amr2w-at-virginia.edu) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Friday, April 15, 2005 at 15:22:42 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: Hello All, I am interested in doing 3-D reconstruction using the SEM, but not by sectioning. There are a few programs out there that will generate a 3-D model from simply a height map and texture image or from just a stereo pair. Is there a program out there that will use micrographs from multiple angles/rotations for a more true 3-D volume? Thanks for the help!
Hi All: I am looking for someone who has a 200 CX TEM and uses it (or has used it) with the SHP pole piece or is knowledgeable on the different configurations possible with the different pole pieces. There are several pole piece/objective aperture configurations for the 200CX but we have very little JEOL documentation on the subject. Any real world experience, expertise or literature that could be shared would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to contact me offline if you think it makes sense. Thanks in advance, Michael Coviello
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon Apr 18 18:42:02 2005
I'm looking at putting a printer next to our SEM so users can quickly print out a copy of an image without having to go to one of our networked printers elsewhere in the building. I'm interested in good grayscale images - colour is not important. Has anyone any suggestion of printers, I should look at without breaking the budget.
Thanks
Ian
Ian Hallett HortResearch Mt Albert Research Centre, Private Bag 92 169 Auckland, New Zealand Fax +64 9 815 4201 Telephone +64 9 815 4200 EMail ihallett-at-hortresearch.co.nz
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon Apr 18 19:49:32 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (kushalseth-at-gmail.com) from http://www.microscopy.org/Ask-A-Microscopist/Ask-A-Microscopist.html on Monday, April 18, 2005 at 19:06:57 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: kushalseth-at-gmail.com Name: kushal Seth
Organization: Texas tech university
Education: Graduate College
Location: Lubbock, TX, USA
Question: I have to grow HUVEC CELLS ON COLLAGEN AND GELATIN NANO FIBRES . AND VIEW THEM UNDER sem . Itried to grow andf see them but it had BACTERIAS IT SEEMS RATHER THAN HUVECS. Please suggest viable steps and procedures or any reference papers. Thanks
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (somayyeh_kheiri-at-yahoo.com) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Saturday, April 16, 2005 at 08:53:42 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] preparing herbarium specimens for sectining in paraffin
Question: Hello Dear all
at first thank you very much for helping me doing my experiments by giving your useful comments. I want to provide some section from dried herbarium leaves. Does anybody know how to prepare the dried ones for Paraffin embedding? I just know I should boil the leaves for 2-3 minutes. but can we use FAA for dried leaves and then usual Etoh series for dehydration like FAA preserved materials or the herbaruim specimens need other treatments? I appreciate any kind reply. Sincerely Somayyeh
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (wong2u23-at-yahoo.com) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Sunday, April 17, 2005 at 00:14:39 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: We have a Hitachi s-4500 FESEM which has until recently worked fine. Recently we have had vacuum trouble, unable to get the specimen chamber to pump down. We have changed the oil in the RP and the diff pump, but still remain at the same pressure. The problem occured when I was exchanging a specimen and when I went to pump down, only the low lamp in the S.C. went on. The SEC has the high lamp on. We are down until this problem is fixed, any suggestions?
I use HP LJ 2300dn. There is a 2430 USB or LPR. These are 1200dpi and have adjustable "dot" characteristics. These are in the 550-600USD range. You have to check for optional JetDirect if needing TCP/IP interface. If not on a network, just use the native parallel.
If you want real cheap, look for a used JP LJ 4M+ or 4+ (about $200USD). These are 600dpi. All of the LJs are workhorses. The later models are much faster and have toner saving modes. I use the 4+ and 4MP for many years. The paper output feeder usually fails after 20,000 sheets. These are still available for about $80...field replaceable.
If you want to spring for color, the new OKI 5430n is awesome at $1250USD. Ethernet or parallel or USB and very fast and high quality color. For pure greyscale, the b/w printers do a better job, IMO.
gary g.
At 05:06 PM 4/18/2005, you wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon Apr 18 23:02:07 2005
Gary's solution is similar to what we did at the PPG Glass Technology Center while I was there. We used a HP LJ2100N which was also 1200 dpi. We set up our LEO 1350 so that if we printed a 5" wide image on that printer that it was the same magnification as a stored image. Our standard image output size was 1024 x 768. However, that did not give us the range in gray levels of the image. If we were interested in the gray scale of the image, then we printed an image using the whole page with 1/2" margins. Remember that there is a tradeoff in grayscale and image pixel resolution for a laser jet printer because it can only print a dot or not print a dot at the 1200 dpi resolution. If you are using the 1200 dpi laser printer, the 256 (actually 257) gray levels for a single "pixel" of the image corresponds to an array of 16 x 16 dots on the printer. At 1200 dpi, this gives 75 16x16 squares per inch for your image. Your eye has at best (when you were young and didn't appreciate it) a resolution close to 300 dpi. That means that if a 1024 x 768 digital image is printed at this best eye resolution, it is 3.4" x 2.56" in size. If I take that same image and print it at 1024 x 768 image and print it at 10" x 7.5" on a 1200 dpi printer, then I get a factor of 2.9X to expand the gray levels over the image. In other words, my 75 dpi image now goes to 217 dpi that can be display with all of 256 gray levels. This assumes a "dumb" laser printer that just uses the 16 x 16 dot array for printing the grayscale. I don't pretend to know what is going on in the "smart" laser printers such as the LJ2100N, but the book "Real World Photoshop" discusses it in much more detail and much more authoritatively than I can. The net result was that we got pretty good looking images. We also regularly used the grayscale histogram in the microscope software to set up our brightness and contrast levels to get as close to using all of the 256 gray levels as we could.
One other point is that the 2100N was surprisingly fast. I would just wait until the end of my session and print the images out using Thumbsplus because I could print the comments and filename along with the image. It never took very long to print out the images and I would do that as I was closing down the microscope and removing my sample.
With respect to Gary's suggestion on using the 4+ and 4MP, we had a number of 600 dpi HP LaserJet printers of this style and some newer styles around GTC and the quality of the images printed to them depended on the specific printer. We could get widely varying results printing to the same model which was not related to the age or usage of the printer. Some simply gave good results and other didn't. It was a crap shoot. The 1200 dpi printers always seem to work well for printing images.
I also agree with Gary with respect to color LaserJet printers. The color laser printers just don't do grayscale images well no matter how you set up the printer in software.
-Scott
Scott D. Walck, Ph.D. Technical Director South Bay Technology, Inc. 1120 Via Callejon San Clemente, CA 92673 USA
TEL: +1-949-492-2600 Toll-free in the USA: +1-800-728-2233 FAX: +1-949-492-1499 eMail: Walck-at-SouthBayTech.com
Temporary Pittsburgh Area Phone Number: 412-492-8127
-----Original Message----- } From: Gary Gaugler [mailto:gary-at-gaugler.com] Sent: Monday, April 18, 2005 9:19 PM To: Ian Hallett Cc: MSA listserver
I use HP LJ 2300dn. There is a 2430 USB or LPR. These are 1200dpi and have adjustable "dot" characteristics. These are in the 550-600USD range. You have to check for optional JetDirect if needing TCP/IP interface. If not on a network, just use the native parallel.
If you want real cheap, look for a used JP LJ 4M+ or 4+ (about $200USD). These are 600dpi. All of the LJs are workhorses. The later models are much faster and have toner saving modes. I use the 4+ and 4MP for many years. The paper output feeder usually fails after 20,000 sheets. These are still available for about $80...field replaceable.
If you want to spring for color, the new OKI 5430n is awesome at $1250USD. Ethernet or parallel or USB and very fast and high quality color. For pure greyscale, the b/w printers do a better job, IMO.
gary g.
At 05:06 PM 4/18/2005, you wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 19 07:38:51 2005
check out papers by William A Muller, et al Lee -- Leona Cohen-Gould, M.S. Sr. Staff Associate Director, Electron Microscopy & Histology Core Facility Manager, Optical Microscopy Core Facility Joan & Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University voice (212)746-6146 fax (212)746-8175
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 19 07:40:09 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (jacqui.ross-at-auckland.ac.nz) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Monday, April 18, 2005 at 21:16:43 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: jacqui.ross-at-auckland.ac.nz Name: Jacqui Ross
Organization: The University of Auckland
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] Nikon EclipseNet Time-lapse Data
Question: Dear All,
We are using a TE-2000E running through EclipseNet to do time-lapse imaging in 3 channels.
However, when I try to merge the images in order to then create an AVI movie, I can't seem to do it. I can merge individual images but can't do the whole series at once (as a stack).
Can anyone tell me whether it is possible to do this and if so, how?
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (diller-at-stefan-diller.com) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Tuesday, April 19, 2005 at 02:15:35 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: diller-at-stefan-diller.com Name: Stefan Diller
Question: Dear All, does anyone have a manual for the ImageSlave framegrabber-card available and can email it to me? Or give me hint where to download it?
The program is finally in its final state. The list of papers will be going to Nestor this week and put up on the MSA website. The official emails from the meeting management will be going out this week also, now that we have a finalized meeting. We did not want to send out information with the wrong dates and times for the presentations. It has taken rather longer than anticipated to get all the sponsoring societies to agree on the meeting layout.
Having finished we have ended up with the strongest meeting so far with close to 1100 scientific papers - almost 50% more than previous "good" meetings!
We look forward to seeing you all in Hawaii.
Stuart McKernan (proceedings editor)
On Apr 19, 2005, at 11:33 AM, Alexander Solodukhin wrote:
} } } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } ------- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } -------- } } Dear Listers, } } } } Does somebody know where can I find a list of participants or papers } accepted for } } the Microscopy and Microanalysis 2005 Conference? } } } } Many thanks in advance. } } } } Sincerely, } } } } Alexander Solodukhin } } } } Department of Anesthesiology } } University of Virginia Health System } } P.O.Box 800710 } } Charlottesville VA 22906-0710 } } Fax: 434-982-0019 } } Phone: 434-924-2494 } } } } Prof. Stuart McKernan IT Characterization Facility, University of Minnesota E-mail : stuartm-at-umn.edu 12 Shepherd Labs, Office: (612) 624-6009 100 Union Street S. E., Minneapolis, MN 55455 Lab: (612) 626-7594
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 20 09:41:47 2005
A researcher working in the Chemistry department here at UM has asked we a question that I wasn't that comfortable answering so I suggested we could solicit some other opinions on the EM list. My experience with the list has shown me there are many unselfish folks out there with a wealth of knowledge. Maybe one day I will have chance to meet a few of you. Thanks in advance for your comments and suggestions. Merci,
André
} From: gthorne-at-Ms.UManitoba.CA
All, We recently resurrected an old JEOL JEE 4C vacuum evaporator for carbon coating. We have the instructions and everything works well on the instrument. I was wondering if anyone who might have used one of these systems in the past could give some advice on carbon tip geometry and deposition times. It would be nice to put down a thick coating of carbon before I start FIB milling.
Matt Olszta, Ph.D. Materials Research Institute Penn State University
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 20 13:18:06 2005
} 1. Does anybody have experience with how lipids that are unsaturated } to various degrees fix with osmium tetroxide (incl } ferrocyanide-reduced osmium). } } We find that cytoplasmic lipid-droplets are very electron-dense in } eicosapentaenoic acid-treated hepatoma-cells, when osmium tetroxide is } used as a post-fixative. But in oleic acid-treated cells, under the } same treatment conditions, the lipid droplets do not stain at all. } } Thus, does anybody know how any of below fatty acids "stain" with } osmium tetroxide: } arachadonic acid (C20; 4 double bonds) } eicosapentaenoic acid (C20; 5 double bonds) } stearic acid (C18; no double bonds) } oleic acid (C18; 1 double bond) } linoleic acid (C18, 2 double bonds) } lineolenic acid (C18; 3 double bonds) } } 2. What is the mechanism for osmium tetroxide fixing triglycerides? } } Know the theory that in Plipid membranes an osmate forms in the } hydrophobic portion of the membrane and migrates to the hydrophilic } portions of the membrane. In triglycerides, do osmium esters for } example cross-link the fatty acyl chains and remain there? Or does } anybody know of alternative explanations? } } 3. What are the best ways to stabilize and stain a thick (~200 nm) } section for tomography? } Dear Gro, As no true experts have replied, I'll share what I know. It is my understanding that two of the O's in OsO4 add across a lipid double bond, and that, if there is another double bond in the appropriate position, the other two O's will add across that, so that the lipid molecules will be cross-linked (or, in a single molecule with two appropriate double bonds, the molecule will be intramolecularly cross-linked). I have had no experience with ferrocyanide-reduced osmium. When lipids form bilayers, the double bonds on adjacent lipids are in good proximity to react with OsO4, so membranes stain well. I am not surprised that eicosapentaenoic acid would stain heavily, and I would expect oleic acid to stain, but much more lightly. I speculate that the lack of staining in oleic acid-treated cells is due to either no incorporation of oleic acid in the lipid droplets, or to reduction of the double bond before incorporation, but this is strictly an uninformed guess. I also guess that each of the lipids you listed will stain in proportion to the number of double bonds they contain, but I do not know if there are differences in staining between cis and trans conformations, nor do I know whether formation of intramolecular crosslinks affects the staining intensity. OsO4 dissolves in the hydrophobic part of the membrane, but I have not heard of it migrating to the hydrophyllic part. I'm pretty sure that it just reacts covalently with the double bonds and stays there. As far as stabilization of thick sections for tomography, evaporation of carbon onto both the support film and the section will provide greater conductivity. Some labs routinely pre-expose the section to the beam so that the section will have undergone any major structural changes before images are obtained, rather than during the imaging; however, getting consistent tomograms of altered structures seems to me to be a poor procedure. IMHO, it is much better to get images of the unaltered sections using a lower dose. Yours, Bill Tivol, PhD EM Scientist and Manager Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility Broad Center, Mail Code 114-96 California Institute of Technology Pasadena CA 91125 (626) 395-8833 tivol-at-caltech.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 20 15:17:53 2005
I don't know if this will help you. But I recently had a somewhat similar problem with a different instrument. It turned out to be a bad gauge. I was making the vacuum that I needed but I (or the interlocks) couldn't tell because the gauge gave faulty readings below a certain point. Reason for suspecting the gauge was that the turbo pump was coming to speed in the same time as usual, indicating there was not excessive drag on it due to a leak.
Jim
James L. Roberts Firearm & Toolmark Examiner Ventura Co. Sheriff's Lab 800 S. Victoria Ave. Ventura, CA. 93009
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Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (wong2u23-at-yahoo.com) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Sunday, April 17, 2005 at 00:14:39 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: We have a Hitachi s-4500 FESEM which has until recently worked fine. Recently we have had vacuum trouble, unable to get the specimen chamber to pump down. We have changed the oil in the RP and the diff pump, but still remain at the same pressure. The problem occured when I was exchanging a specimen and when I went to pump down, only the low lamp in the S.C. went on. The SEC has the high lamp on. We are down until this problem is fixed, any suggestions?
The most common problem I have is the exchange chamber valve seal leaking. And since it started upon making an exchange that seems reasonable. Observe the SC vacuum while you vent the SEC and it should get even worse--or improve when you pump out the SEC--either would indicate a leaking seal.
Question: We have a Hitachi s-4500 FESEM which has until recently worked fine. Recently we have had vacuum trouble, unable to get the specimen chamber to pump down. We have changed the oil in the RP and the diff pump, but still remain at the same pressure. The problem occured when I was exchanging a specimen and when I went to pump down, only the low lamp in the S.C. went on. The SEC has the high lamp on. We are down until this problem is fixed, any suggestions?
I use a Denton evaporator but I can't imagine the settings are very different. I use 3mm carbon rods that are turned down to about 1mm diameter at the tip. This is the evaporating region. This diameter requires about 20 to 40 milliamps to evaporate. Typically starts at 20 (keep the sparks to a minimum but still present) and as evaporation evolves and the carbon sort of collapses on itself --increasing the cross section--you need to turn the current up until most of that smaller diameter is evaporated. You don't want to try to evaporate the 3mm section because that would generate too much heat for most specimens as well as for the instrument hardware. It takes about a minute or so to evaportate a 3mm lenth of 1mm section. And this produces a film of 100 to 200 Angstroms.
Jeff
-----Original Message----- } From: Matt Olszta [mailto:mjo10-at-psu.edu] Sent: Wednesday, April 20, 2005 7:49 AM To: Microscopy-at-microscopy.com
All, We recently resurrected an old JEOL JEE 4C vacuum evaporator for carbon coating. We have the instructions and everything works well on the instrument. I was wondering if anyone who might have used one of these systems in the past could give some advice on carbon tip geometry and deposition times. It would be nice to put down a thick coating of carbon before I start FIB milling.
Matt Olszta, Ph.D. Materials Research Institute Penn State University
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 21 00:56:15 2005
We have a Xenosput coater which we use to deposit Cr films on samples for examination in our FESEM. One of my colleagues wants to deposit some very thin Fe films using the Xenosput. I have had a steel target made up and replaced the chromium one with it but can't seem to get an arc to strike.
I'm wondering if it won't work with a magnetic material. (After my attempts I replaced the Cr target and everything was fine, so I don't think it is the Xenosput itself.) Has anyone ever tried using a steel target in one of these things, and if so did they have any success? An option is to try a stainless steel target and see how that goes is suppose.
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 21 08:53:53 2005
Greetings, All! I have a dispute with UW administration over the number of publications generated / year. I would appreciate seeing opinions of people , who went through similar hurdles with their sponsors. In particular, are M&M contributions considered peer-reviewed articles or not? They are longer than 100 words-long ACB, FASEB, SMI abstracts and longer than many rapid communications. They are also supposed to be peer-reviewed. The data in them are distilled to the very core of the communication.
Perhaps posting all Proceedings in complete forms on the Internet would boost their prestige / recognition?
Cheers, Marek
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 21 09:55:13 2005
I'll second the possibility of a gauge problem. We've had pretty much the same problem on our S-4500. Cleaning the Penning gauge solves the problem, so we schedule a cleaning once a year. Let me know if you can't find instructions on cleaning.
Jim Passmore Research Associate Cryovac, Sealed Air Corporation james.passmore-at-sealedair.com 864-433-2927 voice 864-433-2205 fax
"James Roberts" {James.Roberts-at-ventura.org} wrote on 04-20-2005 04:37:04 PM:
} The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
} } I don't know if this will help you. But I recently had a somewhat } similar problem with a different instrument. It turned out to be a bad } gauge. I was making the vacuum that I needed but I (or the interlocks) } couldn't tell because the gauge gave faulty readings below a certain } point. Reason for suspecting the gauge was that the turbo pump was } coming to speed in the same time as usual, indicating there was not } excessive drag on it due to a leak. } } Jim } } James L. Roberts } Firearm & Toolmark Examiner } Ventura Co. Sheriff's Lab } 800 S. Victoria Ave. } Ventura, CA. 93009 } } (805) 477-1947 } } James.Roberts-at-ventura.org } } } } } } } {wong2u23-at-yahoo.com} 4/18/2005 6:12:53 PM } } } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
} The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
} } Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was } submitted by (wong2u23-at-yahoo.com) from } http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Sunday, April 17, } 2005 at 00:14:39 } --------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Email: wong2u23-at-yahoo.com } Name: Vic Wong } } Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: Vacuum issues } } Question: We have a Hitachi s-4500 FESEM which has until recently } worked fine. Recently we have had vacuum trouble, unable to get the } specimen chamber to pump down. We have changed the oil in the RP and } the diff pump, but still remain at the same pressure. The problem } occured when I was exchanging a specimen and when I went to pump down, } only the low lamp in the S.C. went on. The SEC has the high lamp on. } We are down until this problem is fixed, any suggestions? } } Vic } } --------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 21 11:13:23 2005
The proceedings of the Microscopy and Microscopy meetings are published online as a supplement (supplement #2) to the Microscopy and Microanalysis journal. As such they are available online through the CUP online journals website: journals.cambridge.org. These supplements are available free-of-charge to anyone with internet access.
On this matter I would greatly welcome comments to this problem (which is not an isolated one) to be directed (or at least copied) to me. We are again in the process of re-evaluating the usefulness of these papers in their present format to the scientific community, and would welcome input from as many different areas as possible - Communities that use them in publication counts and those that are precluded from using them for that reason for example, as well as individual opinions.
Stuart McKernan (Proceedings editor)
On Apr 21, 2005, at 6:16 AM, Marek Malecki, M.D., Ph.D. wrote:
} } } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } ------- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } -------- } } Greetings, All! } I have a dispute with UW administration over the number of } publications generated / year. I would appreciate seeing opinions of } people , who went through similar hurdles with their sponsors. } In particular, are M&M contributions considered peer-reviewed articles } or not? They are longer than 100 words-long ACB, FASEB, SMI abstracts } and longer than many rapid communications. They are also supposed to } be peer-reviewed. The data in them are distilled to the very core of } the communication. } } Perhaps posting all Proceedings in complete forms on the Internet } would boost their prestige / recognition? } } Cheers, } Marek } } } Prof. Stuart McKernan IT Characterization Facility, University of Minnesota E-mail : stuartm-at-umn.edu 12 Shepherd Labs, Office: (612) 624-6009 100 Union Street S. E., Minneapolis, MN 55455 Lab: (612) 626-7594
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 21 12:41:48 2005
Marek, For what it is worth, I do not consider M&M abstracts as peer reviewed. A true peer reviewed article is one that is independently reviewed by 2 or more scientists knowledgeable about the appropriate field as required by the contents of the paper. Unless I am misinformed, I believe that M&M abstracts are checked for layout, appropriate format and submission information but are not judged on content.
I personally assume that all abstracts, regardless of length, do not contain sufficient data, discussion, and conclusions for a reader to make an informed opinion as to the overall merits of the research.
An abstract is sufficient to let you know if the subject matter is of sufficient interest to you to want to learn more. In that case you read the entire paper, listen to the presentation, or read the poster to get the "rest of the story". Then you can begin to make critical judgements as to the merits of the research.
Debby
Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 Life Science Microscopy Facility FAX: 765-494-5896 Purdue University E-mail: dsherman-at-purdue.edu S-052 Whistler Building 170 S. University Street West Lafayette, IN 47907 http://www3.agriculture.purdue.edu/microscopy
On 4/21/05 6:16 AM, "Marek Malecki, M.D., Ph.D." {mmalecki-at-wisc.edu} wrote:
} } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------} - } } Greetings, All! } I have a dispute with UW administration over the number of publications } generated / year. I would appreciate seeing opinions of people , who went } through similar hurdles with their sponsors. } In particular, are M&M contributions considered peer-reviewed articles or } not? They are longer than 100 words-long ACB, FASEB, SMI abstracts and } longer than many rapid communications. They are also supposed to be } peer-reviewed. The data in them are distilled to the very core of the } communication. } } Perhaps posting all Proceedings in complete forms on the Internet would } boost their prestige / recognition? } } Cheers, } Marek } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 21 14:06:42 2005
Dear Colin, You will find that each different material has a different work function and so you must find the different conditions that will sputter that material. Fe may have a higher work function than Cr, so you might need a higher voltage or current to sputter it. I would use plain carbon steel, because stainless steel is an alloy that has other materials in it, so you would not get a pure Fe film. Good luck. Regards, Mary Mager Electron Microscopist Department of Materials Engineering University of British Columbia 6350 Stores Road Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4 CANADA Tel: 604-822-5648 Fax: 604-822-3619 e-mail: mager-at-interchange.ubc.ca ----- Original Message ----- } From: {Colin.Veitch-at-csiro.au} To: {Microscopy-at-msa.microscopy.com} Sent: Wednesday, April 20, 2005 11:17 PM
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Marek and others,
As one of the few (as far as I know the only one) to be foolish enough to be Program Chair for two M&M meetings and responsible for much of the content of the scientific content of the M&M 2001 and 2005 Proceedings I felt I should weigh in on this one.
For as long as I have been active on MSA Program Committees (1997 through 2005) the debate concerning how to list M&M meeting contributions on one's CV or annual evaluations has been a hot topic in MSA council and program production meetings.
Marek raises a valid point that to meet the format for contributions, MSA abstracts (some call them papers), need to be two pages in length which is significantly different than any other major biology oriented meetings I am familiar with. This is certainly longer than the 100 words we get for FASEB or Cell Biology abstracts. The 2 page requirement was essential in the age of the MSA hard copy proceedings so all papers were printed on facing pages. If a paper was only a single page, this disrupted the printing and organization of the proceedings. However, as program committee members, if a single line of text was on the second page of the paper it was deemed acceptable based on format. As we have moved to the electronic format of CD for all submissions and hard copy Proceedings for selected representative submissions, we have been able to relax this standard to some extent. Now, in some cases, submissions of less than 2 pages are accepted but they are limited to publication on the CD only and are not eligible for selection to be printed in the hard copy proceedings. The discussions concerning the 2-page format that have been held during MSA council meetings are much too long to review in this email, but I am sure if people attend MSA council meetings where this topic is discussed they would know it is a frequent and hot topic for debate.
Are submissions peer reviewed?? They are to the extent that there is one member of the Program Committee responsible for looking at formatting and scientific content of the contribution. This is typically the session chair. If there are any questions concerning scientific content the contribution is passed on to at least one other person with knowledge of the scientific discipline. The paper and reviewer comments are then given to the Program Chair or Vice Chair, depending on if the contribution is biological or physical sciences, who makes the final decision. Reasons for rejection include fraud or other ethical problems such as improper use of animals, questionable data, duplication of existing published data, minimal scientific content, etc. Often, if a reviewer has a problem, the discussion centers on if the problem is egregious enough to warrant outright rejection or if the author should be given the chance at a poster presentation to defend his/her data.
I hope this helps clarify some of the process. I am sure Stuart McKernan as editor of the Proceedings and Charlie Lyman as Editor in Chief of Microscopy and Microanalysis would love to receive comments from the membership about this topic.
Bob
Robert L. Price, PhD Research Professor and Director, Instrumentation Resource Facility Dept. Developmental Biology and Anatomy School of Medicine, USC Bldg 1 Room B60 6439 Garner's Ferry Road Columbia, SC 29208
Fax: 803-733-1533 Telephone: 803-733-3392
} } } } "Marek Malecki, M.D., Ph.D." {mmalecki-at-wisc.edu} 04/21/05 7:16 AM } } } } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Greetings, All! } I have a dispute with UW administration over the number of publications } } generated / year. I would appreciate seeing opinions of people , who } went } through similar hurdles with their sponsors. } In particular, are M&M contributions considered peer-reviewed articles } or } not? They are longer than 100 words-long ACB, FASEB, SMI abstracts and } } longer than many rapid communications. They are also supposed to be } peer-reviewed. The data in them are distilled to the very core of the } communication. } } Perhaps posting all Proceedings in complete forms on the Internet would } } boost their prestige / recognition? } } Cheers, } Marek } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 21 22:39:41 2005
You are both misinformed and incorrect in your assertion concerning the M&M submissions.
M&M submissions are certainly reviewed for content, as each paper is vetted by at least one member of the program committee having familiarity of the topic under which they were submitted, usually this is a symposium organizer, who is certainly familiar with the field.
As a former Program Chair and member of the Program Committee for well over a decade I can confirm that the scientific content is considered and I have rejected non-scientific content submissions. This year I personally read and reviewed the content of over 150 submissions to the 2005 meeting.
I also refer you to the Instructions for Authors which states unambiguously
"Papers should be a condensed version of the final presentation and include all significant findings. Write the text so that readers who are not specialists can appreciate the purpose of the study and understand the procedures and conclusions."
It is also true that the scientific content and merit varies widely in various submissions, and I certainly don't always agree with the content, but that is a different issue. A large number of these short papers (yes, I consider them papers when they they contain significant results) document results of experiments and conclusions which are important in their own right. It is also true that some are abstracts/summaries of preliminary work, while others are simply extended abstracts. This varies from author to author and when you consider there may be 700-1000 submissions to the proceedings this variablity is not surprizing.
Please remember , what you consider an abstract, others consider a short/rapid publication. The difference depends upon the content and the field, not on the format or number of "reviewers". Dave Piston and I have argued this at great lengths during various meetings (as well as over a few beers). By different fields, here I mean Life Science vs Materials Science, as these can sometimes have vastly different time scales and criteria. While it may be possible to get a short paper published in the Life Sciences in six months, in many cases it can take 12-18 months in some Materials areas. Judging the merits of a publication solely on its length and the number of reviewers who have read it prior to publication is not, in my opinion, logical. A work is citable when it contains substantial verifiable results and has been vetted by an outside reviewer (thus the M&M proceedings meets a minimum criteria). This being said, ultimately the true test of the merits of a publication becomes when its data is referenced or is the basis for other publications.
I might add that I personally preferred the format which MSA dropped years ago which allowed "4 page" submissions . At least 1/2 of the time I find it difficult to fit everything into the 2 page format. While a number of individuals are pushing to decrease the length of submissions (i.e. permitting 1 page submissions for the proceedings) I personally consider this the wrong way to go and instead argue that we should continue with the existing format and also be allowing slightly longer works. I use the MM proceedings as a rapid publication venue for new results, and then turn to a Journal like "Microscopy & Microanalysis" for longer manuscripts, into which one can integrate a larger body of work.
My 2 cents.....
Nestor Your Friendly Neighborhood SysOp.
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 21 22:42:38 2005
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Marek and others,
As one of the few (as far as I know the only one) to be foolish enough to be Program Chair for two M&M meetings and responsible for much of the content of the scientific content of the M&M 2001 and 2005 Proceedings I felt I should weigh in on this one.
For as long as I have been active on MSA Program Committees (1997 through 2005) the debate concerning how to list M&M meeting contributions on one's CV or annual evaluations has been a hot topic in MSA council and program production meetings.
Marek raises a valid point that to meet the format for contributions, MSA abstracts (some call them papers), need to be two pages in length which is significantly different than any other major biology oriented meetings I am familiar with. This is certainly longer than the 100 words we get for FASEB or Cell Biology abstracts. The 2 page requirement was essential in the age of the MSA hard copy proceedings so all papers were printed on facing pages. If a paper was only a single page, this disrupted the printing and organization of the proceedings. However, as program committee members, if a single line of text was on the second page of the paper it was deemed acceptable based on format. As we have moved to the electronic format of CD for all submissions and hard copy Proceedings for selected representative submissions, we have been able to relax this standard to some extent. Now, in some cases, submissions of less than 2 pages are accepted but they are limited to publication on the CD only and are not eligible for selection to be printed in the hard copy proceedings. The discussions concerning the 2-page format that have been held during MSA council meetings are much too long to review in this email, but I am sure if people attend MSA council meetings where this topic is discussed they would know it is a frequent and hot topic for debate.
Are submissions peer reviewed?? They are to the extent that there is one member of the Program Committee responsible for looking at formatting and scientific content of the contribution. This is typically the session chair. If there are any questions concerning scientific content the contribution is passed on to at least one other person with knowledge of the scientific discipline. The paper and reviewer comments are then given to the Program Chair or Vice Chair, depending on if the contribution is biological or physical sciences, who makes the final decision. Reasons for rejection include fraud or other ethical problems such as improper use of animals, questionable data, duplication of existing published data, minimal scientific content, etc. Often, if a reviewer has a problem, the discussion centers on if the problem is egregious enough to warrant outright rejection or if the author should be given the chance at a poster presentation to defend his/her data.
I hope this helps clarify some of the process. I am sure Stuart McKernan as editor of the Proceedings and Charlie Lyman as Editor in Chief of Microscopy and Microanalysis would love to receive comments from the membership about this topic.
Bob
Robert L. Price, PhD Research Professor and Director, Instrumentation Resource Facility Dept. Developmental Biology and Anatomy School of Medicine, USC Bldg 1 Room B60 6439 Garner's Ferry Road Columbia, SC 29208
Fax: 803-733-1533 Telephone: 803-733-3392
} } } } "Marek Malecki, M.D., Ph.D." {mmalecki-at-wisc.edu} 04/21/05 7:16 AM } } } } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Greetings, All! } I have a dispute with UW administration over the number of publications } } generated / year. I would appreciate seeing opinions of people , who } went } through similar hurdles with their sponsors. } In particular, are M&M contributions considered peer-reviewed articles } or } not? They are longer than 100 words-long ACB, FASEB, SMI abstracts and } } longer than many rapid communications. They are also supposed to be } peer-reviewed. The data in them are distilled to the very core of the } communication. } } Perhaps posting all Proceedings in complete forms on the Internet would } } boost their prestige / recognition? } } Cheers, } Marek } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 21 22:47:06 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (Judith_A_Ruiz-at-whirlpool.com) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Tuesday, April 19, 2005 at 12:56:18 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: I'm trying to microtome various polypropylene pieces too narrow to place in the vice on the microtome. I need to slice the surface, not the cross-section. So, I was wondering if anyone has advice on the best way to mount this sample, in what kind of resin? And what kind of mold. the samples are going to be all shapes and sizes.
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (duleyml-at-muohio.edu) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Tuesday, April 19, 2005 at 14:23:24 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: duleyml-at-muohio.edu Name: Matthew L. Duley
Question: We are experiencing serious problems with carbon adhesive tabs. We have tried three different vendors and they are all the same. The surface is very rough with numerous bubbles, cracks and pock marks. We are currently doing a lot of particle (50 microns to 1mm) analysis, and imaging including EDS and EBSD and weíre in desperate need of good carbon tabs or an alternative solution. There was a short discussion on the Microscopy List server where a vendor suggested the users should use "new" tabs. However, we are currently using a very limited supply of tabs that are 3+ years old because they are the only ones that are smooth. Surely, we arenít the only facility having this problem. Has anyone found a solution to this?
Sincerely,
Matthew L. Duley Electron Microscopist Electron Microscope Facility Miami University Oxford, Ohio 45056
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (labtechcorp-at-nji.com) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Tuesday, April 19, 2005 at 14:35:30 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: labtechcorp-at-nji.com Name: Charles Schwartz
Question: Does anyone know where I can get the ultra-thin window on my old Tracor EDX system repaired without having to mortgage the business? NJ/East Coast location preferable
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (raynald.gauvin-at-mcgill.ca) from http://www.microscopy.org/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 at 15:01:11 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: Workshop in SEM related techniques
Question:
} From May 9 to 13 2005, a workshop about advanced techniques in SEM and microanalysis for materials characterization will be held at McGill University, Montreal, Canada. For more detalls, please go to:
http://www.mcgill.ca/minmet/ebeamworkshop/
Please note that there is a maximum number of participants and there is still few places that are available.
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (bdrysdale-at-fibrolight.com) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 at 15:32:43 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: bdrysdale-at-fibrolight.com Name: Robert Drysdale
Has the MSA or any affiliated members out there have any information on a Dr Raymond Rife, other than what's available on the net. He seems to be quite an interesting individual. Any info would be appreciated.
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (mauricio.bravo-at-dalsemi.com) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Thursday, April 21, 2005 at 15:59:21 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I need to replace the Gold target in a Ernest Fullan EMS-76M sputter coater. The question I have is "Should I be looking into buying a Gold-Palladium target instead?" Would a 40%Au-60%Pd target help me get good images? How about a %60Au-40%Pd? I understand that the benefit of the allow is that allows for smaller grain size while maintaining good secundary electron emission.
I'm in search for a good, preferably online, software program for users to book a microscope. At the moment, I made a shared excel-workbook per microscope with the tabs as months and where users can book a microscope per hour. This excel-file is available through the local network (intranet) only. However, I'm sure there are better options and even some which allow to go online and book over the internet. Can anyone help me with this? Thanks in advance,
Sven Terclavers
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 22 07:09:31 2005
Matthew, I too have voiced concern regarding this problem and have received the same advice; "Use only new tabs" and "Store in a fridge until they are needed". The problem persists. It seems rather odd to me that the older tabs were much better and there were no similar precautions issued with regard to their age or storage requirements.
Paul
Paul J. Gerroir Microscopy Materials Characterization Xerox Research Centre of Canada 2660 Speakman Drive Mississauga, Ontario L5K 2L1
-----Original Message----- } From: by way of MicroscopyListserver [mailto:duleyml-at-muohio.edu] Sent: Friday, April 22, 2005 12:10 AM To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (duleyml-at-muohio.edu) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Tuesday, April 19, 2005 at 14:23:24 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: duleyml-at-muohio.edu Name: Matthew L. Duley
Question: We are experiencing serious problems with carbon adhesive tabs. We have tried three different vendors and they are all the same. The surface is very rough with numerous bubbles, cracks and pock marks. We are currently doing a lot of particle (50 microns to 1mm) analysis, and imaging including EDS and EBSD and weíre in desperate need of good carbon tabs or an alternative solution. There was a short discussion on the Microscopy List server where a vendor suggested the users should use "new" tabs. However, we are currently using a very limited supply of tabs that are 3+ years old because they are the only ones that are smooth. Surely, we arenít the only facility having this problem. Has anyone found a solution to this?
Sincerely,
Matthew L. Duley Electron Microscopist Electron Microscope Facility Miami University Oxford, Ohio 45056
Judith, I have been fairly successful with similar samples by embedding them in a flat embedding capsule in an epoxy resin such as LX112. Before the advent of those capsules I used hinged beem capsules by turning the capsule upside down and cutting the pointed end off. With either one, you'll be able to cut the surface of the material. Good luck, Mary Gail
Mary Gail Engle Sr. Research Laboratory Manager Electron Microscopy & Imaging Facility HSRB Rm 001 University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40536-0305 Phone (859) 323-6108 Fax (859) 257-9700
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 22 07:46:02 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (aquaseedfishtecknik-at-yahoo.com) from http://www.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Friday, April 22, 2005 at 04:27:59 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: aquaseedfishtecknik-at-yahoo.com Name: kehinde samuel
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] research in Daphnia
Question: please send all information about Daphnia and it's picture or mivies
please do we require written permission to use your Daphnia picture in our work work
We are about to receive a donated AMRAY 1830 SEM . I need to know the physical size,weight and room requirements including vibration, and stray AC fields measurements for this machine. I am assuming that 220 AC power is required but have no idea of the current. I have searched the web but can't find much about these Items.
Thanks in advance
Dave Kempson Queen's University Geology Department 613-533-2595
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 22 08:50:43 2005
Oh please, not Raymond Rife again. I don't think that the Great Man was a doctor, MD, DDS, PhD, JD or otherwise. I don't think you will find any of his work published, it seems that most of his claims were just that, claims. No evidence to support them. I have read some of what is on the web, be sure to read the articles all the way to the end. Seems that while there is lots of glowing praise at the beginning of several articles by the time one gets to the end the author realizes that there is no real evidence to support the claims. There is some author (in Canada?) who insists that Rife cured cancer but the Evil Establishment covered up, ignored, etc. (fill in your favorite conspiracy theory here) the Great Man's contributions. Bottom line, it is all BS. Rife was a gadget freak who could not tell optical aritfacts from real biological structure.
Geoff
-- ********************************************** Geoff McAuliffe, Ph.D. Neuroscience and Cell Biology Robert Wood Johnson Medical School 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854 voice: (732)-235-4583; fax: -4029 mcauliff-at-umdnj.edu **********************************************
by way of MicroscopyListserver wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 22 09:03:48 2005
If the window is broken, the vacuum in the detector is certainly gone. You need new window and pump out of detector and fresh getter. It will probably need a new support grid.
Not a cheap prospect.
gary g.
At 09:10 PM 4/21/2005, you wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 22 09:08:19 2005
phpScheduleIt is a very easy to use online scheduler for any resource, microscope or other wise. Users can book time, cancel time, amend booking etc online from anywhere. It is open source software available for download from http://www.php.brickhost.com/
Iain Miller Department of Biological Sciences Ohio University Athens, OH 45701
740-593-2120
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 22 09:09:35 2005
Check the archives. This was discussed quite a few months ago. The issue at that point was high resistance and too thick of tabs.
Pella, EMS and SPI all seem to have solved this. I know from use that Pella and EMS tabs are low resistance, smooth and sticky. I have not tried the SPI tabs. You should buy new tabs.
The Pella and EMS (Nissin) tabs do exhibit holes and tears when put in the sputter coater. The only way I've seen to reduce this is to coat fast at higher current or longer at very reduced current. It is either the vacuum or plasma that degrades their surface...or, perhaps both.
gary g.
At 09:09 PM 4/21/2005, you wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 22 10:08:00 2005
This can be tricky since you need to slice surface vs. cross-section. I'll be interested in what suggestions others might have as this has also been a problem for me. If the samples are not thin films you can use a room temp cure epoxy such as epo-fix, fill a flat mold, wait until is has nearly cured and then press your sample into the epoxy oriented as need be, this way it shouldn't move during remaining cure. You have to be careful that the sample doesn't pop out when trimming which happens to me if the sample is to thin. One way I've gotten around this is to epoxy the thin film to a smaller epoxy block and then embed this into regular flat mold. Other ideas? Good luck Judith. By the way I assume you are using a cryo-ultramicrotome. Steve
Question: I'm trying to microtome various polypropylene pieces too narrow to place in the vice on the microtome. I need to slice the surface, not the cross-section. So, I was wondering if anyone has advice on the best way to mount this sample, in what kind of resin? And what kind of mold. the samples are going to be all shapes and sizes.
Stephen McCartney Research Associate Macromolecules and Interfaces Institute 2108 Hahn Hall Va Tech Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-9765 - phone 540-231-8517 - FAX
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 22 10:21:15 2005
C'mon, people. Give the poor man a break. Who among us can go to http://www.medicaltruth.com/rife/RoyalRife.html, gaze upon the Rife Universal Microscope and doubt that it can defy the laws of physics?
Paul
---------------------------------------------- "'Why listen, Lady,' he said with a grin of delight 'the monks of old slept in their coffins!' 'They wasn't as advanced as we are.' the old woman said." - The Life You Save May be Your Own
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 22 10:54:46 2005
We are using Calcium software from http://www.brownbearsoftware.com/. Except for a few minor things we are quite happy with it. However, it is not free unfortunately.
-----Original Message----- } From: Sven Terclavers [mailto:Sven.Terclavers-at-med.kuleuven.be] Sent: Friday, April 22, 2005 8:17 AM To: Microscopy-at-msa.microscopy.com
Dear colleagues,
I'm in search for a good, preferably online, software program for users to book a microscope. At the moment, I made a shared excel-workbook per microscope with the tabs as months and where users can book a microscope per hour. This excel-file is available through the local network (intranet) only. However, I'm sure there are better options and even some which allow to go online and book over the internet. Can anyone help me with this? Thanks in advance,
Sven Terclavers
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 22 10:56:48 2005
Dave, Since you're from Canada, I'm assuming that the donation is from somewhere in North America. Unless it was special ordered, it should be 120VAC, 60 Hz.
I've looked through my materials and can't find any installation instructions, room specs or instrument specs but if you can grab a piece of floor at least 9' x 7', that should give you enough room for the instrument, the operator and servicing. Larger would be better, especially from a servicing standpoint.
The weight is probably in the range of 1000-1200 lbs, the largest current draw will be the mechanical pump with a 1/2 hp motor drawing 5.5 to 9.5A, depending upon the efficiency of the motor, air and water will be needed if it has a diffusion pump but probably not if it has a turbo pump. Low frequency vibration ( {20 Hz) is the most critical and the specs are given in different ways by different manufacturers. One spec used is not more than 10 micro-inches displacement in any axis. Fields can have a little flexibility. One manufacturer's spec is not more than 10 milligaus, but if you're not doing electron beam lithography, larger fields at 60 Hz can be tolerated because the scan rate is sync'd to line frequency when taking micrographs. Other frequencies must remain within spec.
Hopefully someone out in lister land has a copy of Amray's specs and room layout and can get them to you.
Ken Converse
owner QUALITY IMAGES Servicing Scanning Electron Microscopes Since 1981 16 Creek Rd. Delta, PA 17314 717-456-5491 Fax 717-456-7996 kenconverse-at-qualityimages.biz qualityimages.biz
-----Original Message----- } From: David Kempson [mailto:kempson-at-geol.queensu.ca] Sent: Friday, April 22, 2005 9:36 AM To: Microscopy-at-microscopy.com
We are about to receive a donated AMRAY 1830 SEM . I need to know the physical size,weight and room requirements including vibration, and stray AC fields measurements for this machine. I am assuming that 220 AC power is required but have no idea of the current. I have searched the web but can't find much about these Items.
Thanks in advance
Dave Kempson Queen's University Geology Department 613-533-2595
___________________________________________________________ $0 Web Hosting with up to 200MB web space, 1000 MB Transfer 10 Personalized POP and Web E-mail Accounts, and much more. Signup at www.doteasy.com
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 22 13:37:36 2005
Mauricio: I would definitely switch to Au-Pd as it does give a smaller deposited grain size for the same sputter conditions. I use Au-Pd but I'm uncertain as to the alloy. It's the standard one all the suppliers have. But if I needed to to coat for really high mag/resolution work (} 100,000X) I would use iridium.
by way of MicroscopyListserver wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 22 14:53:57 2005
Debbie; Peer review? Each of my abstracts get reviewed by my manager, my manager's manager, my manager's manager's manager, a corporate attorney, and then my manager's manager's manager's manager, who is a vice president. And then, I have to do it all over again with the presentation foils for each talk. Isn't anybody outside of MSA checking your work? As for MSA reviews, perhaps you do not recall an era when any MSA abstract that was submitted would be accepted. That ended abruptly after the publication of the infamous "Dappled Field" hoax abstract in 1974 (page 552-I still take it out and look at it occasionally when I need a laugh).
John Mardinly Intel
These comments are the opinion of the author and do not represent the opinion of Intel Corporation.
-----Original Message----- } From: Debby Sherman [mailto:dsherman-at-purdue.edu] Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2005 11:03 AM To: Marek Malecki, M.D., Ph.D.; microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Marek, For what it is worth, I do not consider M&M abstracts as peer reviewed. A true peer reviewed article is one that is independently reviewed by 2 or more scientists knowledgeable about the appropriate field as required by the contents of the paper. Unless I am misinformed, I believe that M&M abstracts are checked for layout, appropriate format and submission information but are not judged on content.
I personally assume that all abstracts, regardless of length, do not contain sufficient data, discussion, and conclusions for a reader to make an informed opinion as to the overall merits of the research.
An abstract is sufficient to let you know if the subject matter is of sufficient interest to you to want to learn more. In that case you read the entire paper, listen to the presentation, or read the poster to get the "rest of the story". Then you can begin to make critical judgements as to the merits of the research.
Debby
Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 Life Science Microscopy Facility FAX: 765-494-5896 Purdue University E-mail: dsherman-at-purdue.edu S-052 Whistler Building 170 S. University Street West Lafayette, IN 47907 http://www3.agriculture.purdue.edu/microscopy
On 4/21/05 6:16 AM, "Marek Malecki, M.D., Ph.D." {mmalecki-at-wisc.edu} wrote:
} } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------} - } } Greetings, All! } I have a dispute with UW administration over the number of publications } generated / year. I would appreciate seeing opinions of people , who went } through similar hurdles with their sponsors. } In particular, are M&M contributions considered peer-reviewed articles or } not? They are longer than 100 words-long ACB, FASEB, SMI abstracts and } longer than many rapid communications. They are also supposed to be } peer-reviewed. The data in them are distilled to the very core of the } communication. } } Perhaps posting all Proceedings in complete forms on the Internet would } boost their prestige / recognition? } } Cheers, } Marek } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 22 15:50:50 2005
Does anyone out there have a recommendation for a short course or other access to instruction on cryoultramicrotomy of polymers? I've seen a few advertisements for courses, but I'm reluctant to commit the funds without a reasonable expectation of the content of the course and the quality of the instruction. I have inherited a Reichert-Jung Ultracut E with the FC-4E Cryo accessory and I would like to have some background before I jump in and destroy a new diamond knife or the instrument itself.
TIA,
Bill
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 22 20:45:49 2005
Jim Nicolino's Advanced Analysis Technologies (www.advancedanalysistech.com) has an office in Monroeville, PA.
That's closeish, isn't it?
Jim's email:
JNicolino-at-advancedanalysistech.com
cheers
rtch
} } } } Email: labtechcorp-at-nji.com } } Name: Charles Schwartz } } } } Organization: Labtech Corp. } } } } Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: } } } } Question: Does anyone know where I can get the ultra-thin window on } } my old Tracor EDX system repaired without having to mortgage the } } business? NJ/East Coast location preferable } } } } Charlie } } } } --------------------------------------------------------------------- } } ------ } }
-- Ritchie Sims Ph D Phone : 64 9 3737599 ext 87713 Microanalyst Fax : 64 9 3737435 Department of Geology email : r.sims-at-auckland.ac.nz The University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland New Zealand
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sat Apr 23 00:34:07 2005
Colin, Not being familiar with the Xenosput system, I looked it up to see whether it was a magnetron sputter system. Yep, it was. If you have a ferromagnetic material, it will not sputter because it screws up (And that is a technical phrase!) the magnetic field lines that guides the ions to the target for sputtering. It is the presence of the magnetic lines that gives you the little racetrack patterns that appear on targets when you use them. You can get a thin Fe film by ion sputtering with no problems. Just like the Cr target, you should sputter away the oxide coating while shielding your sample prior to actually coating.
Disclaimer: South Bay Technology manufactures and sells the IBS/e ion beam sputter unit for applying uniform thin coatings on samples and substrates by ion sputtering. If you visit our website, www.southbaytech.com, you can find our representative in Australia.
-Scott
Scott D. Walck, Ph.D. Technical Director South Bay Technology, Inc. 1120 Via Callejon San Clemente, CA 92673 USA
TEL: +1-949-492-2600 Toll-free in the USA: +1-800-728-2233 FAX: +1-949-492-1499 eMail: Walck-at-SouthBayTech.com
Temporary Pittsburgh Area Phone Number: 412-492-8127
-----Original Message----- } From: Colin.Veitch-at-csiro.au [mailto:Colin.Veitch-at-csiro.au] Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2005 2:18 AM To: Microscopy-at-msa.microscopy.com
Hi All,
We have a Xenosput coater which we use to deposit Cr films on samples for examination in our FESEM. One of my colleagues wants to deposit some very thin Fe films using the Xenosput. I have had a steel target made up and replaced the chromium one with it but can't seem to get an arc to strike.
I'm wondering if it won't work with a magnetic material. (After my attempts I replaced the Cr target and everything was fine, so I don't think it is the Xenosput itself.) Has anyone ever tried using a steel target in one of these things, and if so did they have any success? An option is to try a stainless steel target and see how that goes is suppose.
The information contained in this e-mail message may be privileged or confidential information. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not copy, distribute or take any action in reliance on it. If you have received this message in error, please telephone CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology on +61 3 5246 4000.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sat Apr 23 01:02:41 2005
I would like to add my two cents as someone who has had to use my CV recently and has kept it up to date over the years. I solved the problem of this issue by separating my publications into three groups, Refereed, Reviewed, and Non-Reviewed. My definitions are that if it goes to two or more reviewers by an editor of a journal and I get back a referee report that I may have to respond to if they are not satisfied, then it is a peer-reviewed, refereed article. If the article gets reviewed by peer organizers of a meeting as to its fitness, quality, and scientific value for inclusion into a meeting's proceedings where there is a possibility for it to be rejected if it is not up-to-standards, then it is a Reviewed paper. An article that is written that is included in a published periodical where it may only be reviewed by an editor for content is a non-reviewed article. I have all of my M&M abstracts listed under Reviewed since I know the procedures for reviewing the abstracts at the Program Planning Meeting (as Nestor, Bob, and Dave have mentioned in their posts). The few articles that I have had in "Microscopy Today" are listed as non-reviewed, even though I know that Ron Anderson critically reviews all of the MT articles before he includes them.
By choosing to list my publications in this manner, it leaves no doubts for someone reviewing my CV as to how the papers should be weighted.
-Scott
Scott D. Walck, Ph.D. Technical Director South Bay Technology, Inc. 1120 Via Callejon San Clemente, CA 92673 USA
TEL: +1-949-492-2600 Toll-free in the USA: +1-800-728-2233 FAX: +1-949-492-1499 eMail: Walck-at-SouthBayTech.com
Temporary Pittsburgh Area Phone Number: 412-492-8127
-----Original Message----- } From: Marek Malecki, M.D., Ph.D. [mailto:mmalecki-at-wisc.edu] Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2005 7:16 AM To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Greetings, All! I have a dispute with UW administration over the number of publications generated / year. I would appreciate seeing opinions of people , who went through similar hurdles with their sponsors. In particular, are M&M contributions considered peer-reviewed articles or not? They are longer than 100 words-long ACB, FASEB, SMI abstracts and longer than many rapid communications. They are also supposed to be peer-reviewed. The data in them are distilled to the very core of the communication.
Perhaps posting all Proceedings in complete forms on the Internet would boost their prestige / recognition?
Cheers, Marek
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sat Apr 23 02:02:50 2005
Dear friends, this year Fluorescence School will be held in Genoa on 13-15 September 2005. You can find news and information on http://www.fluorescence-foundation.org/agenda.htm
Since the number of partecipants is limited, book your site now!
All my best Alby
------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------ [...] Dance with wolves and count the stars, including the unseen...(L.Ferlinghetti, Challenges to young poet, 2001)
------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------- Alberto Diaspro, MicroScoBIO Research Center, LAMBS-IFOM, Department of Physics, University of Genoa, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy facsimile +39-010314218 - voice +39-0103536426/480/309; URL: http://www.lambs.it http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0471409200.html
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (bdrysdale-at-fibrolight.com) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Friday, April 22, 2005 at 14:35:16 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: bdrysdale-at-fibrolight.com Name: Robert Drysdale
Thanks Geoff & Paul for your kind words. I simply enjoy the study of Microscopy and it's fascinating History. Mr/Dr Rife and his credentials are of no concern to me, just the History.
You can sputter magnetic materials with a magnetron in two ways, at least.
One is to use a very thin foil as a target - several hundred microns and stronger magnets. The magnetic field lines will penetrate the thin foil and the magnetron discharge will ignite. You have to change the foil quite often as it will sputter away fast.
If you have a target several mm thick, you can make a grove with approximately square cross-section (say 1x1mm) in the middle of the race track that you see on your Cr target.
That profile will form a ExB configuration in the grove and you will get a magnetron discharge. The edges of the grove erode pretty rapidly and the deposition rate will change with time but the target will last longer. This is just between you and me since it is an unpublished secret of mine J
Best
Ivan
-----Original Message----- From: Scott Walck on Comcast [mailto:swalck-at-comcast.net] Sent: Sat 4/23/2005 00:52 To: MicroscopyListserver Cc: Colin.Veitch-at-csiro.au Subject: [Microscopy] RE: Xenosput coater with Fe
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Colin, Not being familiar with the Xenosput system, I looked it up to see whether it was a magnetron sputter system. Yep, it was. If you have a ferromagnetic material, it will not sputter because it screws up (And that is a technical phrase!) the magnetic field lines that guides the ions to the target for sputtering. It is the presence of the magnetic lines that gives you the little racetrack patterns that appear on targets when you use them. You can get a thin Fe film by ion sputtering with no problems. Just like the Cr target, you should sputter away the oxide coating while shielding your sample prior to actually coating.
Disclaimer: South Bay Technology manufactures and sells the IBS/e ion beam sputter unit for applying uniform thin coatings on samples and substrates by ion sputtering. If you visit our website, www.southbaytech.com, you can find our representative in Australia.
-Scott
Scott D. Walck, Ph.D. Technical Director South Bay Technology, Inc. 1120 Via Callejon San Clemente, CA 92673 USA
TEL: +1-949-492-2600 Toll-free in the USA: +1-800-728-2233 FAX: +1-949-492-1499 eMail: Walck-at-SouthBayTech.com
Temporary Pittsburgh Area Phone Number: 412-492-8127
-----Original Message----- } From: Colin.Veitch-at-csiro.au [mailto:Colin.Veitch-at-csiro.au] Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2005 2:18 AM To: Microscopy-at-msa.microscopy.com Subject: [Microscopy] Xenosput coater with Fe
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Hi All,
We have a Xenosput coater which we use to deposit Cr films on samples for examination in our FESEM. One of my colleagues wants to deposit some very thin Fe films using the Xenosput. I have had a steel target made up and replaced the chromium one with it but can't seem to get an arc to strike.
I'm wondering if it won't work with a magnetic material. (After my attempts I replaced the Cr target and everything was fine, so I don't think it is the Xenosput itself.) Has anyone ever tried using a steel target in one of these things, and if so did they have any success? An option is to try a stainless steel target and see how that goes is suppose.
The information contained in this e-mail message may be privileged or confidential information. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not copy, distribute or take any action in reliance on it. If you have received this message in error, please telephone CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology on +61 3 5246 4000.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sat Apr 23 14:42:03 2005
I'm seeking feedback on eBSD analysis of as-fabricated copper damascene IC runners. During Scanning 2005, I gave a presentation about this and recrystalization of the top level of a six layer IC. What is puzzling is the lack of {111} orientation preference in the electrodep layer versus that of the seed layer. If the seed layer is essentially 95% {111} but the electrodep layer is seemingly uniform in orientation, what does this mean about the electrodep layer?
I see twinning (mostly Sigma 3) in the seed layer but hardly any in the electrodep layers. The IC I'm currently studying is a Motorola G4 PPC. The EBSD was done at 25C and 150C with 150C for up to 117 hours.
Any idea what is going on here? Why doesn't the electrodep layers exhibit the {111} preference of the seed layer? What does this suggest about metal reliability and electromigration? The runners range from 3.35u to .2u wide. Radically different H/W ratios.
All feedback appreciated.
gary g.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sat Apr 23 16:45:55 2005
Thank you very much for all of your responses regarding the use of a Fe target in a Xenosput (a magnetron sputter system).
It looks like we'll start off with a non-magnetic stainless steel first and then progress to a thin Fe target later. As the purity of the sputtered film at this stage is not critical (hence using mild steel first) the other components of the target won't matter too much.
Cheers and thanks again.
Colin Veitch
CSIRO TFT Geelong.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sun Apr 24 09:02:03 2005
I think that in reality one has to accept the fact that these articles would be classified as "Peer-reviewed conference proceedings" which do not have the same weight as longer articles. This is despite the fact that it takes really a lot of effort to say everything in a very compact, 2 page format, which is next thoroughly reviewed. The South African National Research Foundation would classify them just as I said, and I believe this is correct. Unfortunately!
Regards
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Dr Wojciech J. Przybylowicz Materials Research Group iThemba LABS PO Box 722 Somerset West 7129 South Africa E-mail: przybylowicz-at-tlabs.ac.za Fax: +27-21-8433543 Phone: +27-21-8431166 (direct); 8431000 (reception) Cell: +27-82-563 7925 http://www.tlabs.ac.za xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
----- Original Message ----- } From: "Scott Walck on Comcast" {swalck-at-comcast.net} To: "MicroscopyListserver" {Microscopy-at-microscopy.com} Sent: Saturday, April 23, 2005 8:21 AM
Although this might not help in cutting polypropylene across the surface, I thought I'd mention a tip I learned last week for make cross-sectioning. Dip the polypropylene in IPA, used as a wetting agent, then into water, then into LN2, then snap it. I have yet to try this, but I am told that the cross-sections turned out extremely well for SEM.
Lou Ross
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
-- Senior Electron Microscope Specialist Electron Microscopy Core Facility W136 Veterinary Medicine University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211-5120 (573) 882-4777, fax 884=5414 email: rosslm-at-missouri.edu http://www.emc.missouri.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon Apr 25 08:53:44 2005
Second Reminder: There are still a few more openings for this short course and workshop. Registration deadline is May 4.
The Electron Microscopy Core Facility at the University of Missouri-Columbia is hosting the 3rd annual Short Course and Workshop on Computer-Assisted Image Analysis and Measurement taught by Dr. John C. Russ on May 25-27, 2005. This popular course is intended to familiarize users of image analysis equipment with the fundamental principles and methods available to obtain meaningful results, and to educate laboratory supervisors or research professionals seeking to learn how to use such methods in their applications. The techniques are applicable to fields ranging from materials, geological and biological/medical research to food technology and manufacturing quality control.
The course relies heavily on tightly coupled lectures and hands-on experience with the various techniques. The laboratory includes a wide variety of image analysis methods designed to cover the range of approaches and tools, and a detailed set of practical instructions to enable their use with a minimal learning curve. No specific background is assumed, although users should already be familiar with microscopy or other imaging technology, and the techniques required to obtain the images to be measured. Many of the examples used in the course involve light or electron microscope images, but students are invited to bring their own most interesting images (TIFF files) for discussion and analysis.
Image analysis and measurement methods are used in a broad range of applications and are usually concerned with extracting a few numerical values, such as the number, size, shape or location of objects from the image. In other cases, global structural parameters such as measures of the volume and surface of structures present are of interest. These measurements may require image processing to correct defects, feature enhancement, comparison of multiple images, object recognition, or other steps. Ultimately, the image is reduced to just the features of interest. Measurements on these individual features, or on the image as a whole, must then be obtained and interpreted in a proper stereological context to obtain useful data about the objects. Statistical interpretation of the data allows comparisons of different populations, understanding of distribution plots, and other inferences about the original objects. Structural modeling and geometric probability can be used to develop models for this interpretation.
Dr. Russ is the internationally acclaimed author of innumerable articles and several books on image analysis techniques and digital imaging, including the The Image Processing Handbook. He is widely known for his workshops and short courses and has helped to develop software packages to make image analysis methods more accessible to non-specialists.
The registration fee is $1100 and has an enrollment limit of 20. More information can be found at {http://www.emc.missouri.edu/works.htm} http://www.emc.missouri.edu/works.htm, or by contacting course coordinator Lou Ross at 573.882.4777 or rosslm-at-missouri.edu.
Lou Ross -- Senior Electron Microscope Specialist Electron Microscopy Core Facility W136 Veterinary Medicine University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211-5120 (573) 882-4777, fax 884=5414 email: rosslm-at-missouri.edu http://www.emc.missouri.edu
-- Senior Electron Microscope Specialist Electron Microscopy Core Facility W136 Veterinary Medicine University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211-5120 (573) 882-4777, fax 884=5414 email: rosslm-at-missouri.edu http://www.emc.missouri.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon Apr 25 14:52:01 2005
I've done lots of microtoming of PP: normally I've mounted the specimen directly on a dry ice bucket using freezable acrylic compounds with a names such as Tryco-M-Bed or Cryo-M-Bed. These are obtainable from your friendly local microscopy supplier. After cutting the material can be washed from the sections or stub with water.
I'd like to ask, are you trying to prepare sections for polarizing optical microscopy, or surfaces for electron microscopy? I've had years of work with PP using POM, SEM and TEM - if you want further details feel free to ask.
For polypropylene TEM morphology you might like to look at:
and click on the tabs "Impact Polypropylene" and "Row Structures"
----------------------------------- Robert H. Olley Physics Department University of Reading, England Reply to: R.H.Olley-at-reading.ac.uk URL: http://www.rdg.ac.uk/~spsolley -----------------------------------
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon Apr 25 18:58:38 2005
Cu seeds are usually sputter coated. Any sputter coated layers tend to have textures such as {111} for fcc. Cu electrodep on wafers is done violently (mechanical rotating) in a very short period of time (mins). Those pre-formed seeds may actually act as a buffer layer rather than the nuclei from which columnar {111} Cu would grow. What's more, post-annealing is a standard procedure, which would trigger recrystalization to kill the texture should that pre-exist. Equiaxed grains are beneficial to both chip process and interconnect conductivity.
Twinning may happen during process, deformation, or recrystalization. The actual cause for triggering such a transformation is a million dollar question. Sputtered Cu on wafer always has a lot of twinning.
My depreciated $0.02
-cni **************************************** The W.M. Keck Electron Microscope Facility Facility location: 022 Spencer Laboratory Mailing address: 201 duPont Hall Dept of Matls Sci & Eng University of Delaware Newark, DE 19716 (302) 831-2318(L); -4545(Fax) http://eml.masc.udel.edu *****************************************
On Sat, 23 Apr 2005, Gary Gaugler wrote:
} } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Hi Listers: } } I'm seeking feedback on eBSD analysis of as-fabricated } copper damascene IC runners. During Scanning 2005, I } gave a presentation about this and recrystalization of } the top level of a six layer IC. What is puzzling is } the lack of {111} orientation preference in the electrodep } layer versus that of the seed layer. If the seed layer } is essentially 95% {111} but the electrodep layer is } seemingly uniform in orientation, what does this mean } about the electrodep layer? } } I see twinning (mostly Sigma 3) in the seed layer but hardly } any in the electrodep layers. The IC I'm currently studying } is a Motorola G4 PPC. The EBSD was done at 25C and 150C } with 150C for up to 117 hours. } } Any idea what is going on here? Why doesn't the electrodep } layers exhibit the {111} preference of the seed layer? } What does this suggest about metal reliability and electromigration? } The runners range from 3.35u to .2u wide. Radically different } H/W ratios. } } All feedback appreciated. } } gary g. } } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 26 04:50:11 2005
While evaluating microscope objectives for purchase, I note that objectives can be degignated for "no cover glass", and objectives designed for both, i.e., "with" and "without". What is the practical difference between these 2 types for photomicrography?
Our own applications will be 95% polished rock thinsections, which can be divided equally between incident and transmitted polarized illumination.
tia & cheerios ... shAf :o) Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland www.micro-investigations.com (in progress)
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue Apr 26 07:57:29 2005
Michael P. Goheen Electron Microscopy Lab Dept. of Pathology & Lab Medicine Indiana University School of Medicine Tel. 317-274-7604 Fax 317-274-5346 mgoheen-at-iupui.edu
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine/ Indiana University School of Medicine
This is an announcement for an employment opportunity for an experienced Electron Microscopy Technologist (TE09) in Anatomic Pathology's clinical EM laboratory at Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Minimum requirements and responsibilities:
* BA/BS degree in one of the life sciences
* Three years experience with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), preferably clinical
* Proficiency in all phases of routine biological TEM
* Experience with both digital and traditional photographic methodologies
* Microscopy Society of America certification is highly preferred
* Instruct new users on the operation of the transmission electron microscopes and ancillary equipment
* Communicate effectively with internal and external inquiries related to the EM laboratory using both written and oral communication skills
* Duties and responsibilities will include processing, cutting, staining, TEM examination and photography of pathologic specimens including kidney, muscle, nerve, cilia and tumors
A complete Job description along with benefits information is available from the IUPUI Human Resources department. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Send your resume including a history of your clinical TEM experience and the names and contact information of 3 references to:
Susan Hill Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Barnhill Drive Medical Science Bldg, room A128 Indianapolis, IN 46202 suehill-at-iupui.edu
In the spring of 2006, the EM laboratory will move into a new state-of-the-art 65 million dollar laboratory building in downtown Indianapolis. As part of this relocation, along with the moving of our FEI CM 10, the lab is acquiring a new TEM equipped with a digital camera system. The lab provides services to Clarian Health partners (Methodist, Indiana University and Riley Hospitals) and clients throughout the United States.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 27 07:22:48 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (pmccurdy-at-lamar.colostate.edu) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Monday, April 25, 2005 at 14:06:09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: pmccurdy-at-lamar.colostate.edu Name: Pat McCurdy
What accuracy should I expect from my EDS system when analyzing non-conducting samples? I have consistently been getting a ratio of 1:2.5 for Si to O when analyzing a well-grounded piece of quartz. The applications guy for our system told me even if I coat the outside I will still get charging in the bulk which will skew my results. I tried to take into account the charging by looking at where the bremsstrahlung tailed off and adjusting the accelerating voltage by an appropriate amount. Still the results show an oxygen-to-silicon ratio greater than two. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Pat McCurdy Research Scientist Colorado State University
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (jsnell-at-microbonds.com) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Monday, April 25, 2005 at 14:06:28 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: jsnell-at-microbonds.com Name: James Snell
Organization: Microbonds, Inc.
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] Leo/Zeiss 982 Service
Question: We have a Leo DSM982 feSEM which we purchased USED. It has been a real problem machine and has not been successfully installed yet. There are very few reps available to service this machine at present and we have an urgent need.
The Zeiss reps available are quite good, but do not have enough available time to give us priority service until it is running.
Does anyone know of any other source than the manufacturer for servicing these SEMs (independent, recently retired)? It would be greatly appreciated.
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (mingzong-at-ualberta.ca) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Monday, April 25, 2005 at 11:41:11 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: mingzong-at-ualberta.ca Name: Mingzong
Organization: university of alberta
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: TEM sample preparation of PE film
Question: Hi, I have questions of how to prepare polyethylene film thin sections used for TEM. 1. what kind of emdedding materials should I use for PE film? I tried spur, it seems that they can't adhere tightly, when I do the microtome, teh film is easily peel off from the embedded materil. 2. Do I have to use cryo-microtoming? 3. How to stain the samples? I found that in the literature, some one stained the thin sections while others stained the trimmed face off before microtoming? Which one is better? For each case, how long is approperate for the stainning? Any suggestions is highly appreciated.
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (dwberry-at-vt.edu) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 at 08:15:22 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: dwberry-at-vt.edu Name: David Berry
Organization: Materials Science and Engineering at Virginia Tech
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] (SEM sample prep) Technics sputter coater
Question: Hello All,
My department has acquired a used Technics Hummer II sputter coater for SEM sample prep. There is no documentation with it and I am unsure of its operation. We currently use a Denton Vacuum, DESK II, for all our sputtering needs and the set-up is a little different than the Technics system. Any information on this system would be extremely helpful. It would be really nice to have a manual if one still exists.
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (Alicia.Roh-at-carolinashealthcare.org) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 at 11:26:56 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: We have recently purchased a Lynx el Automatic Tissue Processor from EMS to help assist with our clinical tissue processing. It appears that this machine has been utilized in other laboratories for a number of years, and we would like to know if anyone has any successes/challenges they would like to share with us. Currently we use an 8-hour protocol for soft tissue (prior to embedding in 100% resin). Our main inquires at this moment are:
1) Do any of the hand-processed protocol times need to be adjusted for use with the automatic processor?
2) Is Osmium fixation recommended with the machine, or should that be hand processed separately?
3) Is there excessive evaporation of 100% ethanol and/or propylene oxide that we would have to account for by increasing volume?
4) Any challenges with the resin polymerizing in the vials, or excessive dripping between vial rotations?
5) Does anyone use optical lens paper to 'wrap' the specimens prior to insertion into the baskets. (Sometimes our samples are small enough to fall through the holes).
"The statements and opinions expressed here by Gary M. Brown represent neither those of ExxonMobil Corporation nor its affiliates."
Mingzong,
I strongly recommend the following approach: Cryo-face the sample using a glass or diamond knife in a cryo-ultramicrotome. Stain faced sample in RuO4 vapors. Cut { 100 nm-thick sections from the stained face using a diamond knife and ultramicrotome at ambient temperature. Have fun in the TEM.
This procedure, as well as a one for preparation of samples for low voltage SEM analysis of domain morphology of blends, is well documented in the paper referenced below. Our lab uses it exclusively, over other techniques for polyethylene, polypropylene, their blends and copolymers, with excellent results. Detailed instructions can be found in the appendix.
The reference is: G. M. Brown and J. H. Butler, “New method for the characterization of domain morphology of polymer blends using ruthenium tetroxide staining and low voltage scanning electron microscopy (LVSEM)â€, Polymer 38 (15), 3937 (1997).
Feel free to contact me off-line with questions regarding the method.
Cheers,
Gary M. Brown ExxonMobil Chemical Company Baytown Technology & Engineering - West 5200 Bayway Drive Baytown, Texas 77520-2101 phone: 281 834 2387 fax: 281 834 2395 e-mail: Gary.M.Brown-at-ExxonMobil.com
mingzong-at-ualbe rta.ca (by way of To MicroscopyList microscopy-at-microscopy.com server) cc
Subject viaWWW: TEM sample 04/27/05 07:46 preparation of PE film AM
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Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (mingzong-at-ualberta.ca) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Monday, April 25, 2005 at 11:41:11 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: mingzong-at-ualberta.ca Name: Mingzong
Organization: university of alberta
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: TEM sample preparation of PE film
Question: Hi, I have questions of how to prepare polyethylene film thin sections used for TEM. 1. what kind of emdedding materials should I use for PE film? I tried spur, it seems that they can't adhere tightly, when I do the microtome, teh film is easily peel off from the embedded materil. 2. Do I have to use cryo-microtoming? 3. How to stain the samples? I found that in the literature, some one stained the thin sections while others stained the trimmed face off before microtoming? Which one is better? For each case, how long is approperate for the stainning? Any suggestions is highly appreciated.
I use RMC's processor, not Leica, but here are my answers to your question. I believe there should be minor (or no) differences between the two processors.
1) Do any of the hand-processed protocol times need to be adjusted for use with the automatic processor?
My only change here is to shorten the infiltration time. I use 7 hours verses overnight by hand.
2) Is Osmium fixation recommended with the machine, or should that be hand processed separately?
I process OsO4 in the processor. Same time as by hand (1 hour).
3) Is there excessive evaporation of 100% ethanol and/or propylene oxide that we would have to account for by increasing volume?
This answer will have to come from a Leica user, if there is, it should be very minimal.
4) Any challenges with the resin polymerizing in the vials, or excessive dripping between vial rotations?
If I set the processor up for a run over the weekend, I do not use 100% resin in the last vial. It will polymerize almost completely and be very hard to retrieve the tissue. I use two 1:1 resin:acetone vials.
5) Does anyone use optical lens paper to 'wrap' the specimens prior to insertion into the baskets. (Sometimes our samples are small enough to fall through the holes).
I use a product called Histowrap (from Obex Industries). There are very few tissues I do not wrap. Try to leave the tissue exposed (wrapped) with only one layer of wrap.
Any advice would greatly be appreciated! Thanks!
Automatic tissue processors will not cut down on turn-around-time, but they do make life easier.
Edward Calomeni Director EM Lab Ohio State University - Pathology M018 Starling Loving Hall 320 W. 10th Ave. Columbus, OH 43210-1240 614-293-5580 (office) 614-293-8806 (lab) calomeni-1-at-medctr.osu.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 27 15:28:32 2005
I suspect that your experience illustrates more the problems with quantitative oxygen analysis (by EDS) than with the analysis of nonconducting samples.
EDS can and does give very good quantitative analytical results, for elements from sodium up, for all sorts of silicates, most if not all of which are nonconducting.
What oxygen standard(s) are you using?
cheers
rtch
} } Email: pmccurdy-at-lamar.colostate.edu } Name: Pat McCurdy } } Organization: Colorado State University } } Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: } } Question: To Whom It May Concern: } } What accuracy should I expect from my EDS system when analyzing } non-conducting samples? I have consistently been getting a ratio of } 1:2.5 for Si to O when analyzing a well-grounded piece of quartz. The } applications guy for our system told me even if I coat the outside I } will still get charging in the bulk which will skew my results. I } tried to take into account the charging by looking at where the } bremsstrahlung tailed off and adjusting the accelerating voltage by an } appropriate amount. Still the results show an oxygen-to-silicon ratio } greater than two. Any help would be greatly appreciated. } } Sincerely, } } Pat McCurdy } Research Scientist } Colorado State University } } } ---------------------------------------------------------------------- } ----- }
-- Ritchie Sims Ph D Phone : 64 9 3737599 ext 87713 Microanalyst Fax : 64 9 3737435 Department of Geology email : r.sims-at-auckland.ac.nz The University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland New Zealand
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 27 16:49:11 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (monica.iliescu-at-polymtl.ca) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at 07:51:45 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would like to learn if someone of you imagined, in conventional high vacuum SEM, samples of blood clots, and if yes, how proceed for the specimen preparation.
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (rpowell-at-nanoprobes.com) from on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at 14:04:44 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: rpowell-at-nanoprobes.com Name: Rick Powell
Organization: Nanoprobes, Inc
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] Vacancy: Microscopy Technician, Nanoprobes Inc.
Question: Nanoprobes, Incorporated is a developer and manufacturer of immunogold probes and reagents located on Long Island, NY.
We are looking for a MICROSCOPY TECHNICIAN (recent Associates or BS). We need someone to help us keep our TEM up and running, then use TEM, light and fluorescence microscopy to evaluate prototypes and new products.
Job functions:
(1) Maintain and operate our TEM, schedule and coordinate repairs, maintain and manage ancillary facillities - darkroom, processing equipment and chemicals, and film.
(2) Transmission electron microscopy of samples including gold and other metal nanoparticles, autometallographically enhanced gold, and biological specimens stained or labeled with these reagents; negative staining and counterstaining as required.
(3) Help us acquire and set up lab and equipment for biological specimen processing (embedding, sectioning, etc.), then apply these methods to develop systems in which to test new staining and immunolabeling reagents.
(4) Light microscopy and fluorescent microscopy, including correlative light/electron and fluorescence/electron microscopy.
You might also work with some other biological immunostaining and detection applications (blots, gels), depending on the workload for microscopy.
We are looking for someone who can develop standard procedures for microscope operation, and for staining procedures for use as test systems to evaluate new reagents. The successful applicant will also help us implement systems for archiving and sharing microscopic data and images.
If this is you, please fax your resume to (631) 980-3608, or e-mail rpowell-at-nanoprobes.com. Unfortunately we can't offer relocation, so local candidates will be preferred.
************************************************************* NANOPROBES, Incorporated * www.nanoprobes.com 95 Horse Block Road, Yaphank, NY 11980-9710, USA *************************************************************
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (shaenon-at-hotmail.com) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at 14:50:27 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: Hi, I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for softening insect cuticle for histological work. I am having much difficulty sectioning insect ears as the cuticle is so hard. Any ideas or suggestion?
Dear Pat, The quantification of the EDS results on an SEM is complicated and very dependant on many factors of the SEM, EDS system and sample. The quantification of the very light elements is further complicated by the very soft nature of the x-rays, which means that not all of them are detected, and the very large correction factors that are calculated for atomic number and absorption for the elements below sodium on the periodic table. If your sample charges, then the apparent electron beam voltage drops as the sample builds up a negative charge, which changes the calculation of the correction factors. As a final problem, if the EDS detector gets contaminated with a film of oil from the SEM pumping system, the softer x-rays from the lighter elements get preferentially absorbed. I used to go from an oxygen peak half the height of the silicon on my SiO2 standard, when the window was dirty, to an oxygen peak twice the height of the Si, after I had cleaned the window. Some questions: What is your EDS take-off angle? What is your EDS window material? Is your SiO2 sample polished flat and exactly perpendicular to the beam. Is it coated with a thin layer of carbon to prevent charging or are you using variable pressure? Is your EDS window clean or can it be cleaned? Sometimes it is better to use your sample as a standard in the EDS system, than to try to get the EDS to produce the right numbers (standardless) for these materials containing very light elements. In answer to your question, not much accuracy. Good luck, Mary Mager Electron Microscopist Department of Materials Engineering University of British Columbia 6350 Stores Road Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4 CANADA Tel: 604-822-5648 Fax: 604-822-3619 e-mail: mager-at-interchange.ubc.ca ----- Original Message ----- } From: "by way of MicroscopyListserver" {pmccurdy-at-lamar.colostate.edu} To: {microscopy-at-microscopy.com} Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2005 5:47 AM
Hi, Michael
Coverslips are part of the optical train. If the system calls for "no coverslip" and you use one, you will get spherical abberrations (lack of focus, hazy image).
For your transmitted light work, I would recommend using a coverslip (#1-1/2). For your reflected light work, no coverslip. The objectives you use can also be y our guide.
Hope this is helpful.
Best regards, Barbara Foster
Microscopy/Microscopy Education 313 S Jupiter Rd, Suite 100 Allen, TX 75002 P: 972-954-8011 W: www.MicroscopyEducation.com
P. S. Need a good general reference or light microscopy text? Call us today to learn more about "Optimizing LIght Microscopy". Copies still available through MME... even for class-room lots ... and we give quantity discounts.
At 05:14 AM 4/26/2005, michael shaffer wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 27 20:26:03 2005
Along these lines, I was recently asked if you could get an idea about stratification of different elements in a sample using EDS by adjusting the kV so that the beam would penetrate to different depths and then comparing the resulting spectra. The investigator expects that when a particular material (primarily light elements with some Zn and Mn of interest) dries down, some of the components will settle at different rates based on particle size and composition. He would be content with some very general data that would confirm or reject his theory.
Is this possible or reasonable to get the desired information? Would Monte Carlo simulation be able to predict this type of information and help in determining the necessary sample thickness to make the results meaningful?
Debby
Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 Life Science Microscopy Facility FAX: 765-494-5896 Purdue University E-mail: dsherman-at-purdue.edu S-052 Whistler Building 170 S. University Street West Lafayette, IN 47907 http://www3.agriculture.purdue.edu/microscopy
On 4/27/05 6:09 PM, "Mary Mager" {mager-at-interchange.ubc.ca} wrote:
} } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------} - } } Dear Pat, } The quantification of the EDS results on an SEM is complicated and very } dependant on many factors of the SEM, EDS system and sample. The } quantification of the very light elements is further complicated by the very } soft nature of the x-rays, which means that not all of them are detected, } and the very large correction factors that are calculated for atomic number } and absorption for the elements below sodium on the periodic table. If your } sample charges, then the apparent electron beam voltage drops as the sample } builds up a negative charge, which changes the calculation of the correction } factors. As a final problem, if the EDS detector gets contaminated with a } film of oil from the SEM pumping system, the softer x-rays from the lighter } elements get preferentially absorbed. I used to go from an oxygen peak half } the height of the silicon on my SiO2 standard, when the window was dirty, to } an oxygen peak twice the height of the Si, after I had cleaned the window. } Some questions: What is your EDS take-off angle? What is your EDS window } material? Is your SiO2 sample polished flat and exactly perpendicular to the } beam. Is it coated with a thin layer of carbon to prevent charging or are } you using variable pressure? Is your EDS window clean or can it be cleaned? } Sometimes it is better to use your sample as a standard in the EDS system, } than to try to get the EDS to produce the right numbers (standardless) for } these materials containing very light elements. In answer to your question, } not much accuracy. } Good luck, } Mary Mager } Electron Microscopist } Department of Materials Engineering } University of British Columbia } 6350 Stores Road } Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4 } CANADA } Tel: 604-822-5648 } Fax: 604-822-3619 } e-mail: mager-at-interchange.ubc.ca } ----- Original Message ----- } } From: "by way of MicroscopyListserver" {pmccurdy-at-lamar.colostate.edu} } To: {microscopy-at-microscopy.com} } Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2005 5:47 AM } Subject: [Microscopy] viaWWW: EDS Accuracy } } } } } } } } -------------------------------------------------------------------------- } ---- } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } -------------------------------------------------------------------------- } ----- } } } } Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was } submitted by (pmccurdy-at-lamar.colostate.edu) from } http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Monday, April 25, 2005 at } 14:06:09 } } -------------------------------------------------------------------------- } - } } } } Email: pmccurdy-at-lamar.colostate.edu } } Name: Pat McCurdy } } } } Organization: Colorado State University } } } } Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: } } } } Question: To Whom It May Concern: } } } } What accuracy should I expect from my EDS system when analyzing } non-conducting samples? I have consistently been getting a ratio of 1:2.5 } for Si to O when analyzing a well-grounded piece of quartz. The applications } guy for our system told me even if I coat the outside I will still get } charging in the bulk which will skew my results. I tried to take into } account the charging by looking at where the bremsstrahlung tailed off and } adjusting the accelerating voltage by an appropriate amount. Still the } results show an oxygen-to-silicon ratio greater than two. Any help would be } greatly appreciated. } } } } Sincerely, } } } } Pat McCurdy } } Research Scientist } } Colorado State University } } } } } } -------------------------------------------------------------------------- } - } } } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 27 21:57:06 2005
I would expect to get very good results. No matter what. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Some times, it is operator error...sigh.
What KV are you using? What probe size? What specimen current?
For light elements, low KV is fine/best. For Si and O and lower than Si, the K alpha shells are predominant. So I figure that you only need 4-5KV. This is what I use (5KV). I coat the specimen with around 50A of Au/Pd or Pt. No problem.
So, when done, EDAX Genesis will produce intensity error ratios for each detected and ID element. If the ratio is higher than about 12% or so, the quant is probably bad. Mostly this means to me that I made an error in Z ID. If the Genesis HPD curve says that the IDs are correct, but intensity ratios are bad, then either I missed something really close in Z value or there is indeed a specimen issue. Usually it is my fault. The intensity ratios and HPD help to sort this out.
I use SiO2 for Si and O but also X-Checker Extra BN for N. So this I think pretty much nails Si and Al. Then, I use C and N and F to close in on the lighter elements around O. X-Checker Extra goes down to Be. That is useful to check all elements from Cu on down and a test for Mn (the FWHM test).
I've not had a quant problem with Genesis. Many of these quants have been checked against other methods. I have seen no more than about 2-3%% or so of deviation. No guess why the difference. Perhaps it is volumetric interaction. And of course, which is right and which is wrong?
Also, which quant method are you using for your specimen? The default is ZAF. Fine. If you are using bulk specimens, I think that RhoZAF is better. For best results, PhiRhoZAF is IMO, better. But Genesis offers SEC correction factors to tweak the ZAF values based on whatever standard you use and admire.
Disclaimer: I use EDAX Genesis. I do not sell it, loan it or lease it. I am just a happy user. I also do not sell X-Checker.
gary g.
At 05:47 AM 4/27/2005, you wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed Apr 27 23:44:35 2005
IMHO, this is an inadvisable approach and will be potentially frought with problems and inaccuracies. I certainly would only try this as an absolute last resort. There are much better and more accurate approaches.
The simpliest would be for your user to make a cross-section of the sample, (s)he can then image and analyze the respective strata by XEDS using conventional approaches, geometries and correction factors.
Talk to a Materials Scientist/Metallurgist at Purdue's Materials Engineering / Microstructural Analysis Facility. They should be able to help you, as this is a routine procedure in materials characterization.
Nestor Your Friendly Neighborhood SysOp.
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 28 01:22:58 2005
I have just had to resurrect an old E306 coating unit which hasn't been used for a while and the manuals seem to have disappeared. The valve handle has an in and out position, with labels of, backing, roughing, valves closed, glow discharge, fine pumping and open. Which apply to the in and out position, and what should be the correct pumping sequence?
The information contained in this e-mail message may be privileged or confidential information. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not copy, distribute or take any action in reliance on it. If you have received this message in error, please telephone CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology on +61 3 5246 4000.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 28 02:51:25 2005
We have had a Lynx processor for a while, so I can answer some of your questions:
1) We do not adjust the times compared to hand processing
2) We still do the osmium fixation step by hand - we were worried of getting an osmium deposit in the machine
3) Ethanol is all right as there is a rubber cover that closes the vessels most of the time, but propylene oxide does evaporate more quickly. I can not tell you whether propylene oxide is all right in long protocols since we work with acetone dehydration and do not use propylene oxide. You could fill the vessels up and do a test run with propylene oxide.
4) We have to clean all the vessels and the machine with acetone after each run. We embed in TAAB resin and are able to do the first 2 changes of 100% TAAB in the machine as long as we keep the incubation times low.
5) We do not use the Lynx for small or fragile specimens ( such as single cells or Vibratome sections ); I found it was rougher on the tissue than we are when we hand process it.
} } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (Alicia.Roh-at-carolinashealthcare.org) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 at 11:26:56 } --------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Email: Alicia.Roh-at-carolinashealthcare.org } Name: Alicia Roh } } Organization: Carolinas Medical Center } } Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] Lynx Automatic Tissue Processor } } Question: We have recently purchased a Lynx el Automatic Tissue Processor from EMS to help } assist with our clinical tissue processing. It appears that this machine has } been utilized in other laboratories for a number of years, and we would like to } know if anyone has any successes/challenges they would like to share with us. } Currently we use an 8-hour protocol for soft tissue (prior to embedding in 100% } resin). Our main inquires at this moment are: } } 1) Do any of the hand-processed protocol times need to be adjusted for use with } the automatic processor? } } 2) Is Osmium fixation recommended with the machine, or should that be hand } processed separately? } } 3) Is there excessive evaporation of 100% ethanol and/or propylene oxide that we } would have to account for by increasing volume? } } 4) Any challenges with the resin polymerizing in the vials, or excessive } dripping between vial rotations? } } 5) Does anyone use optical lens paper to 'wrap' the specimens prior to insertion } into the baskets. (Sometimes our samples are small enough to fall through the } holes). } } Any advice would greatly be appreciated! Thanks! } } } --------------------------------------------------------------------------- }
Dr. Gerd Leitinger
Institut für Zellbiologie, Histologie und Embryologie Medizinische Universität Graz Harrachgasse 21 A-8010 Graz Austria
} The Minnesota Microscopy Society invites you to its Annual MMS Spring } Symposium to be held on Friday May 6, 2005 at the Science Museum of } Minnesota , 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul in the Discovery Hall } (www.sci.mus.mn.us). } } This year's focus is "Cutting Edge Technologies in Microscopy" } } Schedule } 7:30 - 8:15 AM Registration, Continental Breakfast, and Vendor Displays } 8:15 - 9:00 AM Tom Isabell, JEOL USA, Inc. } Trends in Electron Microscopy, A Corrected View of the Future } 9:00 - 9:45 AM David Larson, Imago Scientific Instruments; } Analysis of Materials on an Atomic Scale } 9:45 - 10:30 AM Break and Vendor Displays } 10:30 - 11:15 PM Scott Chumbley, Iowa State University } WebSEM: Interactive, On-Line Microscopy for Education } 11:15 - 12:00 PM Scott Chumbley and Amy Chumbley - WebSEM Demo } 12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch and Vendor Displays } 1:00 - 1:30 PM Business Meeting (Society elections, Project MICRO, } etc.) } 1:30 - 2:15 PM Paul Voyles, University of Wisconsin, Madison } Imaging Single Impurity Atoms with Z-contrast STEM } 2:15 - 3:00 PM Break and Vendor Displays } 3:00 - 3:45 PM Duane Krueger, University of St. Thomas } Windows into Fragile Materials: Confocal Light Microscopy and ESEM } } Registration } The cost of the meeting will be $75 for MMS members and $85 for } nonmembers. For students and K-12 teachers the registration fee is } $35. This fee includes the meeting, buffet lunch, breakfast, coffee } breaks, and a free pass to the Museum exhibits (a $7 value). } Registrants can pay at the door, but reservations must be made in } advance. } } The Science Museum of Minnesota always has an exciting array of } exhibits. In addition, the Omnitheater features are "Kilimanjaro" and } "Mars 3D". Tickets to the Omnitheater are extra. } } You must make your reservations by Tuesday, May 3rd, and you can do so } by contacting Robert Lundquist (robltt-at-juno.com; 763-494-7945). } Include your name, address, and phone number or e-mail address with } your reservation. Due to the high cost to the Society, we will have to } bill those who make reservations but do not show.
Prof. Stuart McKernan IT Characterization Facility, University of Minnesota E-mail : stuartm-at-umn.edu 12 Shepherd Labs, Office: (612) 624-6009 100 Union Street S. E., Minneapolis, MN 55455 Lab: (612) 626-7594
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 28 08:36:50 2005
Believe it or not, I saw somebody successfully use Nair, the cosmetic hair remover product, for this very purpose. As I recall it was a project at the Southern Illinois University EM facility years ago involving serial LM sections through the abdomens of flies (affectionately referred to as the "bug butt" project).
For what it's worth.
Randy
Randy Tindall EM Specialist Electron Microscopy Core Facility---We Do Small Well! W122 Veterinary Medicine University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211 Tel: (573) 882-8304 Fax: (573) 884-5414 Email: tindallr-at-missouri.edu Web: http://www.emc.missouri.edu
-----Original Message----- } From: by way of MicroscopyListserver [mailto:shaenon-at-hotmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2005 5:15 PM To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (shaenon-at-hotmail.com) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at 14:50:27 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---
Question: Hi, I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for softening insect cuticle for histological work. I am having much difficulty sectioning insect ears as the cuticle is so hard. Any ideas or suggestion?
Hitschfel Instruments, Inc, the St. Louis based Olympus Microscope dealer is seeking applicants for a microscope sales position in the St. Louis Metro area. If you are interested and want to learn more or submit your resume, please visit us by pasting this link into your browser:
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Thanks to all respondents and to Nestor for providing this valuable forum.
David L. Kinast Hitschfel Instruments, Inc. 2333 South Hanley Rd. St. Louis, MO 63144 Phone: 800/242-3501 Phone: 314/644-6660 Fax: 314/644-5877 dkinast-at-hitschfel.com hitschfel.com
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 28 14:25:43 2005
I need recommendation for a procedure to determine the Al content in kaolin clay by flame AA. Our "library" doesn't have any references and we are a little isolated from the local university...
If anyone has a procedure they don't mind sharing or a citation to a reference book please contact me.
Thanks!!!
Frank Karl Degussa Corporation Akron Technical Center 3500 Embassy Parkway Suite 100 Akron, Ohio 44333
frank.karl-at-degussa.com
330-668-2235 Ext. 238
This e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it may contain information that is confidential or legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you must not read this transmission and that any disclosure, copying, printing, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this transmission is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately notify the sender by telephone or return e-mail and delete the original transmission and its attachments without reading or saving in any manner. Thank you.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 28 14:31:46 2005
I have a need to embed for ultramicrotomy a non-woven PTFE fibrous pad made out of nano-fibers. Spurrs and Epo-fix do not adhere well to the materials and ultra-sections tend to split along epoxy-pad interface. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
Jerzy
****************************************************** Jerzy Gazda, Ph.D. CeriumLaboratories L.L.C.
Supervising Engineer 5204 E. Ben White Blvd. - MS 512 Austin, TX 78741 TEL: 1-800-538-8450, Ext. 51453 jerzy.gazda-at-ceriumlabs.com ******************************************************
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 28 15:03:01 2005
referring to the arrow/pointer end of the handle (opposite the bit you hold on to):
1 IN and fully CCW, arrow pointing to "VALVES CLOSED" is the off position, in which you can switch off the rotary pump. For startup, turn on the rotary pump, let it run a minute or so before turning the handle:
2 90 deg CW, handle pops out, arrow points to 'BACKING" is the standby position, you can turn on the water, push the DIFF PUMP button, give the DP 30 mins or so to warm up, load samples and fresh carbon rod while you're waiting, Pirani should reach about 10 to the -1, then:
3 Push the handle in, turn 180 deg CCW, arrow points to "ROUGHING", rotary pump evacuates belljar while DP gets backed by ballast chamber, so don't spend too much time in this phase in case ballast runs out of suck, just until Pirani gets to about 2 by 10 to the -1, then:
4 Turn handle CW 180 deg back to "ROUGHING", allow it to pop out, then turn a further 180 deg CW to the "OPEN" position (same position as ROUGHING but with handle out, not in). This is the full evacuate mode, with the DP sucking on belljar and the RP sucking on the DP, in which you can switch on the Penning gauge, and when the vacuum is OK, you can turn on the power to the rods and do your coating.
I don't know about the Glow discharge position.
I can fax you some manual pages if you want.
cheers
rtch
Hi Frank, it has been a while since I did trace metals analysis, but these links below are a good place to start. They are from the EPA's site for SW-846 methods. I assume that you have all the particulars for setting up the atomic absorption instrument. It is imperative that you suppress aluminum's tendency to ionize by adding 1000 ppm potassium as KCl: see this link http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/pdfs/7000a.pdf , and read section 3.1.4:
"Ionization interferences occur when the flame temperature is sufficiently high to generate the removal of an electron from a neutral atom, giving a positively charged ion. This type of interference can generally be controlled by the addition, to both standard and sample solutions, of a large excess (1,000 mg/L) of an easily ionized element such as K, Na, Li or Cs."
Be sure to add the KCl to both samples and standards. You will also have to make sure your aspiration "blank" is made up so that it has the same general concentration of acid and KCl as your digestion blank, samples and standards will have. A quick and dirty prep for the KCl solution is to keep adding KCl to about 100 mL of deionized (or demineralized) water until no more will go into solution. Then add 1 mL of it to each 100 mL of your working standard or digested sample - add it before you make the solutions up to final volume. Make a series of standards that will bracket the concentration of your sample. You may have to dilute your unknown to get it into the linear range for aluminum, and if that is the case, remember to add another mL of your saturated KCl solution. I cannot remember the linear range for aluminum in flame AA, but 30 mg/L sticks in my mind - though it may be higher. At any rate, that should be in the manual that came with your instrument.
Incidentally, you can use NaCl (table salt) instead of KCl, but you will have to put up with the fiercely bright orange light caused by the sodium. Not a pretty sight. Really tires the eyes!
This is a good first stop to look around: http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/main.htm
Go to this link and check it out for the exact method you want: http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/pdfs/chap3.pdf
For example, Method 3005 prepares ground water and surface water samples for total recoverable and dissolved metal determinations by FLAA, ICP-AES, or ICP-MS. The unfiltered or filtered sample is heated with dilute HCl and HNO prior to metal determination.
Then there is Method 3050 which prepares waste samples for total recoverable metals determinations by FLAA and ICP-AES, or GFAA and ICP-MS depending on the options chosen. The samples are vigorously digested in nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide followed by dilution with either nitric or hydrochloric acid. The method is applicable to soils, sludges, and solid waste samples.
Then go to this link for Method 7020 for the specifics for aluminum by flame AA: http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/pdfs/7020.pdf
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.
Regards, Beth Bray bbray-at-sc.rr.com
-----Original Message----- } From: frank.karl-at-degussa.com [mailto:frank.karl-at-degussa.com] Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2005 3:50 PM To: microscopy-at-msa.microscopy.com
This isn't microscopy, but...
I need recommendation for a procedure to determine the Al content in kaolin clay by flame AA. Our "library" doesn't have any references and we are a little isolated from the local university...
If anyone has a procedure they don't mind sharing or a citation to a reference book please contact me.
Thanks!!!
Frank Karl Degussa Corporation Akron Technical Center 3500 Embassy Parkway Suite 100 Akron, Ohio 44333
frank.karl-at-degussa.com
330-668-2235 Ext. 238
This e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it may contain information that is confidential or legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you must not read this transmission and that any disclosure, copying, printing, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this transmission is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately notify the sender by telephone or return e-mail and delete the original transmission and its attachments without reading or saving in any manner. Thank you.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu Apr 28 19:01:44 2005
A colleague of mine is interested in removing trichomes and fungal teliospores from grass leaf epidermis to do PCR. Is there any way she can remove individual trichomes/teliospores while looking under a microscope or there is some other way this can be achieved.
Any help will be highly appreciated.
Thanks,
Soumitra
************************************************************* Soumitra Ghoshroy College Associate Professor, Biology Director, Electron Microscopy Lab Box 3EML New Mexico State University Las Cruces, NM 88003 Tel: 505-646-3268 (office), 646-3283 (lab) Fax: 505-646-3282 e-mail:sghoshro-at-nmsu.edu http://biology-web.nmsu.edu/ghoshroy/ghoshroy.htm http://emldata.nmsu.edu/eml/
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 29 08:59:18 2005
Frank, this question is in that category where I wonder what is the basic question that leads you to attempt this particular solution. Of course, we get a lot of questions like that on this list. We are asked how to do some particular thing without much explanation of the ultimate goal or why the particular technique has been chosen. I know that sometimes the poster is not at liberty to say, but that doesn't stop me from wondering. Many times another solution would seem to be more effective.
It seems Ms. Bray is offering a trace element solution, but aluminum in kaolinite is anything but trace. I am not a clay mineralogist, but I recall that aluminum is supposed to be quite stoichiometric (1:1) with Si in kaolinite. If you were trying to determine the purity of the clay, I would think you would look for other elements besides Al and Si rather than trying to find the difference between Al and Si content (but you didn't say anything about Si anyway). If I was looking at purity, I think I would use XRF on Al and Si and the possible contaminants (Na, Mg, K, Ca, Fe, etc.). I would probably also so some diffraction to look for other minerals. I just can't think of a reason to do Al by AA, not that I know how to do AA anyway.
Curious to hear more, Warren
At 02:50 PM 04/28/05, you wrote:
} This isn't microscopy, but... } } I need recommendation for a procedure to determine the Al content in kaolin } clay by flame AA. Our "library" doesn't have any references and we are a } little isolated from the local university... } } If anyone has a procedure they don't mind sharing or a citation to a } reference book please contact me. } } Thanks!!! } } Frank Karl } Degussa Corporation } Akron Technical Center } 3500 Embassy Parkway } Suite 100 } Akron, Ohio 44333
------------------------------------------- No files should be attached to this message ------------------------------------------- Warren E. Straszheim, Ph.D. Materials Analysis and Research Lab Iowa State University 46 Town Engineering Ames IA, 50011-3232
I was asked to post this position opportunity. Please respond, off list to Professor Bein (see address below) directly. Lee
Electron Microscopy at the University of Munich
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Munich intends to fill two positions at the Center for Electron Microscopy. The Center supports various research groups with projects related to the application of electron microscopy.
a) An electron microscopist to be in charge of the Center for Electron Microscopy. The responsibilities of this position include examinations via scanning and transmission electron microscopy, teaching and training of users, as well as support in the future development of the facility. Applicants should have a degree in physics, materials science or chemistry, an excellent background and experience in electron microscopy, and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team. Salary will be according to the BAT IIa scale.
b) An engineer or physicist to be in charge of the technical support of the electron microscopes and to study materials as well as biological samples using transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (including preparation). Applicants should have a degree in engineering or a similar qualification and gained experience in electrical engineering and vacuum technology. It would be desirable to have a background in electron microscopy and materials science. Salary will be according to the BAT III scale.
We offer a wide spectrum of activities in a dynamic environment with a modern infrastructure and look forward to your application. Disabled persons with the same qualifications will be given preference. Please send your applications before May 31st, 2005 to: Professor Thomas Bein, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13 (E), 81377 Munich, Tel. 089-2180-77623, Fax -77622, tbein-at-cup.uni-muenchen.de
-- Leona Cohen-Gould, M.S. Sr. Staff Associate Director, Electron Microscopy & Histology Core Facility Manager, Optical Microscopy Core Facility Joan & Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University voice (212)746-6146 fax (212)746-8175
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 29 10:00:49 2005
I was asked to post this position opportunity. Please respond, off list to Professor Bein (see snail-mail address below, or e-mail above at Cc) directly. Lee
Electron Microscopy at the University of Munich
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Munich intends to fill two positions at the Center for Electron Microscopy. The Center supports various research groups with projects related to the application of electron microscopy.
a) An electron microscopist to be in charge of the Center for Electron Microscopy. The responsibilities of this position include examinations via scanning and transmission electron microscopy, teaching and training of users, as well as support in the future development of the facility. Applicants should have a degree in physics, materials science or chemistry, an excellent background and experience in electron microscopy, and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team. Salary will be according to the BAT IIa scale.
b) An engineer or physicist to be in charge of the technical support of the electron microscopes and to study materials as well as biological samples using transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (including preparation). Applicants should have a degree in engineering or a similar qualification and gained experience in electrical engineering and vacuum technology. It would be desirable to have a background in electron microscopy and materials science. Salary will be according to the BAT III scale.
We offer a wide spectrum of activities in a dynamic environment with a modern infrastructure and look forward to your application. Disabled persons with the same qualifications will be given preference. Please send your applications before May 31st, 2005 to: Professor Thomas Bein, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13 (E), 81377 Munich, Tel. 089-2180-77623, Fax -77622
-- Leona Cohen-Gould, M.S. Sr. Staff Associate Director, Electron Microscopy & Histology Core Facility Manager, Optical Microscopy Core Facility Joan & Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University voice (212)746-6146 fax (212)746-8175
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 29 11:15:57 2005
I have had to collect root hairs for polysaccharide analysis of cell walls, but I dried them first & collected them w/forceps under a dissecting scope; major drawback was static (spend .5 hour collecting root hairs and poof, they vanish to parts unknown. I'd think your PCR would require fresh tissue, so why not collect cell contents with a fine needle (pulled capillary) so you can leave the little wooden box behind? An inverted microscope and micromanipulator would probably be best for this.
Paul Grover
----------------------------------------------------------------------- Art is long, and critics are the insects of a day. - Randall Jarrell
Hello Everyone,
A colleague of mine is interested in removing trichomes and fungal teliospores from grass leaf epidermis to do PCR. Is there any way she can remove individual trichomes/teliospores while looking under a microscope or there is some other way this can be achieved.
Any help will be highly appreciated.
Thanks,
Soumitra
************************************************************* Soumitra Ghoshroy College Associate Professor, Biology Director, Electron Microscopy Lab Box 3EML New Mexico State University Las Cruces, NM 88003 Tel: 505-646-3268 (office), 646-3283 (lab) Fax: 505-646-3282 e-mail:sghoshro-at-nmsu.edu http://biology-web.nmsu.edu/ghoshroy/ghoshroy.htm http://emldata.nmsu.edu/eml/
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri Apr 29 18:53:28 2005
the fourth International Cryo EM course is June 7 - 16, 2005
at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada hosted by the Bio-Imaging Facility
High pressure freezing, freeze substitution, cryo ultramicrotomy, Tokuyasu method, cryo sem, cryo tem, immunolabelling and microwave processing.
This is a hands-on course full of practical details where participants can try their own specimens/specimen types from high pressure freezing through to presentation of results and compare immunolabelling with the Tokuyasu method and high pressure frozen material.
An International Faculty includes Kent McDonald (Berkeley) George Postuma (Utrecht) Helmut Gnaegi (Diatome) Robert Apkarian (Emory) Doug Keene (Shriners, Portland) Randy Tindall (Missouri) Lacey samuels (UBC) Elaine Humphrey (UBC) Paul de George (Leica) Andres Kaech (Bal-Tec)
For more information e-mail Elaine Humphrey - ech-at-interchange.ubc.ca
-- Dr. Elaine Humphrey Director, BioImaging Facility President, Microscopy Society of Canada University of British Columbia 6270 University Blvd, mail-stop Botany Vancouver, BC CANADA, V6T 1Z4 Phone: 604-822-3354 FAX: 604-822-6089 e-mail: ech-at-interchange.ubc.ca website: www.emlab.ubc.ca
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sat Apr 30 08:16:05 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (nair.ashwin-at-gmail.com) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Thursday, April 28, 2005 at 22:27:29 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: I would like to know if there were any Transmission Electron Microscopy labs in and around Dallas-Fort Worth area. I hope you can help me as it is very crucial from my project's point of view. Looking forward to a favorable response.
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (cmagnus-at-virginia.edu) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Friday, April 29, 2005 at 07:49:34 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: Are there any standardised systems for file naming and cataloging of digital images on computer which you could recommend as useful for a lab seeking to standardise its recording of microscope images?
Having worked in the digital imaging field for over ten years, I have not run into a "standard naming system" for images. There are way to many parameters that affect images and you could never encode all of them into an image name. Just think of all the parameters one would have to use to encode all parameters for digital images from fluorescence microscopy, SEM, TEM, AFM, Xray, and the list goes on and on.
If you want to encode the information in the image itself, use a format like TIF, which allows metadata to be included in the image file as "tags". The drawback about this technique is, that again there are no public standards for these tags, and you may have to program your own code to do this.
The right way to do this is to use a database for image storage (you can check out our web site to see how we do that: http://www.soft-imaging.com/rd/english/3079.htm, but a lot of other applications have similar features). With an application like that, you set up a database with all the parameters you want to track. You then insert the image into the database, provide the parameters, and you're done. At a later point, you can search the database for images that posess a certain set of parameters (for example: All images of grains in steel taken between two dates for customer X, or all fluorescence images taken by person Y for Experiment Z in March).
In most cases you can store the database on a server PC and many people can work and contribute to the database at the same time, allowing seamless collaboration. It can also be used to distribute images from a database over the internet to colleagues across the world (http://www.soft-imaging.com/rd/english/420.htm).
Contact me off-line if you need more information.
mike
Michael Bode, Ph.D. Soft Imaging System Corp. 12596 West Bayaud Avenue Suite 300 Lakewood, CO 80228 =================================== phone: (888) FIND SIS (303) 234-9270 fax: (303) 234-9271 email: mailto:info-at-soft-imaging.com web: http://www.soft-imaging.com ===================================
-----Original Message----- } From: by way of MicroscopyListserver [mailto:cmagnus-at-virginia.edu] Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2005 08:07 To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (cmagnus-at-virginia.edu) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Friday, April 29, 2005 at 07:49:34 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: Are there any standardised systems for file naming and cataloging of digital images on computer which you could recommend as useful for a lab seeking to standardise its recording of microscope images?
And while your looking, please check out http://www.mediacy.com/iqbase/iqbase.htm. Their digital imaging program also offers interfacing to the database that will be keeping track of your images, via a web browser. Very nice system.
--- Mike Bode {Mike.Bode-at-soft-imaging.net} wrote: } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The } Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Hello Chris, } } Having worked in the digital imaging field for over } ten years, I have not } run into a "standard naming system" for images. } There are way to many } parameters that affect images and you could never } encode all of them into an } image name. Just think of all the parameters one } would have to use to encode } all parameters for digital images from fluorescence } microscopy, SEM, TEM, } AFM, Xray, and the list goes on and on. } } If you want to encode the information in the image } itself, use a format like } TIF, which allows metadata to be included in the } image file as "tags". The } drawback about this technique is, that again there } are no public standards } for these tags, and you may have to program your own } code to do this. } } The right way to do this is to use a database for } image storage (you can } check out our web site to see how we do that: } http://www.soft-imaging.com/rd/english/3079.htm, but } a lot of other } applications have similar features). With an } application like that, you set } up a database with all the parameters you want to } track. You then insert the } image into the database, provide the parameters, and } you're done. At a later } point, you can search the database for images that } posess a certain set of } parameters (for example: All images of grains in } steel taken between two } dates for customer X, or all fluorescence images } taken by person Y for } Experiment Z in March). } } In most cases you can store the database on a server } PC and many people can } work and contribute to the database at the same } time, allowing seamless } collaboration. It can also be used to distribute } images from a database over } the internet to colleagues across the world } (http://www.soft-imaging.com/rd/english/420.htm). } } Contact me off-line if you need more information. } } mike } } } Michael Bode, Ph.D. } Soft Imaging System Corp. } 12596 West Bayaud Avenue } Suite 300 } Lakewood, CO 80228 } =================================== } phone: (888) FIND SIS } (303) 234-9270 } fax: (303) 234-9271 } email: mailto:info-at-soft-imaging.com } web: http://www.soft-imaging.com } =================================== } } } } -----Original Message----- } } From: by way of MicroscopyListserver } [mailto:cmagnus-at-virginia.edu] } Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2005 08:07 } To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com } Subject: [Microscopy] viaWWW: file naming and } cataloging of digital } images } } } } } ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- } -- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The } Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- } --- } } Below is the result of your feedback form } (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was } submitted by (cmagnus-at-virginia.edu) from } http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on } Friday, April 29, 2005 at } 07:49:34 } --------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Email: cmagnus-at-virginia.edu } Name: Chris Magnus } } Organization: UVa } } Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] } MListserver: } } Question: Are there any standardised systems for } file naming and cataloging } of digital images on computer which you could } recommend as useful for a lab } seeking to standardise its recording of microscope } images? } } --------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } }
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