At 12:02 01-06-96 +0000, you wrote: } Would anyone have contact information for the Microlumina camera for } hi res digital imaging? Thanks so much } } Marc } } That digital camera is available in North America through Electron Microscopy Sciences (email: sgk-at-aol.com). We are the distributor in Australasia. Jim Darley Manager
A Search Engine has now been implemented for the Scientific Program of Microscopy & Microanalysis-96 . You may search this database by Author Last Name or Keywords selected from the Manuscript Title. The Search Engine is on-line at the Microscopy Society of America's WWW site found at the URL:
http://www.msa.microscopy.com
In addition, Abstracts of the Contents of Volume 2 Issues 1&2 of the Journal of the Microscopy Society of America are also now on-line, along with a few other new items which you might find interesting.
As always please report problems that you might find directly to me....
Cheers.. Nestor
Your Friendly Neighborhood SysOp (also Microscopy & Microanalysis-96 Program Chairman)
In article {31AEFEDF.55DD-at-jagunet.com} Lawrence Kordon {nikon-at-jagunet.com} writes: } Date: Fri, 31 May 1996 09:14:55 -0500 } From: Lawrence Kordon {nikon-at-jagunet.com} } Subject: Re: Microscope booking software
} alwyn eades wrote: } } } } We currently have users book microscope time by writing with a pen on } } booking sheets made of paper. We are contemplating changing this antiquated } } system to a computer booking system which would permit people to book (and } } to check existing bookings) over the net. } } } } Does anyone know of software to do this? Please take into account that we } } would want the software to meet the following conditions: } } } } It should work for several instruments. } } It should prevent one user erasing another's booking. } } It should allow staff to change the bookings of users. } } If a user deletes his or her own booking, a record of the booking and the } } time of the cancellation should be kept. } } It should be possible to program booking rules into the system. These rules } } may be different for each instrument. The rules would include such things } } as how many sessions may be booked at any one time and how long a session } } may be booked. } } It should be possible to include various degrees of access for the } } users. Some users may be allowed to book evenings and weekends while others } } may only book daytime sessions. } } We implemented our NET=BOOK software to do precisely this about 4 years ago. It was custom witten in C++ by our Chris Martinic and runs under DOS on our network. It effortlessly handles bookings for 4 EMs, microtomes, coating units, image processors, analysers, and so on.
It carries out the functions you prescribe. As it is custom made it can be easily modified when further good ideas are proposed. Chris is off sick today but I predict he will be back on deck in about 7 days and would be ready to field further questions.
Sept. 18-21, 1996 Brookhaven National Lab Upton, Long Island, NY
This is a hands-on lab (and lecture) course that covers labeling proteins with Nanogold and Undecagold. Topics included: labeling chemistry and strategies, labeling thiols and amines, thiol reduction, column chromatography for separating unreacted gold, spectral quantitation/stoichiometry of labeling, preparation of STEM and TEM samples, use of low Z stains, STEM and TEM visualization, silver enhancement of blots, running and detecting labeled proteins on gels, and new labels. Some participants' samples will also be labeled.
Instructors: James Hainfeld, Richard Powell (Nanoprobes), Fred Furuya (Nanoprobes), Joseph Wall (BNL), Martha Simon (BNL); guest presentations from successful users
Cost: a registration fee of $500 to cover costs (includes materials, dinners, coffee, evening refreshments).. Housing: Dorms at $14.50 per night; or guest house $57/night.
Registration limited due to lab equipment; please indicate preliminary interest by June 6, giving name(s) of those that would like to attend. If sufficient interest, additional courses will follow.
The Brookhaven STEM is a NIH Biotechnology Resource.
Respond by June 6 to: Jim Hainfeld, tel. 516-344-3372, fax. 516-344-3407, email: hainfeld-at-genome1.bio.bnl.gov (the #1 in genome1)
I have a user with lung tissue that has been labelled with a fluorescent marker in vivo. She wants to examine light microscope slices (e.g., cryostat slices) for distribution of the marker. I believe most fixatives containing Glutaraldehyde or formadehyde will quench the marker fluorescence and/or add autofluorescence. Any suggestions on how to prepare such tissue?
Can we simply plungefreeze small pieces in LN or propane?
Can we infiltrate the unfixed tissue first with sucrose as a cryoprotectant? The air pockets will no doubt cause additional problems. Would a quick exposure to a vacuum help the sucrose or fixative penetrate?
This request is a new one for me. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated
steve
Dr. Steven Barlow EM Facility/Biology Dept. San Diego State University San Diego, CA 92182-4614 phone: (619)594-4523 fax:(619)594-5676 email:sbarlow-at-sunstroke.sdsu.edu
Hello all, We are interested in learning what kind of database people are finding most successful for billing purposes and workload recording. We are currently using a Paradox (DOS) which is networked between our imaging facility and business office. Our billing tends to be complicated since we have multiple users, budget numbers and equipment as well as multiple people inputting information and we are looking for an efficient way to streamline our operations. Any comments would be greatly appreciated, either to me directly or to the list.
Regards, Marilyn
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + Marilyn Wadsworth | Phone: (802) 656-0813 + + Cell Imaging Facility | E-Mail: mwadswort-at-moose.uvm.edu + + School of Medicine, Path Dept | + + University of Vermont | + + Burlington, Vermont 05405 | + +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sept. 18-21, 1996 Brookhaven National Lab Upton, Long Island, NY
This is a hands-on lab (and lecture) course that covers labeling proteins with Nanogold and Undecagold. Topics included: labeling chemistry and strategies, labeling thiols and amines, thiol reduction, column chromatography for separating unreacted gold, spectral quantitation/stoichiometry of labeling, preparation of STEM and TEM samples, use of low Z stains, STEM and TEM visualization, silver enhancement of blots, running and detecting labeled proteins on gels, and new labels. Some participants' samples will also be labeled.
Instructors: James Hainfeld, Richard Powell (Nanoprobes), Fred Furuya (Nanoprobes), Joseph Wall (BNL), Martha Simon (BNL); guest presentations from successful users
Cost: a registration fee of $500 to cover costs (includes materials, dinners, coffee, evening refreshments).. Housing: Dorms at $14.50 per night; or guest house $57/night.
Registration limited due to lab equipment; please indicate preliminary interest by June 6, giving name(s) of those that would like to attend. If sufficient interest, additional courses will follow.
The Brookhaven STEM is a NIH Biotechnology Resource.
Respond by June 6 to: Jim Hainfeld, tel. 516-344-3372, fax. 516-344-3407, email: hainfeld-at-genome1.bio.bnl.gov (the #1 in genome1)
Is it possible to put 2 video cameras on the same port on any of the research grade scope makes (Leica, Zeiss, Nikon, Olympus) so one can easily switch between cameras for different lite mode capture? Thanks in advance.
Message-Id: {199606032253.AA108452380-at-pigseye.mmm.com} X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Version 1.4.3 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
My request is similar, yet perhaps opposite to Dr. Barlow's [regarding specimen preparation for tissue which has been fluorescently tagged in vivo].
We would like to use laser scanning confocal microscopy to visualize the 3D architecture of blood vessels in tissue whole mounts; then section the same tissue for further immunohistochemistry. Does anyone know of a method to label the vessels for confocal that would be compatible with "routine" histological specimen preparation (i.e. formalin fixation and paraffin embedding)? Perhaps there are non-fluorescent tracers (minerals or reflective substances?) that would stand up to the processing??
Your help and ideas are appreciated!
Karen Zaruba
Life Sciences Sector Lab Reply: kszaruba-at-mmm.com 3M Company 3M Center 270-1S-01 Phone: 612-737-2971 St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
These opinions are my own and may not represent those of 3M.
Is there anyone out there who has experience or data regarding the ambient temperture variations that can be tolerated by an ARL Electron microprobe (with AMI " computer, scaler motor upgrade") ie. " counts per degree per hour " or something like that. Recent demands in responce to ISO and our instruments people who keep an eye on this kind of stuff has made it an issue in the writing of our lab Tech. Procedures. THANKS
Terry R. McCue Babcock & Wilcox Research 1562 Beeson St. Alliance, Ohio 44601 voice: (330) 829-7427 Fax : (330) 829-7831 internet: terry.r.mccue-at-rdd.mcdermott.com
} howdy all } } I have a user with lung tissue that has been labelled with a fluorescent } marker in vivo. She wants to examine light microscope slices (e.g., } cryostat slices) for distribution of the marker. I believe most fixatives } containing Glutaraldehyde or formadehyde will quench the marker } fluorescence and/or add autofluorescence. Any suggestions on how to } prepare such tissue? } } Can we simply plungefreeze small pieces in LN or propane? } } Can we infiltrate the unfixed tissue first with sucrose as a } cryoprotectant? The air pockets will no doubt cause additional problems. } Would a quick exposure to a vacuum help the sucrose or fixative penetrate? } } } This request is a new one for me. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated } } steve } } Dr. Steven Barlow } EM Facility/Biology Dept. } San Diego State University } San Diego, CA 92182-4614 } phone: (619)594-4523 } fax:(619)594-5676 } email:sbarlow-at-sunstroke.sdsu.edu }
Freshly prepared formaldehyde should not give you any autofluorescence or quench the probe to any great extent. I have had good luck fixing probes such as various fluo-dextrans, lectins, some membrane dyes, etc.
Lung is often a pain to cryo-section. I'd start with the easiest, a PF fixed piece of tissue, freeze it in OCT and section.
Hope it works
Tom
Thomas Moninger (moninger-at-emiris.iaf.uiowa.edu) Central Microscopy Research Facility 85 EMRB University of Iowa Iowa City, IA 52242 319-335-8142 FAX 319-335-8049
Steve, The effect of fixation will depend upon the actual fluorophore employed. There are several which survive formaldehyde fixation. Formaldehyde autofluorescence hasn't been that big of an issue for us. Glut can be a problem in the green/yellow emission range but not so bad in longer wavelengths. If her particular needs dictate, you might try Carnoy's fluid or a methanolic version. The shrinkage is considerable, but it penetrates well and allows fairly good morphology. Hopefully, you have some tissue for trials.
Good luck,
Glen MacDonald Research Scientist Hearing Research Laboratories of the Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center Box 35-7923 University of Washington Seattle, WA 98195-7923 (206) 616-4156 glenmac-at-u.washington.edu
On Mon, 3 Jun 1996, Steve Barlow wrote:
} howdy all } } I have a user with lung tissue that has been labelled with a fluorescent } marker in vivo. She wants to examine light microscope slices (e.g., } cryostat slices) for distribution of the marker. I believe most fixatives } containing Glutaraldehyde or formadehyde will quench the marker } fluorescence and/or add autofluorescence. Any suggestions on how to } prepare such tissue? } } Can we simply plungefreeze small pieces in LN or propane? } } Can we infiltrate the unfixed tissue first with sucrose as a } cryoprotectant? The air pockets will no doubt cause additional problems. } Would a quick exposure to a vacuum help the sucrose or fixative penetrate? } } } This request is a new one for me. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated } } steve } } Dr. Steven Barlow } EM Facility/Biology Dept. } San Diego State University } San Diego, CA 92182-4614 } phone: (619)594-4523 } fax:(619)594-5676 } email:sbarlow-at-sunstroke.sdsu.edu } } }
I have a user with lung tissue that has been labelled with a fluorescent marker in vivo. She wants to examine light microscope slices (e.g., cryostat slices) for distribution of the marker. I believe most fixatives containing Glutaraldehyde or formadehyde will quench the marker fluorescence and/or add autofluorescence. Any suggestions on how to prepare such tissue?
Can we simply plungefreeze small pieces in LN or propane?
Can we infiltrate the unfixed tissue first with sucrose as a cryoprotectant? The air pockets will no doubt cause additional problems. Would a quick exposure to a vacuum help the sucrose or fixative penetrate?
This request is a new one for me. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated
steve
Dr. Steven Barlow EM Facility/Biology Dept. San Diego State University San Diego, CA 92182-4614 phone: (619)594-4523 fax:(619)594-5676 email:sbarlow-at-sunstroke.sdsu.edu
We deal with lung tissue all the time in our lab. We inflate the lung through the bronchus/trachea using 50% OCT (Cryomatrix) compound in normal saline as a cryoprotectant. We attach a syringe filled with the OCT to the trachea/bronchus and inject the stuff down the bronchial tree. We then freeze the lung over liquid nitrogen (if you submerge the lung in liquid nitrogen, the cryoprotectant expands and the lung cracks). We store the samples in - 70 freezer and then section on a cryostat. We fix the sections in acetone for 10 minutes prior to staining. We sometimes have problems with autoflourescence but depending on the wavelength they are using it can be done away with (don't use fluorescein). If you need any other info please contact me.
Mark Elliott, PhD UBC-Pulmonary Research Laboratory, Vancouver BC Canada
Does anyone know of a method for determining age-related changes (years or tens of years, not hundreds or thousands of years) in inks, i.e. compositional or any other changes?
Best regards on a bright but very chilly South African morning!
Robin Cross Director : EM Unit, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa eurc-at-giraffe.ru.ac.za (tel: +27 461 318168 - fax: +27 461 24377)
At 02:12 PM 6/3/96 -0400, you wrote: } Hello all, } We are interested in learning what kind of database people are finding } most successful for billing purposes and workload recording. We are } currently using a Paradox (DOS) which is networked between our imaging } facility and business office. Our billing tends to be complicated since } we have multiple users, budget numbers and equipment as well as multiple } people inputting information and we are looking for an efficient way to } streamline our operations. Any comments would be greatly appreciated, } either to me directly or to the list. } } Regards, } Marilyn } } +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ } + Marilyn Wadsworth | Phone: (802) 656-0813 + } + Cell Imaging Facility | E-Mail: mwadswort-at-moose.uvm.edu + } + School of Medicine, Path Dept | + } + University of Vermont | + } + Burlington, Vermont 05405 | + } +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ } }
There was a similar discussion on the list recently which has been archived at the www address at the end of this message. Click on "Tips & Tricks", find the link "computer applications" and click. You will find the file there. If you do not have web access then let me know and I will e-mail it to you
Scott D. Whittaker 218 Carr Hall Research Assistant Gainesville, FL 32610 University Of Florida ph 904-392-1295 ICBR EM Core Lab fax 904-846-0251 sdw-at-biotech.ufl.edu http://www.biotech.ufl.edu/~emcl/
Does anyone have a pair of uw 10x eyepieces for a Nikon microscope they would like to sell? The part no. for them is 79046. My email address is sbdx78a-at-prodigy.com. Thank you.
Mr-Received: by mta RANDD; Relayed; Tue, 04 Jun 1996 09:46:49 -0500 Mr-Received: by mta MCM$RAND; Relayed; Tue, 04 Jun 1996 09:46:52 -0500 Mr-Received: by mta RANDD; Relayed; Tue, 04 Jun 1996 09:47:14 -0500 Alternate-Recipient: prohibited Disclose-Recipients: prohibited Content-Return: prohibited
Some thoughts on cryosectioning lungs.....The following procedure worked very well for me when I was doing in situ hybridization in mouse lungs:
} Fix the lungs intratracheally with 4% paraformaldehyde in PBS, using gravity feed } Fix at 4C overnight } Rinse in cold PBS, 3 times for 5-10 minutes each } Immerse in 30% sucrose in cold PBS, overnight at 4C or until the lungs sink } Drain excess liquid and freeze in OCT or Lipshaw M1 (I embedded them in histology molds complete with backing rings that fit in the cryostat, then froze them in liquid nitrogen in a stainless steel tray held over a styrofoam container of liquid nitrogen.) The Lipshaw medium was easier for me to section than the OCT.
The morphology I got with this procedure was excellent - comparable to that in paraffin-sections.
Good luck!
Jane A. Fagerland, Ph.D. Dept. Microscopy and Microanalysis Abbott Laboratories Abbott Park IL 60064
On Fri, 24 May 1996, Oxford Instruments Pty Ltd wrote:
} Dear Paul, } In regard to your question, I would like to point out that the Oxford } Instruments Link ISIS system has a fully quantitative mapping package } (Quantmap). Full spectrum processing (including digital filtering and } fitting) followed by a quantitative matrix correction is performed at each } point. The resulting digital images show elemental concentrations rather } than just a scaled x-ray intensity map. Standard deviation maps are also } produced to allow significance testing. } } Your local Oxford rep would be delighted to tell you more! } Best Regards, Julie Sheffield-Parker. } } At 05:15 PM 21/05/96 -0700, you wrote: } } } } } Tell me this: who has an EDS system that can obtain a digital image of a } } sample where a full least-squares fit and ZAF correction has been done on } } the fly at each pixel, and the resulting image portrays the concentration } } of the element mapped (not a scaled x-ray intensity map). I've seen papers } } at national meetings describing this capability, as far back as 5-10 years } } ago. The limitation for sure isn't the processing speed of the computers } } now available, or the amount of RAM or hard drive storage space. How hard } } can it be to do a complete analysis at each pixel in an image? } } } } Remember, our goal was to do quantitative EDS. } } } } Paul Carpenter } } } } } } } } +----------------------------------------------------+ } } | Paul K. Carpenter paulc-at-gps.caltech.edu | } } | Division Analytical Facility | } } | Geological and Planetary Sciences MC 170-25 | } } | California Institute of Technology | } } | Pasadena, CA 91125 | } } | 818-395-6126 (X-ray Lab) 818-568-0935 (Dept. FAX) | } } +----------------------------------------------------+ } } } } } } } } } } } ************************************************* } From:- } } Julie Sheffield-Parker, } Oxford Instruments Pty. Ltd., } P. O. Box 7, } Pennant Hills, } NSW 2120, } Sydney, AUSTRALIA } } Tel: ++ 61 2 484 6108 } Fax: ++ 61 2 484 1667 } E-Mail: oisydney-at-ozemail.com.au } } ************************************************* } }
Has anyone heard of or/and used Flourisol? It is used fracturing samples for SEM after dehydration, the sample is frozen and fractured in this medium. I would like to know how to obtain it.
Thanks in advance.
Please reply to mark.gould-at-stonebow.otago.ac.nz
Does anyone have a reliable source for Viton o-rings? I can not find a distibutor who will accept orders for small quantities anymore. (5 to 10 rings per part number, less than a 50-100 dollar minimum order) and many of the rings I have purchased recently seem to be of poorer quality than 10 years ago. Thank you.
Jim Romanow Electron Microscopy Facility Physiology and Neurobiogy Department The University Of Connecticut Storrs bsgphy3-at-uconnvm.uconn.edu (860) 486-2914 voice -1936 fax
The best analysis may not be public. The FBI and IRS (yes that is the Internal Revenue Service) have extensive techniques for analysis of documents and inks. They have every kind of analytical instrument you can imagine. I would imagine most governments have similar labs. I have never tried to see how much is published but I can't imagine it is in their best interest to publish outside of forensic journals.
Maybe someone else can point you to a specific forensic journal or reference.
Good Luck, Steve Miller Integrated Microsystems, Inc.
I am looking for data on absorption and fluorescence spectra for human eosinophils. Perhaps one of you can tell me that they just happen to have such information sitting in a file somewhere....I hope. I have already called several flow cytometry/hematology people (ie. Coulter, etc), but unfortunately they do not have such info on hand. Curious, but true.
Thanks and regards to all.
Ralph S. DaCosta Department of Clinical Physics, University of Toronto, Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Hospital, 610 University Ave., Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Besides Optronics, are there other video cameras (digital/analog) that will give equally good cultured cell images under both Phase Contrast and Fluorescence? I know from experience that a Hamamatsu SIT that does fine with low-level fluorescence does not image comparable to a (ie.) Dage Newvicon under Phase Contrast. Is this too much to ask of a single video camera?
Can anyone help me find the manufacturing date of an E. Leitz stereo microscope, serial number 399230. It has three sets of eye pieces, and three nose pieces. I would also be interested in finding a collectors group, and knowing of any good books about collecting microscopes. Is there a "Price Guide" that would let me know the market value or if this microscope is even worthwhile as a collectible?
Thank you, Douglas St. Denny, Discovery Bay, Hong Kong
} } Freshly prepared formaldehyde should not give you any autofluorescence or } quench the probe to any great extent. I have had good luck fixing probes } such as various fluo-dextrans, lectins, some membrane dyes, etc. } } Lung is often a pain to cryo-section. I'd start with the easiest, a PF fixed } piece of tissue, freeze it in OCT and section. }
This may still interfere with the label though. A neat trick with lung is to heat the oct in a syringe (5 cc syringe with a 26g needle) at 37 degrees, in an incubator, and while warm, inject into the trachea, inflating the lung that way. Sectioning will be much better than if immersed only in oct. You can then freeze, cryosection, label, and then fix with acetone, and lose no antigenicity. Hope this helps.
We are about to start using uranyl acetate for some staining applications but have no MSDS information regarding the handling or disposal of it. We can only get information for uranium products in general. The company which produced it no longer produces it and the company they suggested may have information no longer exists! A search of the WWW has also drawn a blank!
If anyone out there could email this information to me it would be greatly appreciated as it is required with some urgency!
Many thanks in advance.
Colin Veitch
##################################################################### # # # Colin.Veitch-at-geel.dwt.csiro.au # # Instrumentation Scientist # # CSIRO Division of Wool Technology Tel. +61 (0) 52 275611 # # P.O. Box 21 Fax. +61 (0) 52 275657 # # BELMONT Vic 3216 # # Australia # # # # "We see the Universe the way it is because if it were different, # # we would not be here to observe it." # # # #####################################################################
We are in the process of setting up a system for fluoresent microscopy, wide field, for deconvolution and 3-D analysis of signaltransduction molecules. I would very much appreciate suggestions in the choice of: camera (is Sensys good enough? or alternatives to Photometrics),
filter/shutter wheel system,
Z-focus drive (accuracy/stability),
and deblurring/deconvolution algorithms.
Are there any evalations/comparisons of these components published or otherways available.
All help much aprreciated
Birger
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Birger Christensson, MD, PhD Dept. of Pathology, F49 Huddinge University Hospital, S-14186 Huddinge, SWEDEN, Tel +46-8-7461000 Fax +46-8-7795520 bich-at-PATD01.HS.SLL.SE
Dear Colin, I have recently purchased uranyl acetate from Polysciences, Inc. USA. Along with my order I was given an MSDS sheet. I hope it is helpful, but please keep in mind, these follow United States safety standards as well as universal precautions. Cheers, Linda Iadarola.
Section I Identification: uranyl acetate (uranium oxyacetate) C4H6O6U.2H2O Section II Hazardous Ingredients: depleted uranium at (0.00028mCi/g) Section III Physical Data: Boiling point 527 (decomposes); Solubility in water; appearance, yellow and solid; Melting Point 110C. None of the following apply:vapor pressure, vapor density, % volatile by volume, evaporation rate, specific gravity. Section IV Explosion and fire hazard data: extinguishing media: water, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, foam. Special fire fighting procedures: firefighters must wear self-contained breathing aparatus and fully protective equipment. No unusual fire and explosion hazards. Section V Health hazards: Routes of entry: inhalation, skin and ingestion. Extremely toxic by inhalation and ingestion. Danger of cumulative health effects, may result in kidney damage. Emergency and First Aid procedures: skin contact-wash affected area with copious amounts of water. eye contact-fluch eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. inhalation-remove to fresh air. give oxygen or artificial respiration as needed. ingestion-wash out mouth thoroughly and induce vomiting. call physician. Section VI Reactivity Data: stable, avoid heat, incompatible with oxidizing agents, hazardous decomposition products include carbon monoxide and coarbon dioxide Section VII Spill or Leak Procedures: Steps to take if spills or leaks occur-wear self-contained breathing aparatus, rubber boots and gloves. Sweep up. Do not raise dust. Wash and ventilate spill site after pick up is complete. Waste disposal method-bury in approved landfill according to federal, state and local regulations. Section VIII Special protection information: Use respiratory protection, ventilate with local exhaust, wear rubber gloves and safety goggles, keep shower and eye bath in local area. Section IX Special precautions: Store material at room temperature. Keep storage container tightly closed. Avoid exposure of food or drink to product. Cover any cuts or skin abrasions. Wash thoroughly after handling.
--------------------------------------
We are about to start using uranyl acetate for some staining applications but have no MSDS information regarding the handling or disposal of it. We can only get information for uranium products in general. The company which produced it no longer produces it and the company they suggested may have information no longer exists! A search of the WWW has also drawn a blank!
If anyone out there could email this information to me it would be greatly appreciated as it is required with some urgency!
Many thanks in advance.
Colin Veitch
##################################################################### # # # Colin.Veitch-at-geel.dwt.csiro.au # # Instrumentation Scientist # # CSIRO Division of Wool Technology Tel. +61 (0) 52 275611 # # P.O. Box 21 Fax. +61 (0) 52 275657 # # BELMONT Vic 3216 # # Australia # # # # "We see the Universe the way it is because if it were different, # # we would not be here to observe it." # # # #####################################################################
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Colin Veitch requested information regarding uranyl acetate handling and safety data. Could respondents please post their replies to the list? The responses would be valuable to many of us.
Message-Id: {199606051826.OAA17138-at-julian.uwo.ca} To: microscopy {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com}
Dear Nestor Zaluazac: I am writing to you through Steve Kuzmic and Jonathan Krupp. Jonathan provided some information about the MSA bulletin board service. Would you please post the following message for me?
For sale: Two (2) JEOL 100S transmission electron microscopes: $5,000 each. Both are in excellent condition; one is in mint condition. Spare parts from a third JEOL 100S are also available at no additional cost with purchase of one of the microscopes. Relocation fee of each instrument will be $2,000 (Steve Kuzmic; S & J Services). Contact Kurt H. Albertine, Ph.D., University of Utah, at eMail address: Kurt.Albertine-at-hsc.utah.edu (FAX 801-585-7395).
Thank you.
Kurt H. Albertine, Ph.D. Director, Health Sciences Center Research Microscopy Facility
I have a JEOL 733 electron probe in my lab. The operations of the probe are controlled by using TN-5500, TN-5600, and Task-5 WDS automation program (written in Flextran language). The TN-5500 is an old system which is costy for maintenance.
Does anyone know of any compatible (or better) PC system which can replace the TN-5500 ?
Thanks in advance.
Long Liang ARCO EPMA/SEM Lab Plano, TX lliang-at-is.arco.com
Omega Optical is looking for a qualified individual to fill the position of Product Manager for fluorescence microscopy products. Specifically we want someone who has strengths in micrscopy (hardware, software, optics, chemistry, life sciences) combined with strong communication skills (verbal and written).
If anyone knows of someone who would qualify and has an interest in such a position, they can submit CV or resume to Human Resources via e-mail or other methods.
John McPherson omega-at-sover.net
Omega Optical Box 573 3 Grove Street Brattleboro, VT 05301
} } Does anyone have a reliable source for Viton o-rings? I can not find a } distibutor who will accept orders for small quantities anymore. (5 to 10 } rings per part number, less than a 50-100 dollar minimum order) and many of } the rings I have purchased recently seem to be of poorer quality than 10 } years ago.
Dear Jim, Our last order (for 5-10 of each of 4 sizes, and totaling } $100) was from Web Seal Inc., 206 Marcellus St., Syracuse NY 13204, phone # (315) 475-8496. I believe they also carry other elastomers, such as polypropylene, which is the most radiation-resistant of the usual materials. The quality seems to be the same as in the past, judging from how they are when we remove them from the column for our annual cleaning. Yours, Bill Tivol
The Zatkoff Company in Detroit Michigan will sell O-rings in small lots, and they stock O-rings in a very large range of sizes and materials. I just picked up an assortment of Viton and Teflon O-rings from them yesterday. Their addresss is: Zatkoff Seals 23230 Industrial Park Drive Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2850 Ph: 810-478-2400 Fx:810-478-3392 Their offices are mainly in the midwest; however, I am sure that if you were to call in an order they would be willing to ship to any part of the country. Good luck, W. C. Bigelow (bigelow-at-umich.edu)
The person who can help you to date the Leitz microscope may be Jan Hinsch. He works in the Leica New Jersey branch. The number there is 201-767-1100, and the Fax is 201-767-4196. If you'd like to write him, the address is 24 Link Drive, Rockleigh, NJ 07647. Jan may also know of the collectors group or the market source that you seek. Good luck to you, and my regards to Mr. Hinsch.
Elinor Solit The Microscope Book
On Wed, 5 Jun 1996, Douglas St. Denny wrote:
} Can anyone help me find the manufacturing date of an E. Leitz stereo } microscope, serial number 399230. It has three sets of eye pieces, and } three nose pieces. I would also be interested in finding a collectors } group, and knowing of any good books about collecting microscopes. Is } there a "Price Guide" that would let me know the market value or if } this microscope is even worthwhile as a collectible? } } Thank you, } Douglas St. Denny, } Discovery Bay, Hong Kong } } e mail - saint-at-eastworld.net }
I am sudenly having reaction to two different oil immersion we have. Please send source for supplier of different types of oil immersion of high quality. Is the Cargille Lab still in business?
Send response to me at address below. Gracias.
********************************************************************* *Cesar D. Fermin, Ph.D \|T|/ Fax (504) 587-7389 * *Tulane Medical School /|M|\ Voice Mail (504) 584-2618 * *Pathology/SL79 \|C|/ Secretary (504) 584-2436 * *New Orleans La 70112-2699 /|*|\ Lab/Techn. (504) 584-2521 * * {Fermin-at-tmc.tulane.edu} ----} Prof. Pathology & Otolaryngology * *http://www1.omi.tulane.edu/departments/pathology/fermin/cdftop.html* *********************************************************************
Colin and fellow netters: The best place to get information of this type is on the SAFETY listserver, it has as many safety professionals as this list has microscopists. Directions to send a message and/or join the list are below: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TO SEND E-MAIL MESSAGES TO THE LIST: ========================================= Send your messages to SAFETY-at-UVMVM.UVM.EDU
Be sure to use a clear Subject header so other people can follow discussion threads easily, and the digest index accurately reflects the contents. Note that when you "Reply" to someone, that reply usually goes to the whole list, not just that person.
LISTSERV COMMANDS ======================= FOR ALL COMMANDS LISTED BELOW: Send them to LISTSERV-at-UVMVM.UVM.EDU. DO NOT send these to SAFETY or your message will be sent to all subscribers, and will have NO effect on your options! Put the commands in the body of the e-mail message, not in the title.
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To UNSUBscribe ===== To unsubscribe from SAFETY send the command UNSUB SAFETY to LISTSERV ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- } Hi all, } } We are about to start using uranyl acetate for some staining applications } but have no MSDS information regarding the handling or disposal of it. We } can only get information for uranium products in general. The company which } produced it no longer produces it and the company they suggested may have } information no longer exists! A search of the WWW has also drawn a blank! } } If anyone out there could email this information to me it would be greatly } appreciated as it is required with some urgency! } } Many thanks in advance. } } Colin Veitch } } ##################################################################### } # # } # Colin.Veitch-at-geel.dwt.csiro.au # } # Instrumentation Scientist # } # CSIRO Division of Wool Technology Tel. +61 (0) 52 275611 # } # P.O. Box 21 Fax. +61 (0) 52 275657 # } # BELMONT Vic 3216 # } # Australia # } # # } # "We see the Universe the way it is because if it were different, # } # we would not be here to observe it." # } # # } #####################################################################
Scott Wight e-mail: SCOTT.WIGHT-at-NIST.GOV NIST - Microanalysis Group W voice: 301-975-3949 Bld 222, Rm A113 | fax: 301-216-1134 or 301-417-1321 Gaithersburg, MD 20899 \|/ disclaimer: Any opinion expressed is my own and does not represent those of my employer.
We are about to start using uranyl acetate for some staining applications but have no MSDS information regarding the handling or disposal of it. We can only get information for uranium products in general. The company which produced it no longer produces it and the company they suggested may have information no longer exists! A search of the WWW has also drawn a blank!
If anyone out there could email this information to me it would be greatly appreciated as it is required with some urgency!
Many thanks in advance.
Colin Veitch
##################################################################### # # # Colin.Veitch-at-geel.dwt.csiro.au # # Instrumentation Scientist # # CSIRO Division of Wool Technology Tel. +61 (0) 52 275611 # # P.O. Box 21 Fax. +61 (0) 52 275657 # # BELMONT Vic 3216 # # Australia # # # # "We see the Universe the way it is because if it were different, # # we would not be here to observe it." # # # #####################################################################
Colin and whoever is looking for those Material Safety Data Sheets:
A great many of these are available at these two sites
University of Utah gopher://gopher.chem.utah.edu:70/11/MSDS
North West Fisheries http://research.nwfsc.noaa.gov/msds.html
In Australia some "wise guy" decided to require the facts to be set out in a different order. They do though allow the European Community MSDS but the American MSDS form is not acceptable here. Since several hundred thousand chemicals are imported this is a big job and hugely expensive. We have converted most of the EM chemical MSDS and they are available at our site.
Regards Jim Darley Probing & Structure Microscopy Supplies & Accessories
Just a note to say thanks for all the replies regarding my question about Uranyl Acetate.
It seems that the issue of disposal is not yet resolved but some clues were gleaned from the responses.
Some of the MSDS's were faxed but all the email responses have been compiled into the one (large) file. Rather than send this to the reflector, if you would like a copy of the file (in ASCII text or Word 6 for Windows - please specify) I'll email a copy to you!
Thanks again,
Colin Veitch ##################################################################### # # # Colin.Veitch-at-geel.dwt.csiro.au # # Instrumentation Scientist # # CSIRO Division of Wool Technology Tel. +61 (0) 52 275611 # # P.O. Box 21 Fax. +61 (0) 52 275657 # # BELMONT Vic 3216 # # Australia # # # # "We see the Universe the way it is because if it were different, # # we would not be here to observe it." # # # #####################################################################
Message-Id: {m0uROuc-0002VYC-at-dewey.mindlink.net} X-Sender: tania-at-pop.mindlink.net X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Version 1.4.4 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
hello,
our lab is trying to find a way to detect very thin ( {1um thick) coatings of stearates on the surface of a galvanized wire. our equipment consists of only a sem and a standard edx (no light element). any suggestions on how to "see" the coating would be very helpful.
thank you in advance,
tania jones laboratory manager dynamotive technologies corp.
Does anyone know of any videos which specifically address block trimming and sectioning or any other microscopy video catalog other than the one put out by the MSA?
Does anyone know of any videos which specifically address block trimming and sectioning or any other microscopy video catalog other than the one put out by the MSA?
I would like to thank to all who responded to my question:"How to visualize injected plastic microspheres which migrate through the arterial wall in TEM preparation?" I got many different suggestions. Very interesting. Thanks again. Listserver is great communication medium. Regards, John Gabrovsek CCF Cleveland, Ohio
According to the latest directory of manufacturers published by R & D Magazine the address for Cargille Laboratories is 55 Commerce Rd., Cedar Grove, NJ 07009; Ph: 201-239-6633; Fx: 201-239-6096 Good lick, Wil Bigelow (Bigelow-at-umich.edu)
HI MICRO-FANS, I AM HAVING A BIT OF A PROBLEM SECURING WAX SECTIONS TO CARBON STUBS. AFTER DEPARIFFINIZATIN AND CONDUCTIVE COATING THE SECTIONS HAVE A TENDENCY TO LIFT OR CURL. IF ANY ONE HAS HAD ANY EXPERIENCE WITH PARRAFIN SECTIONS FOR SEM THE INFO WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED THANKS, MATT KLEABONAS STRATTON VA MEDICAL CENTER ALBANY,NY TEL: (518)-462-3311 X2552 FAX: (518)-462-1258 E-MAIL: KLEABONAS.MATTHEW_P+-at-ALBANY.VA.GOV
Try cross-sectioning the material. If you have a cryostat all the better.
If you have difficulty, it will probably come from a need to support the sample. Then it becomes a case of trying to find the best material. Sometimes a fairly stiff plastic can help. Just be sure you know what layer you're looking at in the microscope.
Good luck,
Elinor Solit The Microscope Book
On Wed, 5 Jun 1996, Tania Jones wrote:
} hello, } } our lab is trying to find a way to detect very thin ( {1um thick) coatings of } stearates on the surface of a galvanized wire. our equipment consists of only } a sem and a standard edx (no light element). any suggestions on how to "see" } the coating would be very helpful. } } thank you in advance, } } tania jones } laboratory manager } dynamotive technologies corp. }
} hello, } } our lab is trying to find a way to detect very thin ( {1um thick) coatings of } stearates on the surface of a galvanized wire. our equipment consists of only } a sem and a standard edx (no light element). any suggestions on how to "see" } the coating would be very helpful. } } thank you in advance, } } tania jones } laboratory manager } dynamotive technologies corp. } I would be concerned about electron stimulated desorption of the stearate coating on the wire. A good way to analyze this would be to use ESCA (XPS) Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy). This non-ionizing technique uses x-rays for excitation and detects the emitted photoelectrons. By analyzing the electron binding energy one can determine the near (5nm) surface composition of the wire.
Joe Geller Geller Microanalytical Lab jg-at-gellermicro.com
} -- [ From: Yves Thibault * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] -- } } Hi to all, } } I am planning to analyze with an elctron probe microanalyzer a series of } synthetic alkali-rich silicate-phosphate glasses. Some will be made with Cs } and others with Rb. I do not have proper standards for these two elements } (Cs,Rb). I was wondering if someone would know a good source for such } standards. } } Thank you, } } Yves Thibault } Dept of Earth Sciences } University of Western Ontario } London, Ontario, CANADA, N6A 5L9 } } e-mail ythibaul-at-julian.uwo.ca }
We have a CsI standard and can prepare (as a custom standard) RbI. These compounds are stable and behave well under electron beam irradiation. Considering the accuracy of current ZAF programs, such as CITZAF, these should be satisfactory standards for analyzing oxides of Cs and Rb.
Please note that we offer standards for EPMA as a normal part of our business.
Joe Geller Geller MicroAnalytical Laboratory jg-at-gellermicro.com 508 887-7000
Thanks for the prompt response. I now know that Cargille is still in business and dozen of suppliers who sell their oil. I still do not know if there are out there non allergenic immersion oils. Meanwhile I will just have to use glove with oil immersion.
I was sent a reply to your initial request from Veronique Buschmann. I wanted to correct an error in the e-mail address and the web site. The correct e-mail address is: dchernoff-at-aol.com
The correct web site is:
http://members.aol.com/smworld100/index.htm
Please contact me if you have any questions about the Electron Flight Simulator program.
} Dear Microscopists, } } I have a JEOL 733 electron probe in my lab. The operations of the probe } are controlled by using TN-5500, TN-5600, and Task-5 WDS automation } program (written in Flextran language). The TN-5500 is an old system } which is costy for maintenance. } } Does anyone know of any compatible (or better) PC system which can } replace the TN-5500 ? } } Thanks in advance. } } Long Liang } ARCO EPMA/SEM Lab } Plano, TX } lliang-at-is.arco.com } } We manufacture a replacement system for the TN-5500, 5600 and TASK WDS automation, including the energy dispersive x-ray analyzer. For the EDS we supply replacement HV and bias supply units that is not Nim Bin and a PC based pulse height analyzer with qualitative and quantitative software integrated with the WDS. Part of the package includes optional digital imaging. We do have demonstraton disks available.
Joe Geller jg-at-gellermicro.com Geller MicroAnalytical Lab 426e Boston St. Topsfield, MA 01983 508 887-7000, fax 508 887-6671
We are in the midst of purchasing some digital equipment for our microscopy lab. If you are a regular to the forum you may remember being asked for some suggestions. Well now we are getting to the task of sorting through all the files we have gathered. I'm looking for opinions of those of you working with equipment in the field who have no vested interest in any specific companies. Please give positive and negative drawbacks and try to address the following questions:
1. Does anyone have equipment hooked up to a cambridge S90 and if so what do you have? 2. Are you currently using semicaps (Genie or 1000)?and give opinion of system 3. Other than semicaps is there any other company that uses active beam control (ie controls electron beam)to maximize resolution? 4. Is your system user friendly and geered for multiple users? 5. Is your system Mac or not?
Just some background information: We have an electron microscopy class of 24 students and we are trying to expose them to the art of digital archiving as well as aleviate some time spent in the darkroom. We also in our biology department have 10 computer stations which are on our network.(Macs). The system is going to be used for capturing images from the sem,lm and copystand , and tem. These images will be labeled etc. and down loaded through the network for tutorials on the computers. Images will be supported in colour and can also be used for manuals and manuscripts.
Thanks,
sincerely Debbie Lietz Electron Microscopy Suite Department of Biology Trent University Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8 email DLietz-at-trentu.ca
This thread may be a little old, but we have had a system for this for many years and it is way better than paper. Ours is not commercial, and I quake at giving it to anyone else (it works, but it is a mess). I found out today that a system which has been installed on a couple of other microscopes here is being sold commercialy, at a rather low (I think) price. If you are interested, contact Richard Benassi at rbenassi-at-mcs.com . Before you ask, I have not commercial interest in this, neither does Northwestern University.
We are in the midst of purchasing some digital equipment for our microscopy lab. If you are a regular to the forum you may remember being asked for some suggestions. Well now we are getting to the task of sorting through all the files we have gathered. I'm looking for opinions of those of you working with equipment in the field who have no vested interest in any specific companies. Please give positive and negative drawbacks and try to address the following questions:
1. Does anyone have equipment hooked up to a cambridge S90 and if so what do you have? 2. Are you currently using semicaps (Genie or 1000)?and give opinion of system 3. Other than semicaps is there any other company that uses active beam control (ie controls electron beam)to maximize resolution? 4. Is your system user friendly and geered for multiple users? 5. Is your system Mac or not?
Just some background information: We have an electron microscopy class of 24 students and we are trying to expose them to the art of digital archiving as well as aleviate some time spent in the darkroom. We also in our biology department have 10 computer stations which are on our network.(Macs). The system is going to be used for capturing images from the sem,lm and copystand , and tem. These images will be labeled etc. and down loaded through the network for tutorials on the computers. Images will be supported in colour and can also be used for manuals and manuscripts.
Thanks,
sincerely Debbie Lietz Electron Microscopy Suite Department of Biology Trent University Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8 email DLietz-at-trentu.ca
Colleagues Working temporarily far from my books and reference manuals, I need to make thin foils of a magnesium alloy. Any helpful suggestions from experienced TEM thin foil preparers on the following points would be very welcome indeed.
Electrolyte: Voltage: Temperature Special handling, foil rinsing, storage etc... (Material: Mg-9Al-1Zn, die cast. Available equipment: Fischione twin-jet.)
Thanks in anticipation for any help. Rick Hall Materials Science, Univ. of Delaware (presently at: Technion, Israel Institute of Technology)
} HI MICRO-FANS, } I AM HAVING A BIT OF A PROBLEM SECURING WAX SECTIONS TO CARBON } STUBS. AFTER DEPARIFFINIZATIN AND CONDUCTIVE COATING THE SECTIONS } HAVE A TENDENCY TO LIFT OR CURL. IF ANY ONE HAS HAD ANY EXPERIENCE } WITH PARRAFIN SECTIONS FOR SEM THE INFO WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED } THANKS, } MATT KLEABONAS
Try poly-l-lysine or chromating the stubs--chrome albumin or chrome gelatin, as is done for slides. Phil
&&&&&&&&&&& Illigitmi non carborundum &&&&&&&&&&&
Philip Oshel soon-to-be-closed Center for Electron Microscopy University of Illinois Rm 74 Bevier Hall 905 S. Goodwin Ave. Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 244-3145 oshel-at-ux1.cso.uiuc.edu
On Thu, 6 Jun 1996 KLEABONAS.MATTHEW_P+-at-ALBANY.VA.GOV wrote:
} HI MICRO-FANS, } ATTEMPTS TO SECURE WAX SECTIONS FOR SEM-EDXA HAVE BEEN SOMEWHAT } UNSUCCESFUL. AFTER CONDUCTIVE COATING SECTIONS CURL AND SOME- } TIMES PARTLY DETACH. TECH INFO WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. } MATT KLEABONAS } STRATTON VAMC } ALBANY,NY } TEL: (518)-462-3311 X2552 } E-MAIL KLEABONAS.MATTHEW_P+-at-ALBANY.VA.GOV } Matt: I had to do the same sort of thing on paraffin sections and I had our histologist cut the sections and place the sections on carbon planchets. I then deparaffinized the sections while they were still on the planchet. I looked at them uncoated in the SEM and did EDAX. I usd different tissues such as kidney, heart, brain, etc. I was looking for silicon particles coming from the tubing during cardio-pulmonary bypass operations. The sections seemed to adhere to the carbon planchets. Don't know if this will help or not with your applications, but you can give it a try.
We are in the midst of purchasing some digital equipment for our microscopy lab. If you are a regular to the forum you may remember being asked for some suggestions. Well now we are getting to the task of sorting through all the files we have gathered. I'm looking for opinions of those of you working with equipment in the field who have no vested interest in any specific companies. Please give positive and negative drawbacks and try to address the following questions:
1. Does anyone have equipment hooked up to a cambridge S90 and if so what do you have? 2. Are you currently using semicaps (Genie or 1000)?and give opinion of system 3. Other than semicaps is there any other company that uses active beam control (ie controls electron beam)to maximize resolution? 4. Is your system user friendly and geered for multiple users? 5. Is your system Mac or not?
Just some background information: We have an electron microscopy class of 24 students and we are trying to expose them to the art of digital archiving as well as aleviate some time spent in the darkroom. We also in our biology department have 10 computer stations which are on our network.(Macs). The system is going to be used for capturing images from the sem,lm and copystand , and tem. These images will be labeled etc. and down loaded through the network for tutorials on the computers. Images will be supported in colour and can also be used for manuals and manuscripts.
Thanks,
sincerely Debbie Lietz Electron Microscopy Suite Department of Biology Trent University Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8 email DLietz-at-trentu.ca
Cargille is going strong. Call them at 201-239-6633, ask for Jean Behlen or Oscar Sceen.
If I can offer a non-medical opinion, you may be having an allergic reaction to the immersion oil. Allergies seem to become more frequent with passing time. Maybe the result of ever-present toxins in our environment. But as one who needs medicine to deal with a mosquito bite, I can offer you sympathy.
Hope this helps.
Elinor Solit, The Cambrex Group Publishers of The Microscope Book
On 5 Jun 1996, Fermin, Cesar wrote:
} I am sudenly having reaction to two different oil immersion we have. Please } send source for supplier of different types of oil immersion of high quality. } Is the Cargille Lab still in business? } } Send response to me at address below. Gracias. } } ********************************************************************* } *Cesar D. Fermin, Ph.D \|T|/ Fax (504) 587-7389 * } *Tulane Medical School /|M|\ Voice Mail (504) 584-2618 * } *Pathology/SL79 \|C|/ Secretary (504) 584-2436 * } *New Orleans La 70112-2699 /|*|\ Lab/Techn. (504) 584-2521 * } * {Fermin-at-tmc.tulane.edu} ----} Prof. Pathology & Otolaryngology * } *http://www1.omi.tulane.edu/departments/pathology/fermin/cdftop.html* } ********************************************************************* }
Medjet,Inc. located in Edison, NJ is seeking someone in a facility (hopefully closeby) who can embed rabbit cornea and section it. Embedding can be either in JB4 or Epon. They need samples prepared, sectioned and photographed ASAP. It's a total of 8 tissue pieces. Medjet will be offering monetary compensation. Please contact Dr. Peretz Feder if you can be of help at 908 635-6604 or e mail him at PFeder-at-aol.com.
HI MICRO-FANS, ATTEMPTS TO SECURE WAX SECTIONS FOR SEM-EDXA HAVE BEEN SOMEWHAT UNSUCCESFUL. AFTER CONDUCTIVE COATING SECTIONS CURL AND SOME- TIMES PARTLY DETACH. TECH INFO WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. MATT KLEABONAS STRATTON VAMC ALBANY,NY TEL: (518)-462-3311 X2552 E-MAIL KLEABONAS.MATTHEW_P+-at-ALBANY.VA.GOV
In response to the recent few messages on the hazards of uranium compounds used in the EM lab, I'll pass on a few quotes from the article "Potential hazards of uranium and its compounds in electron microscopy: a brief review", by James J. Darley and Hisanori Ezoe, that appeared in the Journal of Microscopy, Vol. 106, Pt 1, January 1976, pp 85-86, and save you the trouble of going to the library to dig up the article. I also wish to question the use of 'depleted' on labels. What caught my attention in this article is the stress put on the chemical toxicity of uranium; aside from its radioactivity, its also a nasty poison. Here are some quotes:
1. "The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists has set standards based on chemical toxicity. The maximum daily intake of uranium is set at under 2 micrograms. Fifty milligrams is considered a lethal dose. The maximum allowable concentration in the air is 0.5 mg for arsenic and only 0.05 mg for soluble uranium compounds per cubic metre of air. Acute poisoning is more likely with uranium compounds which are soluble in body fluids. Injury to the body is general, with the kidneys most affected..............Chronic poisoning is more likely from long term, low doses of insoluble compounds..............Insoluble compounds are more likely to lead to lung cancer. (Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety, 1972)..............Chemical toxicity outweighs radiological toxicity of natural uranium."
2. "Touching, inhalation and ingestion of uranium compounds must be avoided. Particular care must be used when dealing with the powdered substances.............Evaporating uranium for shadowing should only be carried out in an evaporator vented into a fume hood."
In consideration of the two points above I always work in the hood with the door pulled down a bit when removing powdered uranium compounds from their bottles for mixing solutions (same goes for sodium cacodylate which contains arsenic, and for lead salts, etc.).
Of course we should not overlook the radioactive hazard posed by uranium compounds. Here are some quotes from the authors about that:
3. "Chemical toxicity outweighs radiological toxicity of natural uranium. However, it seems important to recognize that natural uranium compounds constitute a substantial source of ionizing radiation..............Natural uranium contains 99.28% U238, 0.714% U235 and 0.00548% U234................Depleted uranium contains between 0.7% and usually more that 0.3% U235.
4. "One gram of natural uranium emits 12,500 decays/s of alpha particles, 25,000/s of beta emission, and also releases some gamma radiation.....................We found the beta emission has sufficient energy to penetrate glass and blacken a photographic film after a day's exposure to a jar of uranyl acetate. The radiological toxicity of 100 g of uranyl acetate is similar to thirty vials of C14 containing 20 microcuries each, with allowance for energy and other modifying factors. The radiation hazard in a laboratory considering 100 g of a uranium compound is in the same range as the average biology laboratory using isotopes like H3, C14, P32, for tracer experiments....................it appears important for the user of uranium compounds to be aware of these facts."
The authors go on to bemoan the lack of hazardous substance warnings on labels of "repacked materials from suppliers", but they wrote that 20 years ago and today most EM uranium compound labels that I have seen are generally adequately labeled as to the radioactive and toxic nature of contents. Uranyl magnesium acetate from Polysciences, Inc., carries a "poison" warning (with skull & crossbones) -but carries no warning as to the radioactivity of that compound(!). Uranyl acetate from Ted Pella, Inc., carries a 'radioactive' and 'poison' warning on its bottle, states the 0.51 microcurie activity level but does not carry the 'depleted' label. Electron Microscopy Sciences, has a radioactive warning sticker on its bottle of uranyl acetate, says it contains "U (depleted) activity 0.51 microcuries/gm/s", has no poison warning, but they do include the MSDS sheet (which also warns about carcinogenic effects of exposure) plus their own 2 page handout on the radioactive properties of UA and an explanation of units used to express radioactivity levels, including the definition of "depleted" as quoted by the authors in 3 above.
The use of the word 'depleted' on uranium compound labels bothers me a little because it implies that there is NO radioactivity left in it. My American Heritage Dictionary defines 'deplete' as "to use up or exhaust, to empty." Thus 'depleted' would mean "used up, or exhausted, emptied," and clearly with respect to UA 'depleted' means only about 50% reduction in what is already a minor constituent of the uranium in UA, of U235 to "between 0.7% and usually more that 0.3%", as in quote 3 above. Even though the radioactivity level of 0.51 microcuries is stated, somehow the label 'depleted' implies that it is safer somehow, but to me there is no way to clean up uranium's image as a nasty substance. The 'depleted' label could be misleading to those not in the know about what it means here. The Electron Microscopy Sciences' handout ends with a good description of the actual situation inside that bottle: "Both natural and depleted uranium, being a mixture of isotopes and daughters, will be expected to demonstrate alpha, beta and gamma activity." That's why its labeled "radioactive', but personally I think the "depleted" label is misleading.
Well, all this is to answer the original question on the dangers of uranium compounds and why it should be handled carefully like any hazardous compound, and to question the use of "depleted" on labels. The bottom line is that its 1. a toxic poison, and 2. its radioactive. Use with the usual precautions.
Gib Ahlstrand, MMS Newsletter Editor Electron Optical Facility, University of Minnesota, Dept. Plant Pathology 495 Borlaug Hall, St. Paul, MN 55108 (612)625-8249 612-625-9728 FAX, giba-at-puccini.crl.umn.edu
"MICROSCOPY & MICROANALYSIS 96" in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Aug.11-15, 1996
On June 7, Yves Thibault wrote: ======================================== I am planning to analyze with an elctron probe microanalyzer a series of synthetic alkali-rich silicate-phosphate glasses. Some will be made with Cs and others with Rb. I do not have proper standards for these two elements (Cs,Rb). I was wondering if someone would know a good source for such standards. ===============================================
You can find in the SPI "53 minerals mount" the mineral "pollucite". It is CsSi2AlO6. The analysis shows 30.0% Cs and 0.7%Rb as well as 1.3%Na and 0.1%K. In other words - all the alkali metals but only Cs in any reasonable amount. I doubt if it would be very much good as a standard for a major amount of Rb. The alkali metals are too reactive to mount as metals, which is the reason they are not in the SPI Supplies "44 Metals" mount.
More information about these standards for microanalysis and prices can be found on our web site given below.
Two other points: a) The "homogeneity" of this mineral is considered outstanding as determined both by ourselves and our customers, and b) we don't normally offer the mineral by itself, however I guess our arms could be twisted if that really was the only mineral you wanted (needed).
Chuck
====================================================== Charles A. Garber, Ph. D. Ph: 1-(610)-436-5400 President 1-(800)-2424-SPI SPI SUPPLIES FAX: 1-(610)-436-5755 PO BOX 656 e-mail: GVKM07A-at-prodigy.com West Chester, PA 19381-0656 USA Customer Service: spi2spi-at-2spi.com
our lab is trying to find a way to detect very thin ( {1um thick) coatings of stearates on the surface of a galvanized wire. our equipment consists of only a sem and a standard edx (no light element). any suggestions on how to "see" the coating would be very helpful.
Tania,
I would be inclined to try imaging at low accelerating voltage on your SEM first. A low {5 kev and not coating if possible can emphasize contaminants on surfaces such as the stearates. Also variations in the coating is possible to image this way but if the coating is uniform and continuous you might want to remove some to show the contrast. After that infrared (IR) spectroscopy is good for analysis of micron thick coatings.
Good luck,
Dave Audette Olin Research Center Cheshire, CT deaudette-at-corp.olin.com
X-Sender: mcmouldk-at-uxmail.ust.hk X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.2 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Hi,
I am looking a program call Electron Flight Simulator Version 2.0 for Windows. Does anybody know where I can obtain the program from?
Thanks,
Keith. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Materials Characterisation and Preparation Centre, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Dear Tania, I think the best way to see the stearates would be to drop the kV to 10 or lower. I recall seeing them as dark blobs between the steel wire and Zn coating in cross sections and I think they contained Ca. They should appear as dark, raised, smooth blobs obscuring the wire-pulling scratches before. Luck, Mary
Tania wrote:} hello, } } our lab is trying to find a way to detect very thin ( {1um thick) coatings of } stearates on the surface of a galvanized wire. our equipment consists of only } a sem and a standard edx (no light element). any suggestions on how to "see" } the coating would be very helpful. } } thank you in advance, } } tania jones } laboratory manager } dynamotive technologies corp.
Mary Mager Electron Microscopist Metals and Materials Eng, UBC 309 - 6350 Stores Rd. Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4 CANADA tel: 604-822-5648, fax: 604-822-3619 email: mager-at-unixg.ubc.ca
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I have ask to do TEM on a sub domain of a receptor. In particular GABA-A receptor (a protein). They are currently sitting in a Sodium Phosphate buffer with Octyl-glucoside. As this is not my field, are there any recommended ways to prepare the receptors for TEM, in particular how to stain them.
Thanks in advance.
Keith Moulding.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Materials Characterisation and Preparation Centre, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
} you wrote: } Hi all, } } We are about to start using uranyl acetate for some staining applications } but have no MSDS information regarding the handling or disposal of it. We } can only get information for uranium products in general. The company which } produced it no longer produces it and the company they suggested may have } information no longer exists! A search of the WWW has also drawn a blank! } } If anyone out there could email this information to me it would be greatly } appreciated as it is required with some urgency! } } Many thanks in advance. } } Colin Veitch } } ##################################################################### } # # } # Colin.Veitch-at-geel.dwt.csiro.au # } # Instrumentation Scientist # } # CSIRO Division of Wool Technology Tel. +61 (0) 52 275611 # } # P.O. Box 21 Fax. +61 (0) 52 275657 # } # BELMONT Vic 3216 # } # Australia # } # # } # "We see the Universe the way it is because if it were different, # } # we would not be here to observe it." # } # # } ##################################################################### } } Colin - and whoever is looking for those Material Safety Data Sheets: } } A great many of these are available at these two sites } University of Utah gopher://gopher.chem.utah.edu:70/11/MSDS } North West Fisheries http://research.nwfsc.noaa.gov/msds.html } } In Australia some "wise guy" decided to require that the MSDS need to be arranged differently. They do though allow the European Community MSDS, but the } American MSDS form is not acceptable here. Since several hundred thousand } chemicals are imported this is a big job and hugely expensive. We have } converted most of the EM chemical MSDS and they are available at our site. } } Regards Jim Darley } Probing & Structure } Microscopy Supplies & Accessories } } Phone +61 77 740 370 Fax: +61 77 892 313 } Internet Catalogue: http://www.ultra.net/~pns/ } } } } Probing & Structure Microscopy Supplies & Accessories
Message-ID: {199606070138.UAA20500-at-IndyNet.indy.net} To: "tania-at-dynamotive.com" {tania-at-dynamotive.com} , Microscopy list {microscopy-at-Sparc5.Microscopy.Com}
an old time report on polishing agents and etchants put out by one of the metallurgical company labs that is no longer in existance gives the following reagents for electrolytically polishing Magnesium:
1. 90 ml Methyl cellulose and 10 ml HCl at 10-15 V, 0.02 A/sq cm, 1-2 min; reduce to 5 V after initial polarization
2. 93 ml carbitol and 7 ml HCl -at- 0.10 to 0.15 A/sq cm; passive film occurs in about 1 min - remove with dilute KOH. Continue polishing an additional 20 sec.
3. 90 ml cellosolve and 10 ml HCl at 50 to 60 V for 10 to 30 sec.
4. 70 ml acetic acid, 2 ml dist. water, 28 ml 70% perchloric acid; 20 to 30 V, 0.01 A/sq cm, for 1-2 min.
5. 80 ml ethanol, 8 ml butyl cell0solve, 16 gm sodium thiocyanate. No conditions, but stated to be Buehler reagent #10, and so it probably will work pretty well.
6. 76 ml ethanol, 14 ml water, 5 ml 70% perchloric acid; 0.6 to 0.9 A/sq cm, 60 sec., use Ni cathode
7. A chemical polish for pure Mg: conc. nitric acid; immerse in cold acid. Copious evol. of NO2 fumes subsides in about 1 min. Gives highly reflective specimen with grain boundaries revealed.
Hope you find something that works satisfactorily, W. C. Bigelow (bigelow-at-umich.edu)
I would most appreciate contact information for vendors of glass or plastic microscope slides with wells in which to culture cells for in situ microscopy. Thanks for your efforts in advance.
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-- [ From: Charles A. Garber., Ph.d * EMC.Ver #2.10P ] --
On June 7, Yves Thibault wrote: ======================================== I am planning to analyze with an elctron probe microanalyzer a series of synthetic alkali-rich silicate-phosphate glasses. Some will be made with Cs and others with Rb. I do not have proper standards for these two elements (Cs,Rb). I was wondering if someone would know a good source for such standards. ===============================================
You can find in the SPI "53 minerals mount" the mineral "pollucite". It is CsSi2AlO6. The analysis shows 30.0% Cs and 0.7%Rb as well as 1.3%Na and 0.1%K. In other words - all the alkali metals but only Cs in any reasonable amount. I doubt if it would be very much good as a standard for a major amount of Rb. The alkali metals are too reactive to mount as metals, which is the reason they are not in the SPI Supplies "44 Metals" mount.
More information about these standards for microanalysis and prices can be found on our web site given below.
Two other points: a) The "homogeneity" of this mineral is considered outstanding as determined both by ourselves and our customers, and b) we don't normally offer the mineral by itself, however I guess our arms could be twisted if that really was the only mineral you wanted (needed)
I was sent a reply to your initial request from Veronique Buschmann. I wanted to correct an error in the e-mail address and the web site. The correct e-mail address is: dchernoff-at-aol.com
The correct web site is:
http://members.aol.com/smworld100/index.htm
Please contact me if you have any questions about the Electron Flight Simulator program.
When I did some electropolishing of pure Mg I used a solution of 10% perchloric acid dissolved in ethanol at a voltage of 38V, a temp of -30 degrees C and a fairly low flow rate in a Struers tenupol 3 twin jet electropolisher. I can't remember where I got this recipe, maybe it was from one of J.W. Edington's monographs on electron microscopy (unfortunately no longer in print). It seemed to give good results but I didn't do extensive work on Mg.
Another paper that I have (Lay, Ayed and Nouet, Acta Met. Mat., 1992, vol 40, p 2351) describes preparation of Mg specimens using twin jet chemical polishing with 25% nitric acid in ethanol.
Hope this helps
_________________________________________________________________ Ian MacLaren, Telephone: 0121 414 3447 IRC in Materials, FAX: 0121 414 3441 The University of Birmingham, email: I.MacLaren-at-bham.ac.uk Birmingham B15 2TT, England. _________________________________________________________________
To emphasize the need for caution with uranyl acetate and echo Gib Ahlstrand's comments on the toxicity I refer to "Nephron" 1996, 72(2)313-317 "Deliberate overdose of uranium: Toxicity and Treatment." An abstract can be found in CAS "Forensic Chemistry" Vol 1996, issue 12 June 10 1996.
Despite these warnings uranyl acetate still remains my favorite microchemical test for sodium!
These opinions are mine alone and have no relationship to my employer. Thank you.
Frank Karl
They that give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin
Does a company called Heizer Software (last seen at 1941 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, CA) still exist? The phone number I have is no longer in service. I bought some EXCEL templates years ago, and some do not work anymore with newer versions. Anyone having tips, please reply personally.
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At 10:51 AM 6/6/96 EDT, you wrote:
} HI MICRO-FANS, } I AM HAVING A BIT OF A PROBLEM SECURING WAX SECTIONS TO CARBON } STUBS. AFTER DEPARIFFINIZATIN AND CONDUCTIVE COATING THE SECTIONS } HAVE A TENDENCY TO LIFT OR CURL. IF ANY ONE HAS HAD ANY EXPERIENCE } WITH PARRAFIN SECTIONS FOR SEM THE INFO WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED } THANKS, } MATT KLEABONAS } STRATTON VA MEDICAL CENTER } ALBANY,NY } TEL: (518)-462-3311 X2552 } FAX: (518)-462-1258 } E-MAIL: KLEABONAS.MATTHEW_P+-at-ALBANY.VA.GOV } } ***************************** Matt -
I have attached histological sections to graphite specimen holders routinely without problems. I cut the sections in the usual manner, floating them on a warm water bath. I coat the graphite holder (JEOL TEMSCAN type) with the regular histological albumin fixative (Poly Scientific Albumin Fixative "Mayer", Cat. #S110; 70 Cleveland Ave. Bay Shore, NY 11706). I pick up the floating paraffin section just like I was mounting it onto a glass slide, and let it dry. You might try warming it SLIGHTLY to improve adhesion. Then I soak it in xylene to remove the paraffin. Then I let the xylene evaporate over night. Sometimes I put the mounted specimens into the vacuum evaporator and pump it down over night to remove all traces of xylene before carbon coating them. Secondary electron imaging will give you an image that readily correlates with photographs of adjacent serial histo sections made with the light microscope. And backscatter imaging will show up exogenous mineral particles for EDS.
Joiner
Joiner Cartwright, Jr., Ph.D.
Director, Electron Microscopy tel.: (713)798-4658 Department of Pathology, Rm.286-A FAX: (713)798-3945 Baylor College of Medicine Internet: joiner-at-bcm.tmc.edu One Baylor Plaza Compuserve: 71555,1206 Houston, Texas 77030 U.S.A.
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At 10:51 AM 6/6/96 EDT, you wrote:
} HI MICRO-FANS, } I AM HAVING A BIT OF A PROBLEM SECURING WAX SECTIONS TO CARBON } STUBS. AFTER DEPARIFFINIZATIN AND CONDUCTIVE COATING THE SECTIONS } HAVE A TENDENCY TO LIFT OR CURL. IF ANY ONE HAS HAD ANY EXPERIENCE } WITH PARRAFIN SECTIONS FOR SEM THE INFO WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED } THANKS, } MATT KLEABONAS } STRATTON VA MEDICAL CENTER } ALBANY,NY } TEL: (518)-462-3311 X2552 } FAX: (518)-462-1258 } E-MAIL: KLEABONAS.MATTHEW_P+-at-ALBANY.VA.GOV } } ***************************** Matt -
I have attached histological sections to graphite specimen holders routinely without problems. I cut the sections in the usual manner, floating them on a warm water bath. I coat the graphite holder (JEOL TEMSCAN type) with the regular histological albumin fixative (Poly Scientific Albumin Fixative "Mayer", Cat. #S110; 70 Cleveland Ave. Bay Shore, NY 11706). I pick up the floating paraffin section just like I was mounting it onto a glass slide, and let it dry. You might try warming it SLIGHTLY to improve adhesion. Then I soak it in xylene to remove the paraffin. Then I let the xylene evaporate over night. Sometimes I put the mounted specimens into the vacuum evaporator and pump it down over night to remove all traces of xylene before carbon coating them. Secondary electron imaging will give you an image that readily correlates with photographs of adjacent serial histo sections made with the light microscope. And backscatter imaging will show up exogenous mineral particles for EDS.
Joiner
Joiner Cartwright, Jr., Ph.D.
Director, Electron Microscopy tel.: (713)798-4658 Department of Pathology, Rm.286-A FAX: (713)798-3945 Baylor College of Medicine Internet: joiner-at-bcm.tmc.edu One Baylor Plaza Compuserve: 71555,1206 Houston, Texas 77030 U.S.A.
We are interested in compiling a series of cases related to neoplastic lesions associated or arising at tattoo sites. We recently encountered a case of leiomyosarcoma arising in association with tattoo site. Althoug h the association between tattooes and neoplasms is currently believed to be merely coincide ntal, we still consider the possibility of a "cause and effect" relationsh ip betwen tattooes and neoplasms arising in tattoo sites. We welcome all cases related to this subject. Arthur D. del Rosario,MD Stratton VAMC Department of Pathology Albany,NY E-Mail delRosario.Arthur_D+-at-Albany.VA.GOV FAX (518) 462-1258; PHONE (518)462-3311 X2291
Recently I had to do a similar thing with lung tissue suspected of having asbestos particles. We couldn't risk having the particles fall out (in a water bath or deparaffinizing). I used a cambridge-type carbon stub, placed the section directly onto the stub and heated it in my paraffin oven. It adhered nicely, and as the paraffin melted the section was exposed. I then carbon-coated it. Hope this helps.
Kathy Walters / / Research Assistant III / /\ Center for Microscopy Research / /\ \ University of Iowa /_/ \ \ 85 EMRB ____ ((O)) Iowa City, Iowa 52242 | | / / || / / email: kwalters-at-emiris.iaf.uiowa.edu ----------- fax: (319)335-8049 ------------- www: http://www.uiowa.edu/~cemrf
On 6 Jun 1996 KLEABONAS.MATTHEW_P+-at-ALBANY.VA.GOV wrote:
} HI MICRO-FANS, } I AM HAVING A BIT OF A PROBLEM SECURING WAX SECTIONS TO CARBON } STUBS. AFTER DEPARIFFINIZATIN AND CONDUCTIVE COATING THE SECTIONS } HAVE A TENDENCY TO LIFT OR CURL. IF ANY ONE HAS HAD ANY EXPERIENCE } WITH PARRAFIN SECTIONS FOR SEM THE INFO WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED } THANKS, } MATT KLEABONAS } STRATTON VA MEDICAL CENTER } ALBANY,NY } TEL: (518)-462-3311 X2552 } FAX: (518)-462-1258 } E-MAIL: KLEABONAS.MATTHEW_P+-at-ALBANY.VA.GOV
Can you operate state-of-the art microscopy equipment? Like to try sell it?
If so, then due to our continued growth, we'd like to talk with you. Philips is a leading manufacturer of electron microscopes used in laboratories around the world. We are looking for highly motivated professionals who have demonstrated success in developing long-term consultative relationships with senior scientists. Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills and at least a B.S. in science or engineering are required.
Sales Managers responsible for selling Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopes in the Midwest and Southwestern U.S. Based in the Midwest, and Phoenix, AZ.
Product Manager responsible for marketing and sale of Philips' Defect Review Tool for the semiconductor industry. Based in Phoenix, AZ.
These positions offer an excellent compensation package with growth opportunities. Please send confidential resume, including salary history and position desired to: Lisa Stitt, Employment & Compensation Specialist. (Local interviews will be arranged.)
PHILIPS ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS COMPANY 85 McKee Drive, Mahwah, New Jersey, 07430 FAX: 201-529-0896 Internet Address: lisa_stitt-at-pei.philips.com
OR: Just hit reply and I'll forward stuff to Lisa. Cheers, Jan
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-- [ From: Charles A. Garber., Ph.d * EMC.Ver #2.10P ] --
Liam MacManus wrote: ============================================== I'm looking into the surface modification of polypropylene (PP), using UV/ozone techniques. What I would like to know is if anyone can give me suggestions on distinguishing between a biaxially oriented (and therefore crystalline) PP and an amorphous or semi-crystalline PP. I'm trying DSC analysis, and am looking into IR studies. Any other suggestions? ================================================ The best way to do this is by x-ray diffraction and another way, depending on the thickness of your samples would be by LM looking at the birefringence (but this might require some messy sample prep and sectioning). In your XRD patterns, the biaxially oriented material will have "spots" at both poles and also equatorially. Uniaxially oriented material will have only two spots. And of course, unoriented (but crystalline) material will just have a uniform "ring". Purely "amorphous" polypropylene would in essence have just an amorphous "halo".
No fancy single crystal orienter is required, just a plain vanilla garden variety XRD system. For pedagogical purposes, a "flat plate photo" (really old fashioned) might even be better.
I think that DSC would give you ambiguous results that would not have a unique interpretation. Dichroic ratio measurements could be done by IR but XRD is really the way to do it.
Chuck
====================================================== Charles A. Garber, Ph. D. Ph: 1-(610)-436-5400 President 1-(800)-2424-SPI SPI SUPPLIES FAX: 1-(610)-436-5755 PO BOX 656 e-mail: GVKM07A-at-prodigy.com West Chester, PA 19381-0656 USA Customer Service: spi2spi-at-2spi.com
Take a look! #################################### WWW: http://www.2spi.com #################################### ======================================================
I have a Kevex 8005 sys & have question re: AIA s-ware package. Doing feature analysis, save feature data to file type .FTR (is not ASCII) for each image/frame. Can make data histogram from each image/frame/file. NEED to make one histogram containing data from multiple images. Therefore need to concatenate/merge data from multiple .FTR files into one. HOW???? Even if I "tell" the pgm to "save/external" and have the file types set to ASCII, it still seems to save as file unreadable by conventional software. I have DOS/PC setup to read the 44mb DEC format bernoullis into dos format so I can "fiddle" w/data on PC, but cannot get that far. Kevex has been no help.
I've got some TEM/STEM digitized images from a JEOL 2010 FETEM and would like to print them using a laser printer. What quality of paper would you suggest to get a good, clear printout.
I'll appreciate any help. Thanks. Haroon Ikram, Deptt. of Met. & Mat. Science U of T, Canada.
In message {9605311255.AA12167-at-phage.cshl.org} Tamara Howard in Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory writes: } Helpful people: } I'm having trouble with some seed material...we need to look at the } pericarp(s) of these guys through the seeds' development. The early stages } were cake, but I'm having trouble with older material - it is more "woody" } as we go. I've found several seed prep protocols, but I was hoping someone } out there has a tried and true method...
Howard, I recommend the following references on microwave-accelerated preparation of plant and seed tissue for morphologic studies.
1993. Microwave miniprep of total genomic DNA from fungi, plants, protists and animals for PCR. BioTechniques. 15:438-441.
Benhamou, N., S. Noel, J. Grenier, A. Asselin. 1991. Microwave energy fixation of plant tissue: an alternative approach that provides excellent preservation of ultrastructure and antigenicity. J Electron Microsc Tech. 17:81-94.
Giberson, R.T., R.S. Demaree, Jr. 1995. Microwave fixation: understanding the variables to achieve rapid reproducible results. Microsc Res Tech. 32:246-254.
Heumann, H.G. 1992. Microwave-stimulated glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide fixation of plant tissue: ultrastructural preservation in seconds. Histochem. 97:341-347.
Kang, Z., R. Rohringer, J. Chong, S. Haber. 1991. Microwave fixation of rust-infected wheat leaves. Preservation of fine structure and detection of cell surface antigens, lectin- and sugar-binding sites. Protoplasma. 162:27-37.
Kartnig, T., D. von Horsten, C. Lassnig, B. Classen. 1995. [The application of microwave energy in preparation of herbal drugs. 2.]. Pharmazie. 50:498-504.
Login, G.R., A.M. Dvorak. 1994. Methods of microwave fixation for microscopy. A review of research and clinical applications: 1970-1992. Prog Histochem Cytochem. 27/4:1-127.
Login, G.R., A.M. Dvorak 1994. The Microwave Toolbook. A Practical Guide for Microscopists. Beth Israel Hospital, Boston.
Medina, F.J., A. Cerdido, R. Marco. 1995. Microwave irradiation improvements in the silver staining of the nucleolar organizer (Ag-NOR) technique. Histochem Cell Biol. 103:403-13.
Medina, F.J., A. Cerdido, M. Maroto, M. Manzanares, R. Marco. 1994. Enhancement of the immunocytochemical detection of antigens by microwave irradiation. Benefits and limitations analysed in isolated plant nuclei and Drosophila embryos in toto. Histochemistry. 102:45-50.
Please contact me if you have additional questions.
Gary R. Login, D.M.D., D.M.Sc. Assistant Professor of Oral Pathology Beth Israel Hospital Department of Pathology 330 Brookline Avenue Boston, Massachusetts, 02215
Gary R. Login, D.M.D., D.M.Sc. Assistant Professor of Oral Pathology Beth Israel Hospital Department of Pathology 330 Brookline Avenue Boston, Massachusetts, 02215
} Dear Microscopist, } } I've got some TEM/STEM digitized images from a JEOL 2010 FETEM and would } like to print them using a laser printer. What quality of paper would you } suggest to get a good, clear printout. } } I'll appreciate any help. } Thanks. } Haroon Ikram, } Deptt. of Met. & Mat. Science } U of T, Canada.
Haroon
We are printing images from our SEM's on a 1200dpi Lexmark Optra R sports plus. After some experimentation we have settled on the Canon Colour Copier paper. From memory it is around 80gsm and is excellent. The cost per page is around 3c (Oz).
We had not thought much about paper in our printers before this but were amazed at the variations between "white" paper and so I strongly suggest to all sharing our state of ignorance to have a close look at the paper they use.
Obviously we have no financial interests in anything!
Cheers Brendon J. Griffin Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis The University of Western Australia Nedlands, WA, AUSTRALIA 6907 ph 61-9-380-2739 fax 61-9-380-1087
The subject says it all - does anyone know what has happened to Ultramicroscopy, which does not appear to have published an issue since November 1995. I am getting a little annoyed at refering to one of my papers as "Ultramicroscopy, in press (1995)" - is the journal dead?
============================================================================== Steve Schwarz sschwarz-at-morgan.ucs.mun.ca Dept. of Earth Sciences Memorial University of Newfoundland Newfoundland CANADA A1B 3X5 1-709-737-8142 -737-2589 FAX ******************************************************************************
Microscopists: We have recently begun doing fluorescence microscopy of fluorescent-antibody labelled virus grown in cell monolayers. Are there any accepted techniques for quanitation of the fluorescent signal with a CCD camera or other video system. Is there software available to accomplish this on a Mac platform. We have a conventional fluorescent microscope with a Hg lamp.
Thanks for any suggestions,
Elliott Jacobson Elliott Jacobson Professor Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences P.O. Box 100126 College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA Phone: 904-392-4700 X4773 Fax: 904-392-6125 E-Mail: ERJ-at-vetmed1.vetmed.ufl.edu WEB Site: www.vetmed.ufl.edu
We are trying to choose between 3 compound microscopes for bright field, dark field, and DIC: Zeiss Axiotech with transmitted light box, Nikon Labophot-2/2A with Epi illuminator, and Olympus BX60/M.
I'd like to ask a few questions about these microscopes. If you'd be willing to help us, please reply to my Email address. Thanks!
Russell E. Cook Electron Microscopy Center for Materials Research Argonne National Laboratory 9700 South Cass Avenue MSD-212 Argonne, IL 60439 (708)252-7194 FAX: (708)252-4798
We are in the midst of purchasing some digital equipment for our microscopy lab. If you are a regular to the forum you may remember being asked for some suggestions. Well now we are getting to the task of sorting through all the files we have gathered. I'm looking for opinions of those of you working with equipment in the field who have no vested interest in any specific companies. Please give positive and negative drawbacks and try to address the following questions:
1. Does anyone have equipment hooked up to a cambridge S90 and if so what do you have? 2. Are you currently using semicaps (Genie or 1000)?and give opinion of system 3. Other than semicaps is there any other company that uses active beam control (ie controls electron beam)to maximize resolution? 4. Is your system user friendly and geered for multiple users? 5. Is your system Mac or not?
Just some background information: We have an electron microscopy class of 24 students and we are trying to expose them to the art of digital archiving as well as aleviate some time spent in the darkroom. We also in our biology department have 10 computer stations which are on our network.(Macs). The system is going to be used for capturing images from the sem,lm and copystand , and tem. These images will be labeled etc. and down loaded through the network for tutorials on the computers. Images will be supported in colour and can also be used for manuals and manuscripts.
Thanks,
sincerely Debbie Lietz Electron Microscopy Suite Department of Biology Trent University Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8 email DLietz-at-trentu.ca
Does anyone have any information regarding frame grabbers for Macs? I'm looking for something like Snappy which is made for PC's. thanks Elliott Jacobson Professor Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences P.O. Box 100126 College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA Phone: 904-392-4700 X4773 Fax: 904-392-6125 E-Mail: ERJ-at-vetmed1.vetmed.ufl.edu WEB Site: www.vetmed.ufl.edu
I've been getting fuzzy plate numbers using a Philips EM430. The images are clear, but the identification numbers are unreadable (this has been observed consistently with only one camera). Has anyone ever experienced this strange behavior before? Does anyone know how to fix the problem without taking the camera out of rotation (two other cameras yield sharp, dark, and clear identificaton numbers)?
Thanks in advance!
************************************************************************** Lucille A. Giannuzzi, Ph.D. phone: 407 823-5770 University of Central Florida fax: 407 823-0208 Materials Science Program email: lag-at-pegasus.cc.ucf.edu Dept. of Mechanical and Aerospace Eng. Orlando, FL 32816-2450 **************************************************************************
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We have a Kevex Delta V EDS system that has apparently lost its RGB monitor. That is, its brightness has been fading away for some time and now it seems to have sync problems. We have swapped it for another Kevex monitor on campus and the system then works fine (thanks, Bruce). However, Bruce is going to need his monitor back soon and we would like to find a "permanent" replacement.
We are probably going to replace our system within the year, so we are not interested in spending $1K+ to replace the monitor. But if someone out there has a functioning Kevex monitor they would like to sell for a few dollars or that they wouldn't mind loaning us, we would be very happy to talk with them.
Or, if there is some way to adapt a more standard color monitor to the job, I am open for ideas. I have been told that the vertical scan rate of the Kevex monitor is 57.9 Hz and the horizontal rate is 17.2 kHz, which is way below normal PC monitors (upwards of 30 kHz).
Once again, any help will be appreciated. ---------------------------------------------------- Warren E. Straszheim 270 Metals Development, Ames Lab/ISU, Ames IA, 50011 Phone: 515-294-8187 FAX: 515-294-3091
} Mime-Version: 1.0 } Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" } Date: Mon, 10 Jun 1996 15:27:36 +0800 } To: bjg-at-uniwa.uwa.edu.au } From: andy-at-earwax.pd.uwa.edu.au (Andrew Johnson) } Subject: Reconditioned Ion Pumps for Philips TEM's } } Reconditioned Ion Pumps (SIP's) for Philips EM 400 series TEM's } } Can anyone out there help with a supplier who can exchange or recondition } the ion pump of a Philips TEM. The pumps are made by Edwards, apparently a } special for Philips. Model/Code no. EP100/B036-06-000. The pump body would } require to be sawn open and rewelded to renew the electrodes. } } } } Brendon J. Griffin Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis The University of Western Australia Nedlands, WA, AUSTRALIA 6907 ph 61-9-380-2739 fax 61-9-380-1087
Hello!All Microscopists, Does anyone of you out there has any information on Scannertron Enlarger? My Unit is thinking of getting one, so if you have any information of the supplier(s) in Singapore, please let me know. Thank you very much.
Regards, Catherine Tang Electron Microscopy Unit National University of Singapore
We are looking for a method to depassivate microelectronic components. The components have to be depassivated to allow a SEM research. For the depassivation we are thinking on ion beam methods and on chemical methods. In particular we are looking for the depassivation of Al stripes with a nitride passivation layer upon it. Has someone a recipe for the chemical depassivation of microelectronic components and in particular of passivated Al stripes.
Thanks in advance!
Jan D'Haen Limburgs Universitair Centrum Institute for Materials Research Materials Physics Division Universitaire Campus Wetenschapspark 1 B-3590 Diepenbeek Belgium
We are looking for a method to depassivate microelectronic components. The components have to be depassivated to allow a SEM research. For the depassivation we are thinking on ion beam methods and on chemical methods. In particular we are looking for the depassivation of Al stripes with a nitride passivation layer upon it. Has someone a recipe for the chemical depassivation of microelectronic components and in particular of passivated Al stripes.
Thanks in advance!
Jan D'Haen Limburgs Universitair Centrum Institute for Materials Research Materials Physics Division Universitaire Campus Wetenschapspark 1 B-3590 Diepenbeek Belgium
EDAX International, a manufacturer of detectors and analyzers for microanalysis, seeks an aggressive salesperson with a BA or BS degree and technical background. Self-starter with 3-5 years sales experience in analytical or capital equipment perferred. We offer a competitive salary, commissions and an excellent benefit package. Please forward confidential resume and salary history to:
Lisa Stitt, Human Resources EDAX International 85 McKee Drive, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430 FAX: 201/529-0896 Internet Address: lisa_stitt-at-pei.philips.com
EDAX International, a manufacturer of detectors and analyzers for microanalysis, seeks an aggressive salesperson with a BA or BS degree and technical background. Self-starter with 3-5 years sales experience in analytical or capital equipment perferred. We offer a competitive salary, commissions and an excellent benefit package. Please forward confidential resume and salary history to:
Lisa Stitt, Human Resources EDAX International 85 McKee Drive, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430 FAX: 201/529-0896 Internet Address: lisa_stitt-at-pei.philips.com
Reply to: RE} Reconditioned Ion Pumps for Philips TEM's
The Duniway Stockroom Corp., (1305 Space Park Way, Mountain View, California 94043; FX: 415-965-0764) reconditions ion pumps and other vacuum apparatus. I would expect that they might be able to work on the pump for your Philips EM. Best regards, and good luck with your problem, Wil Bigelow (bigelow-at-umich.edu)
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The goal was to start up a homepage, and then to get user input on what to add, what to take off etc.
*******************So we need user input**************************
Send to Lou Ann Miller, (email anchor also at bottom of CSMS Home page): ==================================================
suggestions
pictures you are proud of and want to show on the web
technique tips
other local microscopy meetings
etc etc =================
Thanks!!!
LA *********************** Lou Ann Miller Incomming Secretary for CSMS
Microscopic Imaging Laboratory College of Veterinary Medicine University of Illinois 2001 S Lincoln Ave Urbana, Illinois 61801 217-244-1566 lamiller-at-ux1.cso.uiuc.edu
Microscopic Imaging Lab Home Pages: http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/MicImagLab/MicImagLab.html
Personal Home Pages: http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/Homepages/LouAnnMiller/LAM.html ***********************
I¹m to lead a very very informal discussion on Microwave Techniques at the Spring CSMS meeting on June 28th.
For meeting details check: http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/Homepages/LouAnnMiller/CSMS/Spring96
I will bring some pictures and small props to pass around, and I plan to bring ugly pictures and mistakes as well as pictures I don¹t grimace at.
********WHAT I NEED IS FOR ANYONE WHO HAS DONE MICROWAVING AT ALL TO BRING THEIR PICTURES ALSO.***** This is will defiantly NOT be a critic. The goal is :
* Those of us ( like me) who have only tried 1 or 2 protocols can see what other protocols look like and to acquire a feel for what is possible, and new things we might like to try.
* Bring the failures, others may recognize past failures that look like yours and have an ideal at what step something could be changed.
* Share Technique tips that you have invented or found useful.
* Discover where Microwaving can be useful with procedures not normally thought to use microwave with.
* Bring ideals on how you started up your Microwave, calibration etc.
=====**** Bring a copies of your protocols to share , I¹ll bring some of mine.
Thanks much!
Lou Ann -- *********************** Lou Ann Miller Microscopic Imaging Laboratory College of Veterinary Medicine University of Illinois 2001 S Lincoln Ave Urbana, Illinois 61801 217-244-1566 lamiller-at-ux1.cso.uiuc.edu
Microscopic Imaging Lab Home Pages: http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/MicImagLab/MicImagLab.html
Personal Home Pages: http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/Homepages/LouAnnMiller/LAM.html ***********************
Good Morning Jan: We had used wet etching several years ago but found it to be marginal. Invariably the area of interest didn't etch at same rate as rest of chip or was never completely removed. Buffered HF was typically used for SiO2 and also for nitride but at a slower rate ( which can be an advantage ). Literature specifies hot ( I think, 90C, must check for accuracy) phosphoric acid for Si3N4. This works but is more complicated in handling and safety of use, especially heating the acid We recently purchased a plasma etcher for this purpose, to eliminate the safety problems in handling the wet chemicals and the disposal of hazardous chemicals. The unit has worked very well for the removal of Si oxides and nitrides. Besides the benefit of not having to deal with the wet chemicals, the plasma etched samples are much cleaner for SEM inspection, with essentially no residue. Plus todate, I have encountered only minor problems with non-uniform etching compared to the wet etch technique.
---------------------------------------------------------- Richard Sartore US Army Research Laboratory AMSRL-PS-DC Fort Monmouth, NJ 07703-5601 908-427-2261 FAX 908-532-0156 rsartore-at-arl.mil ----------------------------------------------------------
Thank you all for the o-ring source information. Your help is much appreciated.
Regards,
Jim Romanow Electron Microscopy Facility Physiology and Neurobiogy Department The University Of Connecticut Storrs bsgphy3-at-uconnvm.uconn.edu (860) 486-2914 voice -1936 fax
} We have a Kevex Delta V EDS system that has apparently lost its RGB monitor.
} Or, if there is some way to adapt a more standard color monitor to the job, } I am open for ideas. I have been told that the vertical scan rate of the } Kevex monitor is 57.9 Hz and the horizontal rate is 17.2 kHz, which is way } below normal PC monitors (upwards of 30 kHz).
I have replaced two monitors on older Kevex 8000 units with Electrohome monitors. These monitors also work on a Delta system in our lab. In fact, the monitor supplied by Kevex for the Delta is an Electrohome monitor.
Some cabling changes were needed to adapt the monitor to the 8000 systems; no change was needed for the Delta system. On the 8000 units, an auxillary speaker is be needed, since the new monitor does not have one.
The horizontal scan rate on the Kevex systems is down around 15-16 kHz, which makes it difficult to adapt commonly used computer multisync monitors to this task. This said, be aware that the Electrohome monitor is not cheap, though it is less expensive than a Kevex replacement part.
The model number is ECM1411, which is a 14" color monitor with 0.28mm dot pitch and digital memory sizing. Input is via 5 BNC analog or 9 pin TTL/VGA. In fact, the versatility of this monitor makes me believe I will use it on some other computer system when the Kevex units are retired.
There is also a model available with anti-magnetic shielding, if your monitor is likely to interfere with the electron column. I do not have this version and I have not seen any problems. The SEM column is six feet away (Hitachi S-570) and the EMPA column is seven feet away (Cameca MBX).
Electrohome (Kitchener, Ontario) can be reached at 519-744-7111. The local distributor for our area was Blue Ash Electronics (Cincinnati, Ohio) at 800-762-5584.
DISCLAMER: I have no financial interests in Electrohome or Blue Ash Electronics.
Carl
====================================== Carl Henderson University of Michigan Electron Microbeam Analysis Laboratory 2501 C.C. Little Bldg. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1063
We are interested in Nickel based staining techniques for the EM localization of polypeptides containing six histidines. Does anyone have any experience in this area or suggestions as to where to look for a protocol?
Many thanks,
Doug Keene Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children Connective Tissue Research Group Electron Microscopy Facility ---------------------- Doug Keene DRK-at-shcc.org
I now have an answer to my AIA file handling question! ...Recieved a call from what seems to be the only person who knew at Kevex. My thanks to him. What I needed was (buried) in the manual [redface], but if you have ever experienced manuals for low sales volume/complex software, you understand my not finding it! -- & I'm not the only one...
FYI... The commands to sum data are:
Enter:
REC/FEA {cr} -You will be promped for filename, don't enter!
Hit- Blue ^ arrow key ("runfile") -A list of feature data files will be returned to CRT.
Using up/down (black) arrow keys, select (highlight) file to add.
Select each file (to add) by hitting "acquire" key while filename is highlighted. Beware: This also outputs FN to Lprinter. If it is off-line/locked-up it may cause an apparent computer halt????
When finished selecting files hit {cr} . Sumation of files will load to memory. ------------------- Associated info: Saving data in ASCII format... Is in manual, but so obscure one may never find it... Also, while assured that the following procedure works, it dosen't on my system. It is believed that is because of my drive configuration (Dual 44 Mb Bernoulli - Data (default) saved to "DL7:").???
Be sure SETUP/SYS, item 4 is set to ASCII or Lotus (your choice) and appropriate data is in memory.
Instead of SAV/EXT.... Use the command FILE/MORPH, FILE/XRAY, FILE/ALL....
Enter the FN, for which you will be prompted, {cr}
This should save the data in a FType .TXF or .PRF dependent on choice set in item 4 above.
This will not work on my system as configured... When I have more time maybe I will "play" with it more... Good Luck ALL!
Jan D'haen wrote: ============================================ } We are looking for a method to depassivate microelectronic components. The components have to be depassivated to allow a SEM research. For the depassivation we are thinking on ion beam methods and on chemical methods. In particular we are looking for the depassivation of Al stripes with a nitride passivation layer upon it. Has someone a recipe for the chemical depassivation of microelectronic components and in particular of passivated Al stripes. ============================================= The easiest, fastest, and (literally) "cleanest" way to do this is with reactive plasma etching. I say "cleanest" because unlike chemical methods, you do not redistribute around anything such as corrosion product. Hence, everything is left, in situ, just where it is, making for good analysis possibilities, be it by EDS or Auger, etc.
You have a choice of two different approaches, one being "isotropic" etching, the other being "anisotropic" etching. The former is cheaper and faster, but one does get some amount of undercutting. The latter gives no undercutting, but the etching is much slower (etching times typically 90 min vs. 30 min.), but is needed only if your "lines" are getting down well under one um. The actual figure depends on the thickness of the nitride layer you are removing. Undercutting may or may not be important for you.
Several firms do make small inexpensive table-top type equipment to do this, including SPI Supplies. You can find out more about the family of the SPI "Plasma Preps" on our web site, given below. Click on catalog and then plasma etchers. You will see nice examples of both isotropic and anisotropic etching and a comparison of the same device etched using the two different approaches, e.g. with vs. without undercutting.
To remove nitride layers, although there have been publications suggesting improved (e.g. faster, less "residue") results with some of the more exotic and more expensive reactive fluoro-type gasses, it seems like most people get just as acceptable results using plain ordinary (and inexpensive, relatively speaking) CF4 gas.
Chuck
====================================================== Charles A. Garber, Ph. D. Ph: 1-(610)-436-5400 President 1-(800)-2424-SPI SPI SUPPLIES FAX: 1-(610)-436-5755 PO BOX 656 e-mail: GVKM07A-at-prodigy.com West Chester, PA 19381-0656 USA Customer Service: spi2spi-at-2spi.com
FLINDERS INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH TECHNOLOGY TRAINING (FIHTT) in association with THE CENTRE FOR ELECTRON MICROSCOPY AND MICROSTRUCTURE ANALYSIS (CEMMSA)
IMMUNOGOLD LABELLING FOR ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
INTENSIVE INTRODUCTORY COURSE - MARCH 10-12, 1997
First Announcement
This succesful course was run first in 1995 and was rated as 'excellent' 'by participants. In 1997 the course will be run under the auspices of FIHTT at The Centre for Electron Microscopy and Microstructure Analysis (CEMMSA ) at the University of Adelaide, South Australia. Topics covered will be the theoretical and practical aspects of routine and cryo immunogold labelling for EM - including 'hands-on' experience. Techniques are suitable for research or diagnostic applications. CEMMSA is centrally located with easy access to transport, Adelaide city centre and a wide range of accomodation.
ORGANIZERS:
JOHN STIRLING, Flinders Microsope Imaging and Analysis Facility (FMIAF), Flinders Medical Centre and MARILYN HENDERSON (CEMMSA), The University of Adelaide.
COST: Full-time students AU$175; others AU$350.
Registration includes consumables, lunch and morning and afternoon tea.
Registrations close Friday 31 January, 1997.
For an application form, further information or to register your interest write to: JOHN STIRLING IMMUNOGOLD LABELLING COURSE FLINDERS INSTITUTE OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY TRAINING FLINDERS MEDICAL CENTRE BEDFORD PARK SA 5042 SOUTH AUSTRALIA
OR CONTACT JOHN STIRLING at Email address: John.Stirling-at-flinders.edu.au Tel: 08 -204 4669 (International 618 204 4669) Fax: 08 374 1437 (International 618 374 1437)
OR Marilyn Henderson at Email address: marilyn-at-cemmsa.adelaide.edu.au
Message-Id: {9606120052.AA00716-at-lisa.polymtl.ca} X-Sender: caron-at-lisa.polymtl.ca X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Version 1.4.4 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
We are also use RIE (Reactive Ion Etching) for such purpose. Our experience shown that in fact SF6 gives very good results. We use this technique also in the fabrication of HFET (InP based devices) for the patterning of gate nitride.
Don't worry Al acts in fact as a etch stop layer.
=20 ____________________________________
Mario Caron, M.Sc.A. ing. tel.: (514) 340-3707 fax.: (514)= 340-3706 Associe de recherche fax.: (514) 340-3706 Laboratoire pour l'integration=20 des senseurs et actuateurs Departement de genie physique =20 Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal =20 C.P. 6079, succ. `centre-ville` Montreal, Qu=E9bec H3C 3A7 Web: http://lisa.polymtl.ca
Here is the web page address for Spectra Services: http://www.frontiernet.net/~mspecht/ Hopefully, you will find this helfpul. If you have any questions, I can be reached at 715-654-9500 or by e-mail. Michael Specht MIKE SPECHT SPECTRA SERVICES, INC. 1653 East Main Street Rochester, NY 14609
There is a company in Fremont California called Brechtel Manufacturing. Phone #510-732-9723, Fax #510-732-9153. Their main business is manufacturing and reconditioning ion pumps. Don't know if they have worked with this particular pump, but it's probably worth a try.
D. Clark Turner Director, Thin Film Products Group MOXTEK, Inc. 452 West 1260 North Orem, Utah 84057
} } } Reconditioned Ion Pumps (SIP's) for Philips EM 400 series TEM's } } } } Can anyone out there help with a supplier who can exchange or recondition } } the ion pump of a Philips TEM. The pumps are made by Edwards, apparently a } } special for Philips. Model/Code no. EP100/B036-06-000. The pump body would } } require to be sawn open and rewelded to renew the electrodes. } } } } } } } } } Brendon J. Griffin } Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis } The University of Western Australia } Nedlands, WA, AUSTRALIA 6907 } ph 61-9-380-2739 fax 61-9-380-1087 } }
Thanks to everyone who corresponded to my questions last week. Sorry, for the duplication and sometimes triplicate of my messages. We just got a new computer and we've been having problems getting error messages.
Thanks again for your co-operation
Sincerely, Debbie Lietz
Debbie Lietz Electron Microscopy Suite Department of Biology Trent University Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8 Telephone: (705)748-1486 Fax: (705) 748-1205 email: dlietz-at-trentu.ca
I would like to know if anyone out there have experience from video time lapse tape recorders, especially in conjunction w video microscopy. I4m interested in buying such a system but don't know all alternatives and their pros and cons. All information of interest.
Thanks in advance
============================================= Mikael Gustafsson MD, PhD Dept Med. Microbiology and Dept Internal Medicine, Cardiology section University Hospital of Linkoping S 581 85 LINKOPING SWEDEN
Dear Elliott, One source could be "Data Translation". They may be reached at : fax -------- (508)481 8620 Email------- info-at-datx.com Internet---- http://www.datx.com
Leo Marin University of Toronto
On Mon, 10 Jun 1996 ERJ-at-vetmed1.vetmed.ufl.edu wrote:
} Does anyone have any information regarding frame grabbers for Macs? I'm } looking for something like Snappy which is made for PC's. } thanks } Elliott Jacobson } Professor } Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences } P.O. Box 100126 } College of Veterinary Medicine } University of Florida } Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA } Phone: 904-392-4700 X4773 } Fax: 904-392-6125 } E-Mail: ERJ-at-vetmed1.vetmed.ufl.edu } WEB Site: www.vetmed.ufl.edu } } }
I know this issue has been discussed before and I would be very appreciative of someone sharing the key ideas with me. We are able to get money to upgrade our microscopy facility (confocal, EM and LM) which currently is used exclusively by one dept., if we offer it as a core facility to all the research groups in this pharmaceutical research facility. Right now there is one staff person (me) to do EM and I have my own research projects for the group. What possibility is there of doing my own research project at the same time as providing service for others. What is the minimum staff? How does one begin to judge potential usage? Thanks for your thoughts and my apologies for addressing issues that may have already been covered. Pat Masarachia Merck Research Laboratories West Point, Pa 19486 phone 215-652-7999 e-mail pat_masarachia-at-merck.com
Please feed me with any and all data you'd like me to present to Council as your liaison. Electronic version is fine. I presume we'll also hear from you directly during open sessions, but I'll need ammo to be your advocate during the budget battles.
I'm taking a small family vacation June 13-22 in Pittsburgh (Father's Day picnic included). But I'll be in all the remaining time until the meeting in August. Last minute is OK.
Thanks.
**************************************** Ronald Gronsky, Professor & Chair Materials Science & Mineral Engineering 579 Evans Hall University of California Berkeley, California 94720-1760 TEL: (510) 642-3801 FAX: (510) 643-5792 ****************************************
} Does anyone know of a good staining procedure or processing method for } looking at proteoglycans for TEM studies? I appreciate any help.
Phil,
The technique that I am most familiar with and have had the most success with uses Ruthenium hexammine trichloride. We did a comparison between it and the old standby osmium-ferrocyanide method in growth plate cartilage. See: Neuhring, Steffens, and Rowland. 1991. Histochemical Journal 23, 201-204.
If you have the equipment available, the best results for retaining proteoglycans are had with high pressure freezing, followed by substitution in ethanolic osmium.
Hope this gets you started.
-=W.L. Steffens=- Department of Veterinary Pathology College of Veterinary Medicine University of Georgia
Dear List members; We are interested in communicating with others who are gold labeling as a service to research or clinical research investigators. We are especially interested in systematic approaches to multiple antigens, screening techniques, criteria for project acceptance and other common issues. If you would like to discuss such issues, please either e-mail me directly or we can discuss on the listserver. I would be happy to consolidate replies anonymously and post results on a regular basis. Marge
A colleague on campus asked me to forward the following message to the listserver hoping for some useful advice.
} I have encountered some problems in trying to study the morphology of } thermoplastic modified epoxy and BMI by SEM. The thermoplastics have } structures similiar to the thermosets, so it is difficult to identify the } two phases of fractured samples by SEM. We attempted to stain or etch the } samples. Since there are some unreacted double bonds left in thermoset } phase, we used OsO4 to stain the samples. However, we thought gold coating } might cover the effects of stain, so we just looked at uncoated samples at } low voltage (5kev). We found a lot of electron charging of the surface and } no images are observable. } } } Does anyone have some experience or suggestion about this? Should I coat } my sample or use any special conditions or techniques to obtain the images? } I would very much appreciate it if anyone can give me some ideas about what } kind of stains or etching reagents might work for my system. The thermoplastics } all have aromatic rings, nitrogens and carbonyls if that makes a difference? }
Thanks in advance for any assistance.
Regards
Owen Owen P. Mills Michigan Technological University Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Rm 512 MME Building Houghton, MI 49931 906-487-2002 906-487-2934 FAX opmills-at-mtu.edu
This was sent to the Confocal listserver but got no response; perhaps the microscopy group has had more experience.
HI folks I'm interested in determining ion concentrations ratiometrically (specifically pH, around pH 3-7 so probably using NERF dyes) at the best resolution possible with merely reasonable effort. I have not done this yet & don't really know what is involved. I wonder if anyone has experience with ion concentrations using deconvolution methods; does it work well, how accurate, are there particular pitfalls to watch out for, etc. Comments regarding confocal, or comparisons, are also welcome.
Just checked my notes; I've heard from a user of Deltavision, for calcium (sounds very impressive). Have other deconvolution systems given good results?
Thanks very much Richard Thrift
Richard_Thrift-at-Depotech.com DepoTech Corp 10450 Science Center Drive San Diego Ca 92121 USA
Greetings everyone: We recently purchased a Catalese TEM grid from a commercial supplier. It was to be used to check-out the resolution of our two microscopes (a Zeiss EM109, and Siemens 101). We had difficulty seeing any periodicity at all in the Siemens, although we searched for about one hour. The Zeiss revealed photographable and measure periodicity in approximately 1 in 100 crystals. We returned the grid to the Siemens, but still could not fined any usable crystals. Before we determined the Seimens had poor resolution, we returned the grid to the Zeiss--but to our shock, surprise, chagrin, and consternation--could find *no* good crystals! Questions: 1) Are these crystals sensitive to damage from the beam (like contamination)? 2) Would a carbon coat benefit catalese grids purchased in the future? 3) For that matter, is there is anything better than catalese? Thanx cya, Gene
If anyone has experience in elemental microanalysis on thin sections of
BIOLOGICAL material, we would very much appreciate a piece of advice, to avoid
the major first-try mistakes.
Material :
Microalgae, (=particles 10 um diameter), embedded in Spurr's or in LR white resins, after being fixed in glutaraldehyde (2.5%) and reduced OsO4. Thin sections are 80 nm.
Goal :
Analyze the elemental composition of certain structures seen on the thin sections, in particular, those containing IRON, like ferritin (dense iron core, about 10 Angstroms).
Instrumentation : we have all the equipment and experience necessary for analysis of mineral material
FEG-TEM with EDS and EELS, EPMA with WDS, etc.
Please reply to : PULCHERI-at-GEO.PRINCETON.EDU
Pulcherie GUENEAU Francois Morel group Guyot Hall- Geology Princeton University Princeton NJ 08544-1003 tel 1.609.258.5746 Fax : 1274 USA
JEOL 35CF available for sale. Fully operational and the subject of many years TLC. Still a very good machine, but space requires its departure. Photo output has been digitised to provide 1024x1024 high quality files directly readable by standard programs such as P-MAN. Analogue output has been retained as well. Enquiries to and further details from Professor John J. Millar, PhD Department of Applied Physics and Electron Microscope Unit RMIT, GPO Box 2476V, MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA 3001 +613 9660 2602 fax 613 9660 5290 email jjmill-at-rmit.edu.au
} We are going to buy Leitz DMRM microscope with a 150X objective lens. } The salesperson told me that an air-suspentioned vibration isolation } table is not necessary for Leitz microscopes or even halmful. } We have space available both on an insulation table and on an ordinary } table. ( It looks rigid enough.) } I appreciate if you tell me your experiences about the insulation } especially with high magnitude lenses.
Cheap vibration checker:- place a shallow dish of water on the bench you want to check for vibration. Then look at the reflection of a light source in the water. It should be quite still.
Cheap vibration isolator:- get a paving slab - here we can buy cement slabs about 500 mm square x 50 mm thick OR a slab of marble OR stone. Anything dense and heavy that is large enough to accommodate the microscope. Put 4 tennis balls under the 4 corners of the slab. OR the inner tube from the tyre of a small car or motor cycle a bit smaller thasn the slab. If you get the valve relocated on the OUTside of the tube you can re-inflate it without moving everything. Put the microscope on the slab.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this message are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the CSIR and/or it's employees. Message-Id: {s1c15319.061-at-csir.co.za} X-Mailer: Novell GroupWise 4.1
I would like to subscribe to this newsgroup as I recently became involved in the electron microscopes at Mattek, CSIR. Thank You Sara Prins
To attention of all connected with SEM measurements of line di- mensions in the micron, submicron, nanometer ranges.
New technique of high precision and accuracy measurements of line dimensions for the submicron and nanometer ranges has been developed by us. This technique is based: 1. on the solution of the main prob- lem of metrology: the problem of the location of edges of objects in images and 2. on the calibration of the SEM magnification with the help of the pitch standards. Testing measurements have demonstrated that the technique secu- res the accuracy of measurements better than 5 nm in the dimension range of 100 - 500 nm. Other advantages of the technique It gives the reliable metrological maintenance for measurements in the submicron and nanometer ranges. It provides the highest precision among all known techniques of SEM measurements of line dimensions. The measurement precision does not depend on an object material. It is based on an use of cheap and available pitch standards. It does not require linewidth standards during of routine measu- rements. It can be easy automatized and computerized and in this variant it does not require the personnel of high skill. It can be used for step-by-step operation checking in conditions of mass production. It can be developed to measurements of features of complicated relief (non-rectangular in the cross-section) or alternate layers of different materials. We have also ideas about specific improvements of SEM, allowing to realize our technique in the automatized mode. In the simple variant the technique can be organized in your la- boratory during 1 month. We are ready elaborate our technique to your specific require- ments. You can get an additional information, if you contact with Prof. A.Nikitin or Prof. S.Maksimov, Joint Center for Fundamental Problem in Microelectronics of the Russian Academy of Sciences at Moscow Institute of Electronic Technology, Moscow, 103498, Russia. Our E-mail lemi-at-mx.iki.rssi.ru.
With the best wishes. Sincerely Yours. S.Maksimov.
I had purchased an air-suspension type vibration isolation table (brand name withheld intentionally) for my research microscope. Even though the sales person explained that this was exactly what I wanted, it did not meet my needs. Once the system is suspended, one cannot touch the microscope, or else it takes considerable time for it to stop rocking back and forth. Although we could purchase a remote shutter release to solve part of the problem, our real problem is that *any* adjustment (stage movement, focus) causes considerable motion in the scope. We have had to use the table with the suspension system disengaged. The table is useful in that its frame is made of a heavy steel construction and the work surface is a 2-inch thick composite slab, which takes two people to lift. The heavy weight of the unit does help reduce vibration, but at a cist if $4,000 I bet we could have spent our money in better ways.
If someone out there has recommendations, I, too, would like to hear them.
______________________________________________________________________ Donald L. Lovett e-mail: lovett-at-trenton.edu Assoc. Professor, Dept. of Biology voice: (609) 771-2876 Trenton State College, NJ 08650-4700 fax: (609) 771-2674
For those of you who are interested the MSA has a 12 page listing of video tapes which can be purchased. The list can be obtained by going to the MSA web page at http://www.MSA.Microscopy.com. Other possibilities for tapes although somewhat biased are tapes from manufacture's of equipment. Several people indicated that Reichart put out a good tape several years ago about block trimming and sectioning. I'm trying to see if it is still available. I haven't got around to it yet but try other microscopy societies.
As to digital equipment the number of companies is quite long and it seems everyone has different needs etc.. Most of the large microscope companies carry some kind of system and you can get a lot of names off the net. I haven't looked into all the companies that have been suggested but to simplify things a bit the following are the systems we are going to start with:
Remember these are our choices to start with but there are lots of other companies around so check them out. As to cameras and printers that is something else entirely. I'll try and add some input after we have seen the companies' demos. Don't forget those of you going to the MSA conference will get to see most of the systems at work.
Now that people know what companies we are starting with I'm still looking for feedback either pro or con. Thanks
I have no vested interest in any of the companies mentioned.
Sincerely,
Debbie Lietz
Debbie Lietz Electron Microscopy Suite Department of Biology Trent University Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8 Telephone: (705)748-1486 Fax: (705) 748-1205 email: dlietz-at-trentu.ca
Message-Id: {199606141444.JAA27446-at-watson.bcm.tmc.edu} X-Sender: joiner-at-bcm.tmc.edu X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Version 2.1.1 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" microanalysis of thin-sections of biological material Cc: microscopy-at-Sparc5.Microscopy.Com
At 03:05 PM 6/13/96 -0400, you wrote: } } If anyone has experience in elemental microanalysis on thin sections of } } BIOLOGICAL material, we would very much appreciate a piece of advice, to avoid } } the major first-try mistakes. } } *********************** Pulcherie GUENEAU -
I would be very much interested in participating in this exchange. Would you, and your correspondants, be willing to cc to the listserver?
I have a bit of experience identifying lanthanum in thin sections of Spurr embedded rat lung. Basically I collected thin sections on berylium grids and put them in graphite grid holders. I located the heavy La by backscatter imaging and then probed at the lowest kEv that I had (20 kEv). From the resulting spectrum I stripped a spectrum of an empty Spurr section. This was done using a JEOL 100-C TemScan fitted with a Tracor-Northern TN-5500. As I recall, we then probed Pb/U stained sections in the same way and found that the Pb and U peaks did not interfere with the La peaks.
Joiner
Joiner Cartwright, Jr., Ph.D.
Director, Electron Microscopy tel.: (713)798-4658 Department of Pathology, Rm.286-A FAX: (713)798-3945 Baylor College of Medicine Internet: joiner-at-bcm.tmc.edu One Baylor Plaza Compuserve: 71555,1206 Houston, Texas 77030 U.S.A.
Nanoprobes offers custom gold labeling. You can also obtain our gold cluster reagents (undecagold and Nanogold) in reactive forms (maleimido-, sulfo-NHS, amino-) with which you may label biomolecules in your own laboratory.
While I'm here, our WWW site is now completely up and running at
http://www.nanoprobes.com
including our complete catalog and info on custom labeling.
****************************************************************** * NANOPROBES, Incorporated | Tel: (516) 444-8815 * * 25 East Loop Road, Suite 124 | Fax: (516) 444-8816 * * Stony Brook, NY 11790-3350, USA | nano-at-mail.lihti.org * * * * NOW EASY TO FIND ON THE WEB: http://www.nanoprobes.com * ******************************************************************
I wonder if there are any resources in the U.S. that offer first rate top of line optical microscopes for rental/leasing. Are purchase cost to low for any reasonable rental prices? We are interested in a possible lease with option to purchase plan as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You!
---------------------------- Forwarded with Changes --------------------------- Gold is great for fracture morphology examination, but as you noted, will seriously hurt your signal/noise (contrast) for BSE work. Don't know what incident beam potential would result in charge equilibrium for this material(s). Probably much lower than 5kV. Below 3-5kV, many diode BSE detectors do not work well. A scintillator (Robinson) type would be needed to view chemistry differences. On a fracture surface, topographical effects can easily mask small atomic number variations.
Try evaporating carbon for a conductive film. This will let you use 5-10kV without disruptive charging. If the analysis requirements permit, a carbon coated polished sample would enable you to see (BSE) the smallest atomic number changes.
Woody - woody.n.white-at-mcdermott.com Babcock & Wilcox Research Div. (LRC)
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A colleague on campus asked me to forward the following message to the listserver hoping for some useful advice.
} I have encountered some problems in trying to study the morphology of } thermoplastic modified epoxy and BMI by SEM. The thermoplastics have } structures similiar to the thermosets, so it is difficult to identify the } two phases of fractured samples by SEM. We attempted to stain or etch the } samples. Since there are some unreacted double bonds left in thermoset } phase, we used OsO4 to stain the samples. However, we thought gold coating } might cover the effects of stain, so we just looked at uncoated samples at } low voltage (5kev). We found a lot of electron charging of the surface and } no images are observable.
Regards
Owen Owen P. Mills Michigan Technological University Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Rm 512 MME Building Houghton, MI 49931 906-487-2002 906-487-2934 FAX opmills-at-mtu.edu
A colleage is interested in the possibility of the reactivation of antigenic reaction sites in specimens that have been fixed in cold 2% formaldehyde. They read somewhere that microwaves could be used to reactivate antigenic sites that were somehow non-reactive to some antibodies. Does anyone have any info on this subject. If so, please contact: mparr-at-somc.siu.edu. Thanks.
############################################################################# John J. Bozzola, Ph.D., Director Center for Electron Microscopy Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL 62901-4402 U.S.A. Phone: 618-453-3730 Fax: 618-453-2665 Email: bozzola-at-siu.edu Web: http://www.siu.edu/departments/shops/cem.html #############################################################################
===================================================================== I have encountered some problems in trying to study the morphology of thermoplastic modified epoxy and BMI by SEM. The thermoplastics have structures similiar to the thermosets, so it is difficult to identify the two phases of fractured samples by SEM. We attempted to stain or etch the samples. Since there are some unreacted double bonds left in thermoset phase, we used OsO4 to stain the samples. However, we thought gold coating might cover the effects of stain, so we just looked at uncoated samples at low voltage (5kev). We found a lot of electron charging of the surface and no images are observable. Does anyone have some experience or suggestion about this? Should I coat my sample or use any special conditions or techniques to obtain the images? I would very much appreciate it if anyone can give me some ideas about what kind of stains or etching reagents might work for my system. The thermoplastics all have aromatic rings, nitrogens and carbonyls if that makes a difference? ===================================================================== My suggestion: Sorry if my advice is so general, but I'm not a chemist! I'll make two suggestions anyway.
1. I suggest that you look at the chemistry of the phases and see if there is a difference that would allow you to selectively react one of the phases in a way that would allow it to pick up a quantity of a heavier element. You might then be able to image the difference in phases using a BSE system in atomic number contrast mode.
2. Same as one except use elemental mapping with an EDS. Instead of needing enough of a heavier material for atomic # contrast, you'll need enough material that is detectable with your present EDS detector. This will give you a wider variety of choices for the reaction you can use.
I would think the OsO4 would have provided (depending on the quantity attached) would have worked. Why son't you give it another try with a very thin carbon coating and play with the accelerating voltage to blast through the coating and excite the Osmium underneath?
Dear list members; After receiving some replies to my "feeler" about gold labeling as a service, I think we can expand this discussion further. A common complaint is the low success rate of labeling especially with monoclonals, with most "paying" customers unwilling to try the procedure more than 1 or 2 times before abandoning the project. Maybe a solution to this complaint would be to improve our screening techniques prior to embedding tissue. What criteria (if any) are required before IEM is done on a particular sample?? My first step is a literature search that emphsizes the technical nature of the project. We would like to see western blots and light microscopy results, but few of our investigators have the facilities to do these prior to IEM. What screening techniques are necessary or are done on a routine basis by others doing multiple antigens?? Again if you wish to remain anonymous, e-mail me directly and I will summarize replies. Later Marge
Jay Jerome ************************************************************** * aka: W. Gray Jerome * * Dept. of Pathology * * Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University * * Medical Center Blvd * * Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1092 * * 910-716-4972 * * jjerome-at-bgsm.edu * **************************************************************
CORRECTION: IN AN EARLIER REQUEST,BELOW, I LISTED THE WRONG RETURN ADDRESS FOR DR PARR. THE CORRECT ADDRESS IS mparr-at-som.siu.edu VERY SORRY.
A colleage is interested in the possibility of the reactivation of antigenic reaction sites in specimens that have been fixed in cold 2% formaldehyde. They read somewhere that microwaves could be used to reactivate antigenic sites that were somehow non-reactive to some antibodies. Does anyone have any info on this subject. Thanks.
############################################################################# John J. Bozzola, Ph.D., Director Center for Electron Microscopy Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL 62901-4402 U.S.A. Phone: 618-453-3730 Fax: 618-453-2665 Email: bozzola-at-siu.edu Web: http://www.siu.edu/departments/shops/cem.html #############################################################################
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I have recently started working with "living" samples and need suggestions on what to use to seal my cover slips to the microscope slide. I have been using acrylic nail polish, but it has been suggested that the acetone might be getting into the samples and changing the biochemistry. I am trying to visualize enzyme action on strands of dna in a fluorescence microscope.
Any suggestions or references would be appreciated.
P.S. My background is primarily physics & engineering, so I am not use to biology or biochemistry samples.
I am looking for information/recommendations on output devices. We have a Polaroid 4X5 pack film back and capacity to save images as .img and .tif.
We are currently considering a Sony videoprinter for its fast, inexpensive images to be used for working shots and either a digital or high quality laser printer for material to be published or used in presentations.
Our work load is extremely varied with some emphasis on metals or soils. Adobe photoshop has been recommended as the industry standard software.
Also, we are considering buying standards for calibration of Edax, backscatter detector, etc. There appears to be quite an array of very expensive options. What ones are indispensable and when do you use them?
Any and all information will be greatly appreciated.
John: Here are a few pertinent references: 1. Shi,S. et al. Antigen retrieval in formalin-fixed parrafin-embedded tissues:....... J.Histchem.Cytochem.39:741-748 (1991).
2. Taylor,CR et al. Strategies for improving the immunohistochemical staining of... Hum.Pathol.25:263-270 (1990).
3. Momose H. et al. Antigen retrieval by microwave irradiation in lead thiocyanate.... Appl.Immunohistochem.1:77-82 (1993).
4.Leong,A.S-Y. & J. Milios An assessment of the efficacy of the microwave antigen-retrieval... Appl.Immunohistochem.1:267-274 (1993).
5. Cuevas,E.C. et al. Microwave antigen retrieval in immunocytochemistry: A study of 80 Abs. J.Clin.Pathol.47:448-452 (1994).
6. Gown,A.M. et al. Microwave-based antigenic unmasking...... Appl.Immunohistchem.1:256-266 (1993).
I haven't tried any of the above personally; the references are all taken from a review article in Cell Vision 1(4): ?-288 (1994) by Leong.
Good luck! Mike--
_______________________________________________________________________ Michael Nesson nessonm-at-bcc.orst.edu (541)737-1866 FAX:(541)737-0481 Dept. of Biochem/Biophys., 2011 AgLS, Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331-7305
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Donald L. Lovett wrote:
I had purchased an air-suspension type vibration isolation table (brand name withheld intentionally) for my research microscope. Even though the sales person explained that this was exactly what I wanted, it did not meet my needs. Once the system is suspended, one cannot touch the microscope, or else it takes considerable time for it to stop rocking back and forth. Although we could purchase a remote shutter release to solve part of the problem, our real problem is that *any* adjustment (stage movement, focus) causes considerable motion in the scope. We have had to use the table with the suspension system disengaged. The table is useful in that its frame is made of a heavy steel construction and the work surface is a 2-inch thick composite slab, which takes two people to lift. The heavy weight of the unit does help reduce vibration, but at a cist if $4,000 I bet we could have spent our money in better ways.
If someone out there has recommendations, I, too, would like to hear them.
**********************
The only time I have ever experienced anything like you describe here is when I mounted a large interferometric microscope onto a relatively small vibration isolation platform knowing full well that the center of mass of the microscope would likely fall outside of what was recommended for the isolation table. In circumstances like this, the leveler arms which control the valves to add or bleed air as necessary cannot respond properly and the table oscillates, sometimes violently. I suspect that this is your problem or that there is simply a malfunction or defect in your isolation system.
All the micrscopes I use are vibration islolated with pneumatic vibration isolation legs and none are as touchy as you describe. An air table should settle down quickly when rocked and should have enough damping so that normal adjustments to the microscope (or whatever is being isolated) do not cause any rocking at all. A properly sized pneumatic vibration isolation table can easily accomplish this.
Good luck!
Jeff L. Brown WL/AADP BLDG 620 brown-at-el.wpafb.af.mil 2241 Avionics Circle RM C2G69 ph: (513) 255-4736 Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7322 fax: (513) 255-3374
Greetings, Neal Nicklaus wrote: } I have recently started working with "living" samples and need suggestions } on what to use to seal my cover slips to the microscope slide. I have been } using acrylic nail polish, but it has been suggested that the acetone might } be getting into the samples and changing the biochemistry. I am trying to } visualize enzyme action on strands of dna in a fluorescence microscope. } Well, your physics background will smile but an old stand by for this sort of thing is "valap", which is a mixture of equal weights of vasoline, lanolin and paraffin. (I am *not* making this up). You put the ingredients together in a beaker and then heat gently. They melt and you mix well. The stuff will cool and solidify and be good for years. When you want to seal a slide, you heat it up again gently and apply a filet to the coverslip, just like nail polish. It won't make super permanent slides, but it will give you a day or two of life under the scope. Hope this helps, Tobias Baskin PS. Do I need to mention that I am have financial ties to the manufacture of neither vasoline, nor lanoline nor paraffin?
Dear Yolande, ISI became Topcon a few years ago. They have ads in Microscopy Today and JMSA and have a toll-free number at 1-800-538-6850. I know they still do TEMs and SEMs, so I assume they carry coaters as well. Regards, Mary } Hello, } } Is ISI still in business, and do they have a new phone number? } We have a ISI sputter coater that needs repair, and we would like to get in } touch with them. } } Yolande Berta } School of Materials Science and Engineering } Georgia Institute of Technology } 778 Atlantic Dr. } Atlanta, GA 30332-0245 } (404)894-2545 } yolande.berta-at-mse.gatech.edu
Mary Mager Electron Microscopist Metals and Materials Eng, UBC 309 - 6350 Stores Rd. Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4 CANADA tel: 604-822-5648, fax: 604-822-3619 email: mager-at-unixg.ubc.ca
Is there a directory of facilities (academic/commercial) providing Live-Cell Imaging/Microscopy for a fee? (USA/World). I have clients in need of such a service. Any information would be much appreciated.
As a supplier and installer of air tables I would like to add one piece of information to the string.
The recommended air pressure in the specifications with tables is sometimes as high as 80psi. I don't think I have ever seen an installation that worked well at these high pressures (with ultramicrotomes and other units under 500 lbs).
When installing I try to balance the pressure such that there is only a quarter of an inch maximum of space between the frame and table top, this limits the travel and prevents dangerous tilting. The higher the bladders are filled the more unstable the motion.
Secondly, remember that the pressure equates to the speed of the response when a valve is opened so I usually end up with a pressure of 40PSI or slightly higher. This will also change the characteristics of the table's vibration response so be sure to check the isolation when changing pressures.
Lastly, with very small systems the suspended mass is awfully low and adding some mass to the table may help. Chunks of iron or lead work well, get it in three pieces to allow balancing the top.
Don't hesitate to call the manufacturer for help.
Steve Miller Integrated Microsystems, Inc. Park Ridge, IL Phone 800-388-8801
On June 6, Tania Jones wrote the following: ======================================== } our lab is trying to find a way to detect very thin ( {1um thick) coatings } of stearates on the surface of a galvanized wire. our equipment consists } of only a sem and a standard edx (no light element). any suggestions on } how to "see" the coating would be very helpful. ========================================
Over the years, the only time we have been able to "detect" the presence of stearates on a surface of this type was by replication TEM, using Pt/C techniques. These were samples where there really was not a continuous coating, but a scattering around of small (less than 100 nm) acicular shaped "crystals" with aspect ratios larger than 3:1. Now I can't swear the samples we have seen are representative of the world, but we have ourselves never seen such stearate coatings where there actually was a continuous coating and one that could be imaged by SEM. The only time we have seen anything by SEM turned out to have the appearance of being "globs" but that was not the usual situation. Assuming these are metal strearates of one type or another, at least several instances I can recall, the stearate crystals could be stripped off with the replica thereby remaining with the replica, and with EDS (no light element capability) we could confirm the presence of the metal connected to the stearate. So the analysis of such samples consisted of a combination of EDS and morphological observations. You did not mention a wire diameter, but since we have replicated wires approaching the diameter of a human hair wire diameter should be no problem.
One in theory can embed and diamond knife thin section the wire and attempt to image the crystals in cross section. However, again, if you coatings are typical of the ones we have seen, "seeing" the crystals could be very difficult, complicated in part because of the differences in hardness between the wire and the surrounding embedding resin. Now we have actually done this, but it is a whole lot less satisfying that the surface replication approach (based on our own experience).
Disclosure: Our firm does this type of TEM work as a laboratory service for clients and would therefore have a vested interest in someone doing this kind of a study by TEM instead of by SEM.
Chuck
====================================================== Charles A. Garber, Ph. D. Ph: 1-(610)-436-5400 President 1-(800)-2424-SPI SPI SUPPLIES FAX: 1-(610)-436-5755 PO BOX 656 e-mail: GVKM07A-at-prodigy.com West Chester, PA 19381-0656 USA Customer Service: spi2spi-at-2spi.com
Look us up! ########################### WWW: http://www.2spi.com ########################### ======================================================
To seal living samples, VALAP (equal mixture of vaseline, lanolin, and parafin works well. It melts at low temperature, so it will not heat the slide and sample when applied. It forms a watertight seal. You can make the slide permanent later by perfusing in glutaraldehyde by capillary action (poke small hole at either end of seal and use filter paper at one end to draw fluid through the sample) and then sealing coverglass with nail polish over the valap. This has worked well for us in live cell experiments.
Jay Jerome ************************************************************** * aka: W. Gray Jerome * * Dept. of Pathology * * Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University * * Medical Center Blvd * * Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1092 * * 910-716-4972 * * jjerome-at-bgsm.edu * **************************************************************
On Fri, 14 Jun 1996, Neal Nicklaus wrote:
} I have recently started working with "living" samples and need suggestions } on what to use to seal my cover slips to the microscope slide. I have been } using acrylic nail polish, but it has been suggested that the acetone might } be getting into the samples and changing the biochemistry. I am trying to } visualize enzyme action on strands of dna in a fluorescence microscope. } } Any suggestions or references would be appreciated. } } } } P.S. My background is primarily physics & engineering, so I am not use to } biology or biochemistry samples. } } Neal Nicklaus } } SEQ Limited } } Voice: 609-452-6033 Ext. 13 } Fax: 609-452-5955 } email nnicklaus-at-seq.sarnoff.com } }
To continue the discussion on electro-polishing of Mg. Does any of you know the polishing agents and etchants used for electrolytically polishing Lead-Tin alloys to TEM sections.
Thanks
--------------------- Dr. Timon Fliervoet Bayerisches Geoinstitut, Universitat Bayreuth D-95440, Deutschland tel: ++49 921 553745; fax: ++49 921 553769
ISI is still very much in business, as Topcon Technologies, Inc. They can be reached at 201-261-5410 (phone) or 201-262-1504 (fax).
However, the ISI sputter coaters were made by Polaron, and private-labelled for ISI. As far as I know, Topcon does not service them. Polaron is now part of VG Microtech, and we (Energy Beam Sciences) are VG's authorized service agent in the United States. We have spare parts in stock for all models of Polaron/BioRad/ISI sputter coaters, and technicians trained by VG to repair them.
Best regards, Steven E. Slap, Vice-President ******************************** Energy Beam Sciences, Inc. Adding Brilliance To Your Vision ebs-at-ebsciences.com http://www.ebsciences.com/ ********************************
} } From microscopy-request-at-sparc5.microscopy.com Fri Jun 14 21:04:20 1996 } X-Sender: bozzola-at-saluki-mail.fiber2.siu.edu } Date: Fri, 14 Jun 1996 13:12:56 -0600 } To: microscopy-at-aaem.amc.anl.gov } From: bozzola-at-siu.edu (John J. Bozzola) } Subject: LM:immuno-reactivation w microwaves } } A colleage is interested in the possibility of the reactivation of } antigenic reaction sites in specimens that have been fixed in cold 2% } formaldehyde. They read somewhere that microwaves could be used to } reactivate antigenic sites that were somehow non-reactive to some } antibodies. Does anyone have any info on this subject. If so, please } contact: mparr-at-somc.siu.edu. Thanks. } We have several good reference articles on microwave techniques for antigen retrieval. If you'll e-mail me your snail mail address, I'll be happy to send them to you.
Best regards, Sonja L. White, Sales & Marketing Secretary ******************************** Energy Beam Sciences, Inc. Adding Brilliance To Your Vision ebs-at-ebsciences.com http://www.ebsciences.com/ ********************************
Daryl, I recommend contacting Dr. Shi at {shi-at-hsc.usc.edu} . My understanding of Dr. Shi's take home message from a recent workshop was that most antigens can be retrieved from formaldehyde tissue heated between 95-100¡C- for 20-30 minutes- at pH 1-2 (the buffer or salt solution is not important). In fact acid or base pH is superior to neutral pH for most tissue sections.
Gary Login.
In message writes: } Hello, } } I was wondering if I could ask for your help? We are getting ready } to start to do Antigen Retrieval with Citrate Buffer. We have read } many journals talking about the procedure. I was wondering if you } would email, fax, or send me a copy of your procedures for doing the } Citrate Buffer Antigen Retrieval. The pathologists want me to get } some procedures,so we can get a better prospective of the procedures } used at other hospitals. I would appreciate it. } } } Thanks, } Daryl A. Mikita, HT(ASCP) } } Wyoming Medical Center } Department of Pathology } 1233 E. 2nd St. } Casper, WY 82601 } } Voice: (307) 577-2198 } Fax: (307) 577-2396 } } Email: daryl_mikita-at-wmc.ccmail.compuserve.com } WWW: http://www.wmcnet.org/pathology }
Gary R. Login, D.M.D., D.M.Sc. Assistant Professor of Oral Pathology Beth Israel Hospital Department of Pathology 330 Brookline Avenue Boston, Massachusetts, 02215
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In recent months, many questions such as this have been posed. So many in fact that it spurred us to begin archiving the responses.The digital revolution is now in full swing and I now have quite an extensive list of discussions. Look at the web address at the end of this message and follow the link to "Tips & Tricks". You will find most of the info you are looking for in the Computer applications section. Let me know if you cannot access the info and I wil send it to you directly.
At 04:31 PM 6/14/96 -0700, you wrote: } } Hi all, } } I am looking for information/recommendations on output devices. We have } a Polaroid 4X5 pack film back and capacity to save images as .img and .tif. } } We are currently considering a Sony videoprinter for its fast, inexpensive } images to be used for working shots and either a digital or high quality } laser printer for material to be published or used in presentations. } } Our work load is extremely varied with some emphasis on metals or soils. } Adobe photoshop has been recommended as the industry standard software. } } Also, we are considering buying standards for calibration of Edax, } backscatter detector, etc. There appears to be quite an array of very } expensive options. What ones are indispensable and when do you use them? } } } Any and all information will be greatly appreciated. } } Thanks, } } Jill } }
Scott D. Whittaker 218 Carr Hall Research Assistant Gainesville, FL 32610 University Of Florida ph 904-392-1295 ICBR EM Core Lab fax 904-846-0251 sdw-at-biotech.ufl.edu http://www.biotech.ufl.edu/~emcl/
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Dear Dr. Misra from Unilever Research, you sent me a question on Visilog the other day, unfortunately your email number does not appear on the mail and I therefore can not respond to your message. IF you could send me your email number, I can then respond to your message.
---------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- Luc Nocente Tel: 514 345 1400 Noesis Vision Inc. Fax: 514 345 1575 e-mail: ln-at-noesisvision.com 6800 Cote de Liesse, Suite 200 St-Laurent, PQ H4T 2A7,Canada
Visit our new web site at http://www.cam.org/~noesis ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------
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Go to the web site listed at the bottom of this messsage and you will find our home page. Click on the " Tips & Tricks Wizard " and follow the link to " All the other stuff " You will find a recent discussion on vibration isolation which we archived off of this list recently. For any who do not have web access, let me know and I will get you the information.
At 08:31 AM 6/14/96 -0400, you wrote: } } I had purchased an air-suspension type vibration isolation table } (brand name withheld intentionally) for my research microscope. } Even though the sales person explained that this was exactly what I } wanted, it did not meet my needs. Once the system is suspended, one } cannot touch the microscope, or else it takes considerable time for it to } stop rocking back and forth. Although we could purchase a remote shutter } release to solve part of the problem, our real problem is that *any* } adjustment (stage movement, focus) causes considerable motion in the } scope. We have had to use the table with the suspension system } disengaged. The table is useful in that its frame is made of a } heavy steel construction and the work surface is a 2-inch thick composite } slab, which takes two people to lift. The heavy weight of the unit does } help reduce vibration, but at a cist if $4,000 I bet we could have spent our } money in better ways. } } If someone out there has recommendations, I, too, would like to hear them. } } ______________________________________________________________________ } Donald L. Lovett e-mail: lovett-at-trenton.edu } Assoc. Professor, Dept. of Biology voice: (609) 771-2876 } Trenton State College, NJ 08650-4700 fax: (609) 771-2674 } } } }
Scott D. Whittaker 218 Carr Hall Research Assistant Gainesville, FL 32610 University Of Florida ph 904-392-1295 ICBR EM Core Lab fax 904-846-0251 sdw-at-biotech.ufl.edu http://www.biotech.ufl.edu/~emcl/
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At 05:10 PM 6/14/96 -0500, you wrote:
} } In response to the message: } ====================================== } If anyone has experience in elemental microanalysis on thin sections of } BIOLOGICAL material, we would very much appreciate a piece of advice, to } avoid the major first-try mistakes. } ========================================================== } I wanted to mention that our best results ever obtained in our own lab } and using by coincidence, a JEOL 100CX TEMSCAN as well, was done by } picking up the sections on a silicon monoxide/dioxide filmed grid, and } then exposing the now supported section for a few moments (actually } about 20 seconds) the an oxygen plasma, which got rid of all the organic } material, leaving the inorganics spread around in a what that leaves a } ghost image of where the cell outlines were originally. But the big } advantage is that once you have removed the organics this way, the } Bremstrahlung radiation drops to nearly zero, thereby increasing your } signal to noise ratio enormously. } ****************** Chuck -
OK, this was done on the Plasma Prep II? That is an interesting technique; and would be especially helpful if one were trying to find/demonstrate/rule out trace elements which would be obliterated by background from organics. However generally one wishes to show the location of the mineral in relation to the tissue, in which case the tissue is best left behind. I'll try to get by the SPI booth at the MSA meetings in August to take a look at that machine.
I am trying to setup a Tektronix 4696 ink jet printer on a TN5500 and need the switch settings on the back of the printer. Thanks, *************************************** David Garrett "DGARRETT-at-GAB.UNT.EDU" University of North Texas Dept. Biological Sciences (817)565-3964 Fax (817)565-4136 ***************************************
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I know this issue has been discussed before and I would be very appreciative of someone sharing the key ideas with me. We are able to get money to upgrade our microscopy facility (confocal, EM and LM) which currently is used exclusively by one dept., if we offer it as a core facility to all the research groups in this pharmaceutical research facility. Right now there is one staff person (me) to do EM and I have my own research projects for the group. What possibility is there of doing my own research project at the same time as providing service for others. What is the minimum staff? How does one begin to judge potential usage? Thanks for your thoughts and my apologies for addressing issues that may have already been covered. Pat Masarachia Merck Research Laboratories West Point, Pa 19486 phone 215-652-7999 e-mail pat_masarachia-at-merck.com
Oxford has an office in Concord, Massachusetts. You can reach them at 800-769-3673.
Regards, Elinor Solit The Microscope Book
On Mon, 17 Jun 1996, Delilah W. Irving wrote:
} Does anyone happen to have the address and phone number for Oxford } Instruments, Ltd...they make cryo stages. } } Thank you } } Delilah W. Irving tel: 510-559-5653 } USDA - ARS - WRRC fax: 510-559-5777 } 800 Buchanan St. email: dirving-at-pw.usda.gov } Albany, CA 94710 } }
Does anyone know of a commercial source of monoclonal antibodies to resident proteins of plant ER, Golgi stacks, plasma membranes, and vacuoles? Any of the vesicle transport proteins would be especially wonderful! I've been able to find some for animal and yeast proteins but no luck with plant proteins.
This would be for immunolabeling for TEM. I'm trying to determine the origin of some unusual membranes and vesicles that are associated with a viral infection. I'm also trying to find out if some Golgi-derived membranes ( sites of virus budding) come from the trans or cis Golgi.
I'm very grateful for any help you can give me!
Peggy
Peggy Brannigan Electron Microscopy Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit National Arboretum
A research associate is sought to establish, operate, and maintain the Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope which is to be set up as a University user and outreach facility. The individual is expected to conduct research on materials characterization and behavior with the ESEM in collaboration with faculty, students and government personnel. Research areas include composite materials, metals, ceramics, polymers, fiber reinforced cement, asphalts, food, packaging materials, soils, plants and wood products. The ESEM is equipped with various stages for in situ stress-temperature-environment studies over a wide range of conditions. The ESEM is also equipped with an EDS detector for chemical analysis.
The person occupying this position will be responsible for operation and maintenance of the ESEM as well as the training of faculty, staff, graduate students and non-campus users. In addition, the successful candidate will conduct research with the ESEM and is expected to develop contacts with potential off-campus users in the local and state-wide community to assist in generating funds for the support and maintenance of the ESEM. The responsibilities for this position are divided approximately as follows: Research-50%, Outreach-25%, Administration-15%, Teaching-10%.
Qualifications: A Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Biology or Engineering is required. A combination of course work and hands-on research experience with SEM is required, ESEM is preferred. The applicant must exhibit very high levels of oral and written communication skills. Previous experience in budgeting and accounting would be useful.
Position is open until filled. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Send a complete curriculum vitae, graduate level transcript, and three references to: Professor Lawrence T. Drzal, Michigan State University, Composite Materials and Structures Center, Engineering Research Complex B-100, East Lansing, MI 48824-1326 tel: 517/ 353-5466 fax: 517/ 432-1634
Contact Michael Rich, Research Specialist and Laboratory Manager, for further information regarding this position. RICH-at-EGR.MSU.EDU. Michigan State University is an equal-opportunity institution.
Michael J. Rich Specialist Composite Materials and Structures Center Research Complex-Engineering Rm C115 Michigan State University East Lansing MI 48824-1326
In response to my message to Joiner Cartright, and which he re-posted in part to the listserver, I had originally said: ======================================================= ...... that our best results (we) ever obtained (were done) in our own lab and using by coincidence, a JEOL 100CX TEMSCAN as well, was done by picking up the sections on a silicon monoxide/dioxide filmed grid, and then exposing the now supported section for a few moments (actually about 20 seconds) in an oxygen plasma, which got rid of all the organic material, leaving the inorganics spread around (in a way) that leaves a ghost image of where the cell outlines were originally. But the big advantage is that once you have removed the organics this way, the Bremstrahlung radiation drops to nearly zero, thereby increasing your signal to noise ratio enormously. ============================================================= Joiner then replied, in part:
However generally one wishes to show the location of the mineral in relation to the tissue, in which case the tissue is best left behind. ============================================================= The point is that the inorganics and perhaps unashed material of unknown composition tend to be scattered in situ on the silicon monoxide/ dioxide support film (itself which won't be etched with an oxygen plasma) which creates the apparance of cell "ghosts", that is, the outlines of where the cell walls used to be, in otherwords, one does not really lose completely the orientation of the inorganics relative to the cell outlines and other structures present. This might not be true for all samples, but it has been true for samples we ourselves have etched, and I can also recall on at least two different occasions, other users of the technique coming by our exhibit booths over the years (sorry don't remember names) showing similar micrographs. The "keys to success" are a high quality silicon monoxide/dioxide support film and the ability to do a very gentle (e.g. room temperature, low power, short etch time) etching time with pure oxygen. Yes, the SPI Plasma Prep II is one of several bench top units produced that have been used for this purpose, however, in a different place I could agrue that the SPI unit is more optimum for this particular application (e.g. the "manifold" design of the chamber).
I will bring at least one good example of this applicaton of plasma etching to MSA. Also, if anyone is interested, I will see about the quality of a photocopy and send it by snail mail for anyone asking for a copy.
Chuck
====================================================== Charles A. Garber, Ph. D. Ph: 1-(610)-436-5400 President 1-(800)-2424-SPI SPI SUPPLIES FAX: 1-(610)-436-5755 PO BOX 656 e-mail: GVKM07A-at-prodigy.com West Chester, PA 19381-0656 USA Customer Service: spi2spi-at-2spi.com
Look us up! ########################### WWW: http://www.2spi.com ########################### ======================================================
Gary Login wrote: {My understanding of Dr. Shi's take home message from a recent workshop was that most antigens can be retrieved from formaldehyde tissue heated between 95-100 degrees C- for 20-30 minutes- at pH 1-2 (the buffer or salt solution is not important). In fact acid or base pH is superior to neutral pH for most tissue sections.}
The easiest way to do this is with a laboratory microwave with an accurate temperature probe. The probe is inserted into the antigen retrieval solution, the time and temperature is set, and that's that. We have reprints available of some of Dr. Shi's articles in Cell Vision magazine documenting this technique. Please contact me back-channel for copies.
Disclaimer: Energy Beam Sciences, Inc. manufactures the laboratory microwave used in some of Dr. Shi's published studies.
Best regards, Steven E. Slap, Vice-President ******************************** Energy Beam Sciences, Inc. Adding Brilliance To Your Vision ebs-at-ebsciences.com http://www.ebsciences.com/ ********************************
Hi there, I am looking to upgrade my microscope that I use for basic research and teaching. I would like to get hold of a CM-12 or similar and it would be a bonus if it has an XEDS system. I do not want a 420, 400 or older! I currently have a 420. Please respond by email or phone.
Thanks.
John Mansfield.
John Mansfield North Campus Electron Microbeam Analysis Laboratory 417 SRB, University of Michigan 2455 Hayward, Ann Arbor MI 48109-2143 Phone: (313)936-3352 FAX (313)936-3352 Email: jfmjfm-at-engin.umich.edu URL: http://emalwww.engin.umich.edu/people/jfmjfm/jfmjfm.html
To the List: I am looking for a conventional EM, chemical fixation protocol for processing flagella from Trichomonas Vaginalis. The objective of the work is the preservation of the 9+2 microtubule arrangement in the flagella.
Our TN 5500 will not boot. Turning on the power only causes the fan to turn on; the drives won't even kick in. Any suggestions as to what the problem is and if it can be fixed?
Thanks in advance.
Tania Jones Laboratory Manager DynaMotive Technologies
Im wondering if somebody outthere knows a simple way of making reference marks in the block face. The marks must have a diameter of max. 5-15 micrometer. The reference marks are going to be used in order to register (align) the serial sections, and finally make a 3D reconstruction of a plant cell.
Please when you reply this message send it to this email adress:
Our TN 5500 will not boot. Turning on the power only causes the fan to turn on; the drives won't even kick in. Any suggestions as to what the problem is and if it can be fixed?
Thanks in advance.
Tania Jones Laboratory Manager DynaMotive Technologies
phone:(604)222-5521
{ { { { { { { { { { { { { { {
Tania,
We have the same problem with our TN5500. As far as I can tell, either the POWER SUPPLY or the DISK DRIVE has packed it in. I haven't had time to check this out yet (...and I can't afford a service engineer to come at this time).
If you get any diagnostics from elsewhere, please broadcast the info, as there are a lot of TN5500's out there.
Cheers!
Eric Kokko Phone: 403-327-4591 (Ext.367) Agriculture Canada EMail: kokko-at-em.agr.ca Lethbridge Research Center Lethbridge, Alberta CANADA
Our TN 5500 will not boot. Turning on the power only causes the fan to turn on; the drives won't even kick in. Any suggestions as to what the problem is and if it can be fixed?
Thanks in advance.
Tania Jones Laboratory Manager DynaMotive Technologies
phone:(604)222-5521
{ { { { { { { { { { { { { { {
Tania,
We have the same problem with our TN5500. As far as I can tell, either the POWER SUPPLY or the DISK DRIVE has packed it in. I haven't had time to check this out yet (...and I can't afford a service engineer to come at this time).
If you get any diagnostics from elsewhere, please broadcast the info, as there are a lot of TN5500's out there.
Cheers!
Yes that is the most likely problem. You might want to try a manual boot as per manual instructions!!!! Can you hear the hard drive spinning? A common occurance is that the hard drive will wind up and them wind down and so on. The hard drive is definately gone. The power supply - there are two main power supplies on the TN5500, one controlling the floppies/hard drive and the other the rest. Check to see if there is a +5 and +12 supply to the hard/floppy drives. If not, a quick(well maybe not so quick?) or cheap solution would be to get the supply from somewhere else, ie the main supply. There is a +5 and 12V supply there. Simply disconnect the existing power from the hard drive and re-route to the main supply. Note : the main power supply is difficult to get to( it is on the left hand side as you look at the TN5500 from the back) . You have to take out the main unit.
Henry Kudric Thomson Scientific Instruments Melbourne, Australia
Im having trouble baking contamination off molybdenum strip apertures. Quite a lot comes off with a 15 minute bake in a moly tray at red heat but there is a resistant residue which this moderate baking wont shift. Should I give up and let chuck sell me new ones, or heat them more, or longer, or is there some other cleaning system I don't know about?
} From: GIGNAC-at-watson.ibm.com } Date: Tue, 18 Jun 96 09:53:21 EDT } To: microscopy-at-Sparc5.Microscopy.Com } Subject: EM field problem
} We have just installed a JEOL 840-F FE-SEM in a lab at IBM-Watson Research } Center, and the room has large EM fields that hinder low KeV operation. We } might try shielding the microscope but have been told that shielding has not } been very successful in the past. I was told that there now exists equipment } that can sense and compensate for EM fields. Does anyone know who are the } manufacturers of this type of equipment and if so how well the equipment works? } Please respond to: gignac-at-watson.ibm.com or call 914-945-3352.
Oxford instruments in the UK sell a field cancelling system. We have recently fitted one to a JEOL 1200 and it works very well. Cost in the UK is about stlg7K.
Chris
Chris Gilpin Biological Sciences Electron Microscope Unit G452 Stopford Building Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PT phone +44 161 275 5170 fax +44 161 275 5171
} Help! } } Our TN 5500 will not boot. Turning on the power only causes the fan to } turn on; the drives won't even kick in. Any suggestions as to what the } problem is and if it can be fixed? } } Thanks in advance.
Doug Conners runs TN Analyzer Service, and has been quite helpful in keeping our aging TN 5500 systems running. He can be reached at 608-798-2005 or FAX 608-798-1675.
My guess is that at the very least he could tell you what the problem is and offer you the hardware solution.
Good luck,
Paul Carpenter
+----------------------------------------------------+ | Paul K. Carpenter paulc-at-gps.caltech.edu | | Division Analytical Facility | | Geological and Planetary Sciences MC 170-25 | | California Institute of Technology | | Pasadena, CA 91125 | | 818-395-6126 (X-ray Lab) 818-568-0935 (Dept. FAX) | +----------------------------------------------------+
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At 06:12 PM 6/19/96, Mel Dickson wrote: } Im having trouble baking contamination off molybdenum strip apertures. Quite } a lot comes off with a 15 minute bake in a moly tray at red heat but there is } a resistant residue which this moderate baking wont shift. Should I give up } and let chuck sell me new ones, or heat them more, or longer, or is there some } other cleaning system I don't know about? } } } Hi, Mel:
Untrasonicating in acetone for 10 min. followed by another 10 min. in alcohol before baking in vacuum may help to remove these residues. Good luck.
Joseph Fu National Institute of Standards and Technology Room A117, Building 220 Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-0001
Tel:301-975-3495 e mail: jofu-at-nist.gov Fax: 301-869-0822
L.D.Marks asked if Ultramicroscopy was dead since the last issue he had seen was about November 1995.
I asked Elsevier, the publishers, and their reply is given below. So keep sending articles, we still need them. All Elmar's work is not lost!
"We have been gradually changing to an alternative(electronic) publication process and when it came to Ultramicroscopy's turn somehow the transition did not go smoothly at all; everything went wrong that could go wrong.
My records show that the last issue was Vol 60, No. 4 (the Master Index). I have just been informed that Volume 61/1-4 and 62/1-2, 62/3 and 62/4 were published yesterday. They should be despatched today or tomorrow. This still leaves us a little behind on the planned schedule, however.
So the answer to the question is that the journal is most certainly not dead, but production problems at the publishers have caused a delay in the schedule. Everyone here is working hard to bring the journal back on schedule."
Dr MJ Witcomb Electron Microscope Unit University of the Witwatersrand Private Bag 3 WITS 2050 South Africa
The program and directions to the meeting site for the CSMS-MIKMAS (Central States Microscopy Society and Missouri-Illinois-Kansas Microbeam Analysis Society) meeting on June 28 are enclosed. Contact me if you have further questions
CSMS--MIKMAS MEETING PROGRAM June 28, 1996 at The Lodge, Giant City State Park
8:30 - 9:00 AM REGISTRATION: Membership renewals, lunch tickets ($8.50). See Lou Ann Miller or Mike Veith to obtain tickets for lunch at the main table.
9:00 - 9:20 **Nadia E. Navarrete-Tindall, Dept Plant Biology, SIUC Nodule and Rhizobial Morphology of the Tropical Legume Gliricidia sepium
9:20 - 9:40 **Barrie Overton, Plant Biology, SIUC Fixation Techniques for Morphological Investigations in the Mucoraceae, zygomycetes
9:40 - 10:00 **Elden Neal, Plant Biology, SIUC Flatbed Scanners for Scientific Imaging of Plant Material
10:00 - 10:20 **Rita K. Ware, W. Sherman, J. Craig, J. Schmelz, Dept Chem/Physics and Biological Sciences, Chicago State University. Electron Microscopy of Halobacterium halobium and cell membrane regions containing bacteriodopsin
10:20 - 10:40 COFFEE BREAK: COURTESY OF ELECTRON MICROSCOPY SCIENCES Membership renewals, lunch tickets ($8.50).See Lou Ann Miller or Mike Veith to obtain tickets for lunch at the main CSMS-MIKMAS table.
10:40 - 11:00 **Mohan Kalyanaraman, Dept Metallurgy, U of Connecticut, Storrs, CT In situ Electron Microscopy of WC-Co Nanostructured Composites
11:00 - 11:20 **Marlies Webber, Dept Plant Biology, SIUC The Role of Actin in Spermatogenesis of the Liverwort Conocephalum
11:20 - 11:50 Dr. Karen Renzaglia, Dept Plant Biology, SIUC Ultrastructure and the Phylogeny of Land Plants
12:00-12:30 Dr. Aristotel J. Pappelis and Sidney W. Fox , Plant Biology, SIUC Domain Protolife: Thermal Protein -- First Paradigm
12:30-1:30 LUNCH in the Lodge
1:30-2:30 Steven Slap, Energy Beam Sciences, Inc., Agawam, MA Microwave Techniques for Microscopy
2:30-2:50 Mike Veith, Biology Dept, Washington U, St. Louis, MO Use of Microwave Oven for Immunogold Localization in Transgenic Alfalfa Leaves
3:00 ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC DEMONSTRATIONS
Lou Ann Miller, Dept Veterinary Medicine, U of I, Champaign, IL Roundtable Discussion/Demonstration of Microwave Experiences NOTE: bring your micrographs, prints, protocols and handouts for distribution
John Gnaedinger, Hitschfel Instruments, Inc. Demonstration of Proper Techniques for the Care, Cleaning and Alignment of Light Microscopes
BUSINESS MEETING
**Denotes Student Competition Presentation
---------------------------------------------
HOTELS, MOTELS:
Comfort Inn Best Inns of America Super 8 Motel 1415 E. Main 1345 E. Main 1180 E. Main 618-549-4244 529-4801 457-8822 $40-45.00 $34.00 $47-49.00
DIRECTIONS:
IF COMING INTO CARBONDALE FROM MARION (off of route 57 and onto route 13 West), the first main stop lights that you encounter just outside of Carbondale will be at Point A on the map (MacDonald's is on your right). Super 8 Motel and Holiday Inn would be further down route 13 and on your right. Turning left at Point A at the light, followed by a right turn at your next opportunity will get you on the frontage road to the Best Inns of America (near the large Mall). Turning left would get you to the Comfort Inn (near Pier 1 store). Turning left at A (but continuing straight) will also get you onto the Giant City Road to the meeting site. In this case, after going through one stop sign, continue straight ahead on the Giant City Road until it ends (about 11 miles). You will pass LIttle Grassy Road and the SIU Touch of Nature compound on your left. Continue straight on the road until it ends at the intersection marked "B". Turn left and follow the road until you see the parking lot for the main lodge. This is about 3/4 miles and just past some cabins on your right. Pull into the main lot with the large water tower, parking as close as possible to the lodge building. Come into the lodge.
IF COMING FROM MURPHSBORO, take Route 13 E through Carbondale (towards Marion). It is easiest to pass by the Mall on your right and to turn right at Point A, as directed in the paragraph above.
IF COMING TO CARBONDALE ON ROUTE 51 FROM THE NORTH, take Route 13 East towards Marion and Route 57 and pass by the Mall on your right and turn right at Point A, as directed in the first paragraph above.
IF COMING TO CARBONDALE ON ROUTE 51 FROM THE SOUTH, take the turn off to Makanda on your right (near the large water tower with a smiling face painted on it). You will pass down some steep, winding hills and eventually into Makanda. After passing the RR track, turn left, proceed about 1/2 mile until you see the sign to the Park. Turn right and enter the park. Follow the signs to the lodge.
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Giant City Lodge (618-457-4921), John Bozzola home phone (618-529-5099).
############################################################################# John J. Bozzola, Ph.D., Director Center for Electron Microscopy Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL 62901-4402 U.S.A. Phone: 618-453-3730 Fax: 618-453-2665 Email: bozzola-at-siu.edu Web: http://www.siu.edu/departments/shops/cem.html #############################################################################
I am afraid that if you have already heated the apertures to a red heat, the residue (or whatever it is you see on it) is probably no longer organic in character, and so will probably not be affected by any organic solvent.
The simplest approach would be to try the apertures with the "residue" on them. It is just possible that whatever you are seeing is actually a surface effect, and will not affect the character of the hole itself.
Next, you might try an ultrasonic treatment in a strong solution of Tilex Soap Scum Remover. This is a pretty powerful cleaning agent, and might help if the residue is loosely deposited on the surface.
Then, you might escalate the attack to using an etchant for Mo (the standard reagent for etching Mo being Murikami's reagent: 10 gm potassium ferrocyanide and 10 gm KOH or 7 gm NaOH dissolved in 100 ml water), or a chemical polishing reagent (such as 30 ml lactic acid, 10 ml nitric acid and 5 ml hydrofluoric acid).
When all else fails, ask Chuck Garber; he usually knows a lot about such matters.
I am afraid that if you have already heated the apertures to a red heat, the residue (or whatever it is you see on it) is probably no longer organic in character, and so will probably not be affected by any organic solvent.
The simplest approach would be to try the apertures with the "residue" on them. It is just possible that whatever you are seeing is actually a surface effect, and will not affect the character of the hole itself.
Next, you might try an ultrasonic treatment in a strong solution of Tilex Soap Scum Remover. This is a pretty powerful cleaning agent, and might help if the residue is loosely deposited on the surface.
Then, you might escalate the attack to using an etchant for Mo (the standard reagent for etching Mo being Murikami's reagent: 10 gm potassium ferrocyanide and 10 gm KOH or 7 gm NaOH dissolved in 100 ml water), or a chemical polishing reagent (such as 30 ml lactic acid, 10 ml nitric acid and 5 ml hydrofluoric acid).
When all else fails, ask Chuck Garber; he usually knows a lot about such matters.
As a simple approach you might try an ultrasonic treatment in a strong solution of Tilex Soap Scum Remover. This is a pretty powerful cleaning agent, and might help.
Otherwise
--------------------------------------
} and let chuck sell me new ones, or heat them more, or longer, or is there some } other cleaning system I don't know about? } } } Hi, Mel:
Untrasonicating in acetone for 10 min. followed by another 10 min. in alcohol before baking in vacuum may help to remove these residues. Good luck.
Joseph Fu National Institute of Standards and Technology Room A117, Building 220 Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-0001
Tel:301-975-3495 e mail: jofu-at-nist.gov Fax: 301-869-0822
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you wrote: Im having trouble baking contamination off molybdenum strip apertures. Quite a lot comes off with a 15 minute bake in a moly tray at red heat but there is a resistant residue which this moderate baking wont shift. Should I give up and let chuck sell me new ones, or heat them more, or longer, or is there some other cleaning system I don't know about?
mel dickson UNSW Sydney, land of Oz ***************************
Chances are that these apertures are goners. When cleaning either Pt, Mo or W apertures, it is important to place them for a while, in a strong solvent (chloroform) and perhaps to sonnicate them. This would at least eliminate any soluble and loose residues. Then Mo and W apertures are heated in vacuo on a Mo or W strip or boat. The most common mistake is over-heating, which causes a coarse crystal structure and makes apertures useless. Heating to a dull, dark cherry red only is recommended but the heating time can be lengthy, say five minutes. Unfortunately, some contaminants become quite unmovable. Various physical methods, like polishing both sides of an aperture on a slide or poking it with a glass-fibre, have been tried, but usually it is a waste of time; chucking them is better.
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The accuracy of your data can be greatly reduced if your equipment has not been thoroughly cleaned, calibrated and tested.
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Hello all,
I am perhaps misusing this forum by introducing to you the existence of our www-homepage at: http://www.utu.fi/tdk/laak/em/index.html
Best wishes for a nice summer from wet and cool Finland
Jouko
Jouko K. M=E4ki, Ph.D., Laboratory Manager University of Turku, Laboratory of Electron Microscopy Kiinamyllynkatu 10 FIN-20520 TURKU FINLAND Tel: +358 21 333 7318 GSM: +358 40 505 2521 FAX: +358 21 333 7380
Has anyone using Unicryl resin for immunoEM (with low temperature embedding) experienced it going viscous at -20oC after a final infiltration step of 1 : 3 (EtOH:resin)? ie. the tissue (bits of sciatic nerve) was dehydrated and infiltrated as per the manufacturers instructions. The precooled resin went viscous as soon as it was placed in the FS unit (before the tissue was added) - the preparation is in the embedding medium now, but we were wondering if the viscous resin was what we would expect to observe?
Thanks,
______________________________________________
Shaun Sandow Autonomic Synapse Group Division of Neuroscience John Curtin School of Medical Research Australian National University ACT 0200
I'm not sure if Karen Horsley had coordinated with you before she left our employ, sorry for the redundancy if she had. May we or have we sent a bunch of brochures and other promotional materials for MSA and M&M '96 for distribution at your local meeting? If we haven't and we may, how many people shall we plan for? Also, any particular means of distribution is fine, but it is even better for us if you can stuff materials into a package which registrants will receive, or otherwise make them easily available and well distributed.
I'll wait to hear from you,
Thanks,
Larry
At 02:27 PM 6/19/96 -0600, John J. Bozzola wrote: } The program and directions to the meeting site for the CSMS-MIKMAS (Central } States Microscopy Society and Missouri-Illinois-Kansas Microbeam Analysis } Society) meeting on June 28 are enclosed. Contact me if you have further } questions } } CSMS--MIKMAS MEETING PROGRAM } June 28, 1996 at The Lodge, Giant City State Park } } 8:30 - 9:00 AM REGISTRATION: Membership renewals, lunch tickets ($8.50). } See Lou Ann Miller or Mike Veith to obtain tickets for lunch at the } main table. } } 9:00 - 9:20 **Nadia E. Navarrete-Tindall, Dept Plant Biology, SIUC } Nodule and Rhizobial Morphology of the Tropical Legume Gliricidia sepium } } 9:20 - 9:40 **Barrie Overton, Plant Biology, SIUC } Fixation Techniques for Morphological Investigations in the } Mucoraceae, zygomycetes } } 9:40 - 10:00 **Elden Neal, Plant Biology, SIUC } Flatbed Scanners for Scientific Imaging of Plant Material } } 10:00 - 10:20 **Rita K. Ware, W. Sherman, J. Craig, J. Schmelz, Dept } Chem/Physics and Biological Sciences, Chicago State University. Electron } Microscopy of Halobacterium halobium } and cell membrane regions containing bacteriodopsin } } 10:20 - 10:40 COFFEE BREAK: COURTESY OF ELECTRON MICROSCOPY SCIENCES } Membership renewals, lunch tickets ($8.50).See Lou Ann Miller or } Mike Veith } to obtain tickets for lunch at the main CSMS-MIKMAS table. } } 10:40 - 11:00 **Mohan Kalyanaraman, Dept Metallurgy, U of Connecticut, } Storrs, CT } In situ Electron Microscopy of WC-Co Nanostructured Composites } } 11:00 - 11:20 **Marlies Webber, Dept Plant Biology, SIUC } The Role of Actin in Spermatogenesis of the Liverwort Conocephalum } } 11:20 - 11:50 Dr. Karen Renzaglia, Dept Plant Biology, SIUC } Ultrastructure and the Phylogeny of Land Plants } } 12:00-12:30 Dr. Aristotel J. Pappelis and Sidney W. Fox , Plant } Biology, SIUC } Domain Protolife: Thermal Protein -- First Paradigm } } 12:30-1:30 LUNCH in the Lodge } } 1:30-2:30 Steven Slap, Energy Beam Sciences, Inc., Agawam, MA } Microwave Techniques for Microscopy } } 2:30-2:50 Mike Veith, Biology Dept, Washington U, St. Louis, MO } Use of Microwave Oven for Immunogold Localization in Transgenic } Alfalfa Leaves } } 3:00 ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC DEMONSTRATIONS } } Lou Ann Miller, Dept Veterinary Medicine, U of I, Champaign, IL } Roundtable Discussion/Demonstration of Microwave Experiences } NOTE: bring your micrographs, prints, protocols and handouts for } distribution } } John Gnaedinger, Hitschfel Instruments, Inc. } Demonstration of Proper Techniques for the Care, Cleaning and } Alignment of } Light Microscopes } } BUSINESS MEETING } } **Denotes Student Competition Presentation } } --------------------------------------------- } } HOTELS, MOTELS: } } Comfort Inn Best Inns of America Super 8 } Motel } 1415 E. Main 1345 E. Main 1180 E. } Main } 618-549-4244 529-4801 457-8822 } $40-45.00 $34.00 $47-49.00 } } DIRECTIONS: } } IF COMING INTO CARBONDALE FROM MARION (off of route 57 and onto route 13 } West), the first main stop lights that you encounter just outside of } Carbondale will be at Point A on the map (MacDonald's is on your right). } Super 8 Motel and Holiday Inn would be further down route 13 and on your } right. Turning left at Point A at the light, followed by a right turn at } your next opportunity will get you on the frontage road to the Best Inns of } America (near the large Mall). Turning left would get you to the Comfort } Inn (near Pier 1 store). Turning left at A (but continuing straight) will } also get you onto the Giant City Road to the meeting site. In this case, } after going through one stop sign, continue straight ahead on the Giant } City Road until it ends (about 11 miles). You will pass LIttle Grassy Road } and the SIU Touch of Nature compound on your left. Continue straight on the } road until it ends at the intersection marked "B". Turn left and follow the } road until you see the parking lot for the main lodge. This is about 3/4 } miles and just past some cabins on your right. Pull into the main lot with } the large water tower, parking as close as possible to the lodge building. } Come into the lodge. } } IF COMING FROM MURPHSBORO, take Route 13 E through Carbondale (towards } Marion). It is easiest to pass by the Mall on your right and to turn right } at Point A, as directed in the paragraph above. } } IF COMING TO CARBONDALE ON ROUTE 51 FROM THE NORTH, take Route 13 East } towards Marion and Route 57 and pass by the Mall on your right and turn } right at Point A, as directed in the first paragraph above. } } IF COMING TO CARBONDALE ON ROUTE 51 FROM THE SOUTH, take the turn off to } Makanda on your right (near the large water tower with a smiling face } painted on it). You will pass down some steep, winding hills and eventually } into Makanda. After passing the RR track, turn left, proceed about 1/2 mile } until you see the sign to the Park. Turn right and enter the park. Follow } the signs to the lodge. } } EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Giant City Lodge (618-457-4921), John } Bozzola home phone (618-529-5099). } } ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ } } } } } } } } } ############################################################################# } John J. Bozzola, Ph.D., Director } Center for Electron Microscopy } Southern Illinois University } Carbondale, IL 62901-4402 } U.S.A. } Phone: 618-453-3730 } Fax: 618-453-2665 } Email: bozzola-at-siu.edu } Web: http://www.siu.edu/departments/shops/cem.html } ############################################################################# } } } }
I have need to investigate bubbles which form between the surfaces of two borosilicate glasses during a high temperature fusing operation. I would like to be able to analyze any residual inorganics on the interior surface of the bubble. We are able to fracture the sample and expose the bubble, however due to the shape we have been unable to obtain adequate x-ray signal from within the bubble.
We are also considering analyzing any gases contained in the bubble, possibly by GC/MS techniques at elevated temperatures. We are concerned that the material in the bubble may be the same as or similar to that on the exterior surface.
Does anyone have experience in analyzing bubbles in glass or similar materials? Suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
Ed Kurz Institute of Materials Science University of Connecticut ekurz-at-mail.ims.uconn.edu
We have been investigating the possibility of using chemical thinning methods for some of our thin films, and we understand that the method requires an acid-resistant mask in the form of a "lacquer". One variety is called Lacomit but it is not easily available in small quantities or quickly. Does anyone out there know of a suitable alternative lacquer that is easily available or a practical supplier of Lacomit?
Thanks
Roy Christoffersen Texas Center for Superconductivity 3201 Cullen Houston, TX 77204-5932 roy-at-bayou.uh.edu (713) 743-8273 FAX: (713) 743-2787
Message-Id: {2.2.32.19960620205833.006f34d4-at-rockvax.rockefeller.edu} X-Sender: simon-at-rockvax.rockefeller.edu X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Pro Version 2.2 (32) Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Does anyone have experience with any temperature incubators for use on microscope stages?
Thanks, Sandy Simon
Sanford M. Simon Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics Box 304 Rockefeller University 1230 York Avenue New York, N.Y. 10021 212-327-8130 (voice) 212-327-8022 (fax) simon-at-rockvax.rockefeller.edu (e-mail)
Please note, I am writing this note for Dr. Tom McGee, and if you are interested please contact Tom directly at 800/476-5227. Thanks
Tom has 2, not one, but two Philips' horizontal TEMs they are interested in getting rid of. If anyone is interested in one or both of these freebies, please contact Tom McGee at 800/476-5227.
I agreed to help a colleague thin section a prep of isolated membranes from intestinal epithelial cells. He says he can pellet them with high-speed centrifugation. Can anyone point me to a protocol for embedding the pellet without it falling apart? I only have experience with solid tissue chunks.
Gary Radice 804-289-8107 (voice) Department of Biology 804-289-8233 (FAX) University of Richmond Richmond VA 23173 USA
I would not normally ask a question that I could easily answer by looking at a few papers in the library, but I'm afraid I am running out of time before I receive a small number of 1 mm (in size) jelly fish. Does anyone use a good fixation protocol, resulting in good ultastructure of marine invertebrates ?
Many thanks,
Doug Keene Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children and Marine Invertebrates ---------------------- Doug Keene DRK-at-shcc.org
I am looking for a description/discussion of electron diffraction, as it relates to image reconstruction from diffractograms. This would include the effects and contributions from 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc,.... order electrons.
I have been told that there is at least one textbook (} 10 years old) that has such a discussion, including figures that show reconstructed images that are different from the original, after removal of various orders of electrons. This is a graphical demonstration of the contributions of each order of electron.
I would appreciate any help in finding this information.
One uses LM for screening-frozen thicks single day results and can be done with fluorescent antibodies. paraffin sections withperoxidase she sys that if it does not work on paraffins it will not work in resins. what resins have you used how about heat in paraffins. better success with polyclonals (70%) than monoclonals (15%). brought up the importance of optimizing secondary antibody.labeling on westerns does not correlate with IEM results western blot and immunofluorescence before poceeding also tried tissue blotting
Gold label-3 To summarize from the last post, where I asked about what screening techniques were being used prior to IEM. Several members mentioned that they do light microscopy as a screening method using a variety of techniques. Frozen sections with fluorescent antibodies, paraffin sections with peroxidase reaction, and tissue blotting have been used. Better IEM results were reported with polyclonal antibodies (70%) than with monoclonal antibodies (15%). Some reported that success or failure with western blots and paraffins did not correlate with results in IEM.
From these replies, another question surfaces. When light microscopy or western blots results do not correlate with IEM findings, what resin was used for IEM? Do any of you use light microscopy on resin-embedded tissue and use polarized microscopy for gold visualization??
One person mentioned the importance of optimizing the secondary antibody-conjugate. I don't do this. How many feel that this is an important step in IEM??
Dear Roy, Try nailpolish (colour optional) Regards, Mary } We have been investigating the possibility of using chemical thinning } methods for some of our thin films, and we understand that the method } requires an acid-resistant mask in the form of a "lacquer". One variety is } called Lacomit but it is not easily available in small quantities or } quickly. Does anyone out there know of a suitable alternative lacquer that } is easily available or a practical supplier of Lacomit? } } Thanks } } Roy Christoffersen } Texas Center for Superconductivity } 3201 Cullen } Houston, TX 77204-5932 } roy-at-bayou.uh.edu } (713) 743-8273 } FAX: (713) 743-2787
Mary Mager Electron Microscopist Metals and Materials Eng, UBC 309 - 6350 Stores Rd. Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4 CANADA tel: 604-822-5648, fax: 604-822-3619 email: mager-at-unixg.ubc.ca
} We have just installed a JEOL 840-F FE-SEM in a lab at IBM-Watson Research } Center, and the room has large EM fields that hinder low KeV operation. We } might try shielding the microscope but have been told that shielding has not } been very successful in the past. I was told that there now exists equipment } that can sense and compensate for EM fields. Does anyone know who are the } manufacturers of this type of equipment and if so how well the equipment works? } Please respond to: gignac-at-watson.ibm.com or call 914-945-3352.
Harold J Crossman wrote: Regarding the advice to ultrasonically clean in acetone and alcohol....
I would avoid it at all costs. Manufacturer literature, safety manuals, and common sense dictate that volatile, flammable solvents NOT be used where there is the possibility for ignition. Since ultrasonic cleaning heats the solvent, and you probably would not just be standing around watching it work, you may be inviting disaster. Just think what would happen if you put a beaker of acetone in an ultrasonic cleaner, forgot about it and went home.
The possibility for fire or explosion is probably small (people ultrasonically clean in flammable solvents all the time) but the risk should definitely outweigh the cost of a new aperture.
My advice? Buy new ones. Harold J. Crossman OSRAM SYLVANIA INC. ******************************* In my reply to the original inquiry I had suggested the use of chloroform (or tri or di-chloroethane). These solvents do not burn unless heated to very high temperatures. A match may be extinguished in chloroform. I assume that personnel concerned with instrument maintenance would know that these solvents are toxic and use a fume hood. Obviously P&S too supplies apertures, but funds are limited and I hate waste. The user will have to weigh wasted time versus wasted funds. With apertures, unfortunately, it is rare that a second or third cleaning attempt is more successful than the first.
I simply process in a 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tube, and spin gently ( or with the epoxy steps a little less gently to get a pellet) before each chemical change. If the pellet is large ( more than 1mm deep) I use a dedicated wooden tool with it's end thined to loosen and break the pellet when chemical solution is added.
I mix during the process on a rotater bar that turns all the way around ( it has clips to hold the little tubes), so the tubes do need to be filled almost to the top with each chemical.
At the end, I use itty bitty (000?) single beam capsules, I take off excess epoxy off the pellet, pipet only a few mm up a dispo pipet at a time and transfer to the beam capsule, quantitatively transfer as much as capsules will hold.
--- Then I put the capped beam capsule into a clean 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tube, and spin fairly hard for 15-20 min. Leave the beam capsule in the centrifuge tube, and just polymerize for a longer time, or polymerize till hard, cut out, and then finish polymerization.
** I prefer this because it has better infiltration than my techniques get with agar. And I can use quicker times with better (?) looking results.
of course, all is what works for each person in each situation, but might give this a try....
Lou Ann
} I agreed to help a colleague thin section a prep of isolated membranes from } intestinal epithelial cells. He says he can pellet them with high-speed } centrifugation. Can anyone point me to a protocol for embedding the pellet } without it falling apart? I only have experience with solid tissue chunks. } } Gary Radice 804-289-8107 (voice) } Department of Biology 804-289-8233 (FAX) } University of Richmond } Richmond VA 23173 } USA
I have need to investigate bubbles which form between the surfaces of two borosilicate glasses during a high temperature fusing operation. I would like to be able to analyze any residual inorganics on the interior surface of the bubble. We are able to fracture the sample and expose the bubble, however due to the shape we have been unable to obtain adequate x-ray signal from within the bubble.
We are also considering analyzing any gases contained in the bubble, possibly by GC/MS techniques at elevated temperatures. We are concerned that the material in the bubble may be the same as or similar to that on the exterior surface.
Does anyone have experience in analyzing bubbles in glass or similar materials? Suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
Ed Kurz Institute of Materials Science University of Connecticut ekurz-at-mail.ims.uconn.edu
} Can some one provide me with the listserver address for the confocal } group? } } Thank you. } } Richard E. Edelmann } Electron Microscopy Facility Supervisor
I have another question. I have tried to find out how the confocal works, Can somebody explain it to me in a simple way. Can confocal be used with living cells or they have to be fixed and embedded in the first place?
I saw recently a paper describing a interesting method to preserve lymphocytes antigens in glycol methacrylate embedded tissues with immnohistochemistry purposes. The method was based in acetone fixation at room temperature and post-fixation with another liquid (I don't remember the name, but is not an usual one). Infortunately, I've lost the reference and I would like to know if a colleague has the number and the name of the journal where this article was published. I would be very grateful for your help ============================================================================= Francisco Javier Hernandez Blazquez | Universidade de Sao Paulo - Faculdade de | e-mail fjhblazq-at-spider.usp.br Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos | Voice: 55 195 616122 r. 265 Departamento de Ciencias Basicas/Histologia| r. 278 Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225 CP 23 | Fax: 55 195 618606 CEP 13630-000 Pirassununga (Sao Paulo) | BRAZIL | ==============================================================================
} I agreed to help a colleague thin section a prep of isolated membranes from } intestinal epithelial cells. He says he can pellet them with high-speed } centrifugation. Can anyone point me to a protocol for embedding the pellet } without it falling apart? I only have experience with solid tissue chunks. } } Gary Radice 804-289-8107 (voice) } Department of Biology 804-289-8233 (FAX) } University of Richmond } Richmond VA 23173 } USA } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } ..
A high speed pellet will often stay intact after glutaraldehyde fixation, if andled gently. The are also usually thin enought that they do not need to be resuspended during each fluid change. Subsequents steps of osmication and dehydration also firm up the pellet so that it can be left in place until the fianl embedding. The alternative, for the nervous scientist, is to suspend the pellet in a small drop of low gelling temp. agarose, chill it in the frig and then handle the agarose chunk like a piece of tissue. there are some other approaches as well, but these are the one we routinely use for this purpose ******************************************************* Greg Erdos Phone: 352-392-1295 Scientific Director, ICBR Electron Microscopy Core Lab 218 Carr Hall Fax: 352-846-0251 University of Florida E-mail: gwe-at-biotech.ufl.edu Gainesville, FL 32611 http://www.biotech.ufl.edu/~emcl/
I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has a SEM with cold stage that could be used for observing frozen droplets of an organic liquid. Thanks, Michael Lamvik {mlamvik-at-mcnc.org}
I'll be doing some negative staining of macromolecules soon and was wondering if you all would suggest a good internal size standard to add to the specimens to aid in determining the dimensions of these puppies.
TIA
John A
___________________________________________________ | | | John G. Aghajanian, Ph.D. | | Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research | | 222 Maple Avenue | | Shrewsbury, MA 01545 | | | | Tel: 508 842-8921 ext. 147, 161 | | Fax: 598 842-9632 | | JOHNA-at-sci.wfbr.edu | | | |_________________________________________________|
There is a material called Microshield Lacquer that we used to supply with our Model 550 Single Vertical-Jet Polisher. I checked our stock and we no longer have any (although we do still the Model 550!). You can purchase the lacquer from the manufacturer (or at least you could a few years ago!) at:
Pyramid Plastics Tolber Division 220 W. 5th Street Hope, Arkansas 71801
TEL: 501-777-3251
I understand that they are a subsidiary of Michigan Chrome and Chemical.
The Lacomit varnish I'm not sure about. You may want to try a company like SPI Supplies. You can check ot their home page at http://www.2spi.com or e-mail to them at spi2spi-at-2spi.com. I'm not certain if they have it, but they have a pretty wide range of materials and may be able to help you.
Best regards-
David Henriks TEL: 800-728-2233 (toll-free in USA) South Bay Technology, Inc. 714-492-2600 1120 Via Callejon FAX: 714-492-1499 San Clemente, CA 92673 USA e-mail: henriks-at-southbaytech.com http://www.southbaytech.com
Manufacturers of Precision Sample Preparation Equipment and Supplies for Metallography, Crystallography and Electron Microscopy.
High speed spun membrane preps are easy; they generally either stick to the bottom of the tube throughout processing or, if they release from the tube, they usually remain intact or a couple of pieces. Treat them as you would a piece of tissue. If they're very small, they usually are, just a bit of scum on the bottom of they tube, you can reduce the times spent in your various fixatives/washes/etc.
Hope this helps. Good Luck.
John A.
___________________________________________________ | | | John G. Aghajanian, Ph.D. | | Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research | | 222 Maple Avenue | | Shrewsbury, MA 01545 | | | | Tel: 508 842-8921 ext. 147, 161 | | Fax: 598 842-9632 | | JOHNA-at-sci.wfbr.edu | | | |_________________________________________________|
1.- put a hair ot thread in the block to align serial sections. 2.- trim block faces in the normal trapezoid shape, with one side cut close to 90 degrees, (squared-off) made for a kind of pointer on the one side. As long as I kept that pointed side of the section toward me and to the left (in my particular case) I knew that I had the proper orientation.
3.- In the past we have used the outside shape of the block to orient serial sections.
Message-Id: {199606211405.KAA13119-at-vaxserv} X-Sender: nnicklaus-at-cave.sarnoff.com X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Pro Version 2.1.2 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Michel's points,see below are well taken. Many older VCRs did not have stable sync signals. Another video device might not be able to get a clear signal. Newer VCRs are generally much better. However, if you have a problem, you might be able to playback in a "normal" VCR which might have editing capabilities. If required, you can buy a sync generator for use in a system, but you will need help getting all your components set up properly. There may be someone at your facility who could help. Otherwise, a GOOD sales engineer or techncal support person might walk you through the process.
------- } Michel Deschuyteneer {deschuyt-at-sbbio.be} wrote:
} First, we could not get a clear signal to grab frames in our image analyzer } (some frequency problem) for either morphometry or just illustration. Make } sure that the system you get works with any other component (e.g. } videoprinter) you consider attaching it to fixing this kind of } incompatibility is always possible but may be expensive.. } Second, there were no editing capabilities which you may find on some top } of the line models. Compiling sequences for presentation was difficult, } short of going to a professional (read expensive) studio. I assume that } there are nowadays relatively affordable solutions.
In message {960613154016_327266792-at-emout15.mail.aol.com} writes: } Greetings everyone: } We recently purchased a Catalese TEM grid from a commercial supplier. It was } to be used to check-out the resolution of our two microscopes (a Zeiss } EM109, and Siemens 101). We had difficulty seeing any periodicity at all } in the Siemens, although we searched for about one hour. The Zeiss } revealed photographable and measure periodicity in approximately 1 in 100 } crystals. We returned the grid to the Siemens, but still could not fined any } usable crystals. Before we determined the Seimens had poor resolution, we } returned the grid to the Zeiss--but to our shock, surprise, chagrin, and } consternation--could find *no* good crystals! } Questions: } 1) Are these crystals sensitive to damage from the beam (like contamination)? } 2) Would a carbon coat benefit catalese grids purchased in the future? } 3) For that matter, is there is anything better than catalese? } Thanx } cya, } Gene
Sorry for the late reply. I've looked at catalase crystals (from Ted Pella, Inc, #612) on two different scopes, Philips EM300 & CM-12, and obtained excellent images that were very stable over time. Perhaps you got a bad grid from your supplier, but assuming the sample is OK, I would ask what operating conditions you were using on your scopes? In particular, what diameter objective & condensor apertures were you using?
I'll never forget the pleasant shock I got when I found out the effect that condenser aperture diameter can have on resolution at the mags you would view catalase crystals at. I used to think that the condensor aperture was just a coarse brightness control, a big valve on the electron flow. But using a 50 to 100 micron condenser aperture can show big improvement in resolution over a 200 micron size. I've tried to find out why in books on TEM optics theory but the turf is fraught with mathematical complexities, contrast transfer functions and stuff like that. Can anyone out there give it to me straight?
Of course, objective aperture diameter affects contrast of image too. I typically use a 40, sometimes a 20 micron diameter objective aperture for viewing bilogical sections. There is probably an optimum combination of the two aperture sizes to maximize resolution as a funtion of the other operating values, kV, spot size, sample type, etc.
This is basic stuff that most of us at least have a feel for, but I sometimes don't fully understand the "why" of it, like the condenser aperture effect.
Anybody out there want to chime in with their 2 cents worth on this topic?
Gib Ahlstrand, MMS Newsletter Editor Electron Optical Facility, University of Minnesota, Dept. Plant Pathology 495 Borlaug Hall, St. Paul, MN 55108 (612)625-8249 612-625-9728 FAX, giba-at-puccini.crl.umn.edu
"MICROSCOPY & MICROANALYSIS 96" in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Aug.11-15, 1996
} Garry Radice wrote: } I agreed to help a colleague thin section a prep of isolated membranes from } intestinal epithelial cells. He says he can pellet them with high-speed } centrifugation. Can anyone point me to a protocol for embedding the pellet } without it falling apart? I only have experience with solid tissue chunks. } } Gary Radice 804-289-8107 (voice) } Department of Biology 804-289-8233 (FAX) } University of Richmond } Richmond VA 23173 } USA } *********************** Many people had that problem and it is worth posting. The trick is: Fix the pellet (max 1mm thick) for five minutes. Score pellet with a needle into 1mm squares, continue fixation as if they were tissue blocks; just exchange fluids more gently.
Material fixed in suspension must be spun every step along the protocol. Initial pellet fixation will keep the material together. Note: Start with at least a half mm pellet. Plenty of material to start with will result in more than enough in the end. Start with minimal material and somehow you'll finish up with nothing.
Dear Margaret, For IEM, I use LR White routinely, polymerized with UV light in -20 C freezer. However, since polymerization of acrylics is highly exothermic, I am sure that the actual temperature of the tissue gets much higher, though surely not as high as paraffin. The problem is, that one cannot predict for sure how the next antigen-antibody combination will work. Eg., I stained neural protein GAP-43. It worked very nicely on paraffin/peroxidase, but at EM level on LR White sections I could obtain staining only with 5nm gold (silver enhanced), but absolutely nothing with 10 nm gold (published in Histochem.J.27,272-279,1995, there are some interesting correlations with LM there also). This was the only case of such a clear-cut sterical hindrance that I have encountered so far after staining close to 200 antibodies. The question is, how do you charge people for a work like this? It takes a lot of experimentation to find this out. Therefore, I think that your effort to establish some criteria for the acceptance of projects is very wise. The existence of such criteria will also emphasize to your customers the fact that this is a custom work and the obtaining of positive results cannot be a priori guaranteed. Thin cryosectioning with subsequent immunolabelling and "embedding" of sections either in methylcellulose or diluted plastic is a good technique for cell culture pellets or specimens that do not require "blue" sections for localization of the site of interest. It is fairly rapid (no tissue processing), and the antigen should be well preserved. I don't like preembedding techniques because individual cell components are not all equally accesible to reagents as in a section, therefore the interpretation of results is much more difficult. Thick LR White sections can be stained with gold and silver enhanced for LM. I don't think the secondaries need to be optimized in each staining, we only check this with a new batch etc. Is anybody actually providing IEM as a service? Your sincerely,
Sarka Lhotak, lhotaks-at-fhs.mcmaster.ca
EM Facility, McMaster Univerity Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
I have completed yet another bit of WWW information upgrading on the MSA WWW site
http://www.msa.microscopy.com
The MSA Membership Directory is now a searchable index on-line. You may search for member information by First/Last Name and will be returned with their Affiliation/Address/Phone/Fax/Email information, as listed in the Membership Directory. The database reflects my records of member information as of April 3, 1996.
Please note that Corporate/Sustaining Members of the Society are also listed in this Searchable Index, and can be found by entering their proper company name. Or you may choose to look at the Sustaining Members home pages also on the MSA Site.
Currently the index is searchable only by Member Name. It is also limited to presenting the first "10" hits in the database. So choose your search criteria carefully! As I get "free" time I will expand the search/match criteria.
If you find that your information is out-of-date, then you may use the Electronic Membership Form which is also available on-line to update your records at the Business Office. The on-line database will be updated at regular intervals (~ quarterly).
BTW. Complete downloads of the MSA Database are NOT permited so don't bother to try or ask....
Cheers.... Nestor Your Friendly Neighborhood SysOp
Yes, we have an Oxford Cold Stage on the side of an XL30 Hot FEG plus and Isis Germanium ED system. You are very welcomemto come and use it
Patrick Echlin Director, Multi-Imaging Centre University of Cambridge
On Fri, 21 Jun 1996 mlamvik-at-mcnc.org wrote:
} I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has a SEM with cold stage that could } be used for observing frozen droplets of an organic liquid. } Thanks, } Michael Lamvik {mlamvik-at-mcnc.org} } } }
X-Sender: jokamaki-at-mailhost.utu.fi X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.2 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable To: microscopy-at-Sparc5.Microscopy.Com
Dear All,
Our computer center has changed the location of our www-pages to:
http://www.utu.fi/med/tdk/em/index.html
Sorry for the trouble.
Jouko
Jouko K. M=E4ki, Ph.D., Laboratory Manager University of Turku, Laboratory of Electron Microscopy Kiinamyllynkatu 10 FIN-20520 TURKU FINLAND Tel: +358 21 333 7318 GSM: +358 40 505 2521 FAX: +358 21 333 7380
Lacomit varnish is commonly used for the preparation of thinned specimens by one of the so-called "window" techniques. The area of the specimen not required for polishing is coated with the varnish.
The product was in the old BioRad catalog, and has been taken over by Energy Beam Sciences (catalog #A0944, 500ml bottle).
Best regards, Sonja L. White, Sales & Marketing Secretary ******************************** Energy Beam Sciences, Inc. Adding Brilliance To Your Vision ebs-at-ebsciences.com http://www.ebsciences.com/ ********************************
Does anyone know of a source for used ISI DS-130 diffusion pumps, or have one to maybe sell?
&&&&&&&&&&& Illigitmi non carborundum &&&&&&&&&&&
Philip Oshel soon-to-be-closed Center for Electron Microscopy University of Illinois Rm 74 Bevier Hall 905 S. Goodwin Ave. Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 244-3145 oshel-at-ux1.cso.uiuc.edu
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In response to the request for a reference for IHC in methacrylate sections:
The following paper describes a fixation method using acetone containing protease inhibitors, followed by pretreatment with methyl benzoate prior to infiltration with GMA. The authors used this method to successfully label CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD45 lymphocytes, as well as a variety of other leukocyte antigens. It also worked for labeling several types of integrins, collagens, and other matrix proteins.
Britten, Karen M., Howarth P.H., and Roche W.R. 1993: Immunohistochemistry on resin sections: a comparison of resin embedding techniques for small mucosal biopsies. Biotechnic and Histochemistry 68(5):271-280.
Hope this helps!
Jane A. Fagerland, Ph.D. Dept. Microscopy and Microanalysis Abbott Laboratories Abbott Park IL 60064
Does anyone know the address or email address of Dr. R. Autrata. I appreciate your help. Regards,
Ya Chen
Ya Chen
*** My email address has been changed to: ychen14-at-facstaff.wisc.edu *** ========================================================================== Cryo/SEM Coordinator Integrated Microscopy Resource (IMR)-- III M M RRRRRR an NIH Biomedical Research Resource I M M M M R R University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI I M M M RRRRRR 1675 Observatory Drive #167 I M M R R Madison, WI 53706, USA I M M R R TEL : 608-263-8481 I M M R R FAX : 608-265-4076 III M M R R Email:ychen14-at-facstaff.wisc.edu ========================================================================== IMR WWW Home Page: http://www.bocklabs.wisc.edu/imr.html 2nd Symposium on Integrated Microscopy: Sept. 20-22, 1996
} I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has a SEM with cold stage that could } be used for observing frozen droplets of an organic liquid. } Thanks, } Michael Lamvik {mlamvik-at-mcnc.org} } }
Dear Mike:
Yes, we do. There is a Hitachi S-900 "in-lens" type of FESEM with a Gatan cold-stage (type 626) at the Integrated Microscopy Resource, Madison, Wisconsin. You can look at the images obtained from this high resolution SEM and cold-stage from our Web site: http://www.bocklabs.wisc.edu/imr.html.
If you are interested it, you are welcome to use it.
Regards,
Ya Chen
Ya Chen
*** My email address has been changed to: ychen14-at-facstaff.wisc.edu *** ========================================================================== Cryo/SEM Coordinator Integrated Microscopy Resource (IMR)-- III M M RRRRRR an NIH Biomedical Research Resource I M M M M R R University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI I M M M RRRRRR 1675 Observatory Drive #167 I M M R R Madison, WI 53706, USA I M M R R TEL : 608-263-8481 I M M R R FAX : 608-265-4076 III M M R R Email:ychen14-at-facstaff.wisc.edu ========================================================================== IMR WWW Home Page: http://www.bocklabs.wisc.edu/imr.html 2nd Symposium on Integrated Microscopy: Sept. 20-22, 1996
I came across this paper some time ago-material is fixed in PFA, processed cold, taken through ammonium chloride, dehydrated in acetone and embedded in glycol methacrylate. Approximately 40 antigens were successfully labeled using a trypsin pretreatment.
Beckstead, Jay H: Optimal ANtigien Localization in Human Tissues Using Aldehyde-fixed Plastic-embedded Sections. J Histochem Cytochem 33:954-958, 1985
As I mentioned previously, The Duniway Sstockroom Corp. (1305 Space Park Way, Mountain View, CA 94043; Ph. 800-446-8811; Fx: 415-965-0764) handles new, reconditioned, surplus, and replacement vacuum parts and equipment. I would recommend contacting them as a possible source of help in obtaining a pump for your application. W. C. Bigelow (bigelow-at-umich.edu)
-------------------------------------- Does anyone know of a source for used ISI DS-130 diffusion pumps, or have one to maybe sell?
&&&&&&&&&&& Illigitmi non carborundum &&&&&&&&&&&
Philip Oshel soon-to-be-closed Center for Electron Microscopy University of Illinois Rm 74 Bevier Hall 905 S. Goodwin Ave. Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 244-3145 oshel-at-ux1.cso.uiuc.edu
*********** looking for a job again ***********
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Does anyone know of a low cost source for a beam stop and a 40x dry (high NA but no need for phase contrast, etc) objective for a Zeiss microscope? I need these items but they are not a big enough priority to pay for brand new ones (if they were, our local Zeiss rep is very good so I do not need references to other dealers.)
In general any source of used Light Microscopy equipment may be useful.
Thanks in advance!
Karen Zaruba
Life Sciences Sector Lab Reply: kszaruba-at-mmm.com 3M Company 3M Center 270-1S-01 Phone: 612-737-2971 St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
These opinions are my own and may not represent those of 3M.
SUBSCRIBE Dr David R. Cousens Senior Research Fellow Ph 61-7-33654947 Centre for Microscpy and Microanalysis Fax 61-7-33651775 The University of Queensland Email D.Cousens-at-mailbox.uq.oz.au St Lucia 4072 AUSTRALIA
} In general any source of used Light Microscopy equipment may be useful. } } Thanks in advance! } } Karen Zaruba } ===========================================================}
You might find what you need from Spectra Services, Inc. in Rochester New York. (716)654-9500 and ask for Mike Specht. I purchased a used rotating stage from them a few months ago. Dr. Dennis B. Barr Eastman Chemical Company Microscopy and Morphology Research Laboratory P.O. Box 1972 Kingsport, TN 37662-5150
Prof. Rudolf Autrata director UPT AV CR Tel.+42 - 5 - 41321246 Kralovopolska 147 Fax.+42 - 5 - 41211168 612 64 BRNO e-mail: autrata-at-isibrno.cz CZECH REPUBLIC
} From: ychen14-at-facstaff.wisc.edu } Date sent: Mon, 24 Jun 1996 12:09:42 -0700 } To: Microscopy-at-Sparc5.Microscopy.Com
} Dear Netters, } } Does anyone know the address or email address of Dr. R. Autrata. I } appreciate your help. } Regards, } } Ya Chen } } } Ya Chen } } *** My email address has been changed to: ychen14-at-facstaff.wisc.edu *** } ========================================================================== } Cryo/SEM Coordinator } Integrated Microscopy Resource (IMR)-- III M M RRRRRR } an NIH Biomedical Research Resource I M M M M R R } University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI I M M M RRRRRR } 1675 Observatory Drive #167 I M M R R } Madison, WI 53706, USA I M M R R } TEL : 608-263-8481 I M M R R } FAX : 608-265-4076 III M M R R } Email:ychen14-at-facstaff.wisc.edu } ========================================================================== } IMR WWW Home Page: http://www.bocklabs.wisc.edu/imr.html } 2nd Symposium on Integrated Microscopy: Sept. 20-22, 1996 } } } Sincerely,
=========================================================== Jiri Spinka Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department of Electrotechnology Technical University of Brno EEEEEE TTTTTT Antoninska 1, B R N O EE TT Czech Republic EEEE TT Tel. 42-5-753741, Fax. 42-5-41211135 EE TT e-mail: spinka-at-uete.fee.vutbr.cz (Internet) EEEEEE(hi) TT ===========================================================
I was recently asked the following question about film resolution. I have seen a discussion of this somewhere but can't seem to locate it now. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Bob Wise
***************
"What is the max resolution of the EM film you used to use? [This was Kodak EM film no. 4489, Estar thick base] In particular, how close can two lines be and still be distinguished, or how thin can a line be and still be detected. Also I want to know how many photograins it takes to generate this level of resolution. For example, on a 2" x 3" film, the smallest dot that can be detected has an area of x sq. inches and this area on the film contains on average y silver grains."
Can you give me any help in answering this? Is there some data on the size and concentration per unit area of grains in various films?
Message-Id: {2.2.32.19960625151253.0068ae6c-at-pop.wwa.com} X-Sender: spb-at-pop.wwa.com X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Pro Version 2.2 (32) Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Karen
Dealers of new optical equipment are often the best source of used equipment, especially accessories. They often take microscopes in on trade or pick up extra components when a product is discontinued. I have purchased used Orthoplan accessories from my local Leica dealer and they are always clean and in good condition. In addition, the rep has brought me the pieces and made sure that they worked on my microscope. If your local dealer does not have the used accessories you are looking for, ask him if he knows of a good source. Microscope dealers trade equipment. Zeiss should also have a list.
Also try your local Leica, Nikon, and Olympus dealers.
There is a list of used equipment dealers with WWW sites at http://www.mwrn.com/product/ All of these carry optical or electron microscopes and accessories. However, some of these will not break up a microscope that has the component you want. Depending on your needs, it can be cheaper to buy a whole used system.
Susanne Pignolet Brandom MC Services MicroWorld Resources and News http://www.mwrn.com/
At 05:17 PM 6/24/96 -0500, you wrote: } Does anyone know of a low cost source for a beam stop and a 40x dry (high } NA but no need for phase contrast, etc) objective for a Zeiss microscope? I } need these items but they are not a big enough priority to pay for brand new } ones (if they were, our local Zeiss rep is very good so I do not need references } to other dealers.) } } In general any source of used Light Microscopy equipment may be useful. } } Thanks in advance! } } Karen Zaruba } } Life Sciences Sector Lab Reply: kszaruba-at-mmm.com } 3M Company } 3M Center 270-1S-01 Phone: 612-737-2971 } St. Paul, MN 55144-1000 } } These opinions are my own and may not represent those of 3M. } } } } }
On Mon, 24 Jun 1996, Jane A. Fagerland (847) 935-0104 wrote:
} Britten, Karen M., Howarth P.H., and Roche W.R. 1993: } Immunohistochemistry on resin sections: a comparison of resin embedding } techniques for small mucosal biopsies. Biotechnic and Histochemistry } 68(5):271-280. } } Hope this helps! } } Jane A. Fagerland, Ph.D. } Dept. Microscopy and Microanalysis } Abbott Laboratories } Abbott Park IL 60064
Sure it will! Thank you very much....again! ============================================================================= Francisco Javier Hernandez Blazquez | Universidade de Sao Paulo - Faculdade de | e-mail fjhblazq-at-spider.usp.br Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos | Voice: 55 195 616122 r. 265 Departamento de Ciencias Basicas/Histologia| r. 278 Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225 CP 23 | Fax: 55 195 618606 CEP 13630-000 Pirassununga (Sao Paulo) | BRAZIL | ==============================================================================
Dear Bob, I recall John Stevens at the University of Toronto giving a lecture on this at a MSC meeting several years ago. He was advocating digital imaging but warning that the digital resolution necessary to equal film required file sizes in the order of a gigabite. This is when gigabite files were considered completely unattainable. I believe the figures were 1000 X 1000 in a 3.5" by 4.5" film. I have lost touch, but he was attached to the Medical School there. There may be a discussion in the MSC Proceedings. I believe that meeting was in Winnipeg. Regards, Mary } To all: } } I was recently asked the following question about film resolution. I have } seen a discussion of this somewhere but can't seem to locate it now. Can } anyone point me in the right direction? } } Bob Wise } } *************** } } "What is the max resolution of the EM film you used to use? [This was Kodak } EM film no. 4489, Estar thick base] In particular, how close can two lines } be and still be distinguished, or how thin can a line be and still be } detected. Also I want to know how many photograins it takes to generate } this level of resolution. For example, on a 2" x 3" film, the smallest dot } that can be detected has an area of x sq. inches and this area on the film } contains on average y silver grains." } } Can you give me any help in answering this? Is there some data on the size } and concentration per unit area of grains in various films?
Mary Mager Electron Microscopist Metals and Materials Eng, UBC 309 - 6350 Stores Rd. Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4 CANADA tel: 604-822-5648, fax: 604-822-3619 email: mager-at-unixg.ubc.ca
} From: wise-at-vaxa.cis.uwosh.edu } Date: Tue, 25 Jun 1996 11:57:26 +0000 } Subject: film resolution } } To all: } I was recently asked the following question about film resolution. I have } seen a discussion of this somewhere but can't seem to locate it now. Can } anyone point me in the right direction? } Bob Wise } } *************** } "What is the max resolution of the EM film you used to use? [This was Kodak } EM film no. 4489, Estar thick base] In particular, how close can two lines } be and still be distinguished, or how thin can a line be and still be } detected. Also I want to know how many photograins it takes to generate } this level of resolution. For example, on a 2" x 3" film, the smallest dot } that can be detected has an area of x sq. inches and this area on the film } contains on average y silver grains." } } Can you give me any help in answering this? Is there some data on the size } and concentration per unit area of grains in various films? ******************************** reply: The questions Bob is asking are interesting and I expect that he will receive some direct answers. But there are some related points which should be looked at in this context, particularly when analogies to digital imaging are to be drawn. Line resolution of any film suitable for TEM is better than 200/mm. In TEM it is desirable to maximise electrons for exposure, this will assure better, less grainy, more contrasty and better resolved images. Slight over-exposure and a very slow film type are in fact desirable. This is fortuitous: The TEM's requirements make the highest resolution and most contrasty emulsions the most suitable. In general terms, resolution of a TEM is equal at all magnifications but a low power image would require enlarging. At about 30x photographic magnification, insufficient electrons have formed the image and "noise" becomes intolerable. Also, above 15x and certainly by 20x, the photographic enlarging procedure becomes quite impractical. There is a very good reason to use fairly high, perhaps 10x to 15x, photographic enlargements: The depth-of-field (or focus) is much greater at lower magnifications. It is much easier to take an in-focus picture at 20k than at 70k. Enlarging to 200k will give "identical images", but the 70k image is much more likely to be out of focus. Anybody who frequently requires very high magnification TEM images would appreciate that depth-of-field is a powerful argument. The corollary is: Except for giant enlargements, only a small postage stamp size area from the centre of the negative is normally used. There is also a not very subliminal message here. The question now is: Which digital system maintains the huge advantages of low power depth-of-field and has the resolution to allow 20x enlargement, if only from a postage stamp sized area? SEMs and light microscopes are another discussion and reasons for digital images from these are well advanced. It should be noted that P&S has an interest in film, digital cameras and printers. - We like them all!
Now that digital imaging is with us what are people using for archiving and databasing their images. I am looking for info on commercially available software. Any thoughts would be most appreciated.
Raining in Manchester!!
Chris
Chris Gilpin Biological Sciences Electron Microscope Unit G452 Stopford Building Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PT phone +44 161 275 5170 fax +44 161 275 5171
I can't answer your question directly, but the Kodak tech reps are usually pretty helpful. Their number is 800 225 5352. AGFA's number is 201 641 9566. Hope this helps. S. Miller
On Tue, 25 Jun 1996 wise-at-vaxa.cis.uwosh.edu wrote:
} Date: Tue, 25 Jun 1996 11:57:26 +0000 } From: wise-at-vaxa.cis.uwosh.edu } To: Microscopy-at-Sparc5.Microscopy.Com } Subject: film resolution } } To all: } } I was recently asked the following question about film resolution. I have } seen a discussion of this somewhere but can't seem to locate it now. Can } anyone point me in the right direction? } } Bob Wise } } *************** } } "What is the max resolution of the EM film you used to use? [This was Kodak } EM film no. 4489, Estar thick base] In particular, how close can two lines } be and still be distinguished, or how thin can a line be and still be } detected. Also I want to know how many photograins it takes to generate } this level of resolution. For example, on a 2" x 3" film, the smallest dot } that can be detected has an area of x sq. inches and this area on the film } contains on average y silver grains." } } Can you give me any help in answering this? Is there some data on the size } and concentration per unit area of grains in various films? } } }
Sara E. Miller, Ph. D. P. O. Box 3020 Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC 27710 Ph: 919 684-3452 FAX: 919 684-8735
Need help for identifying the crystall structure of an unknown phase. A series of SAD patterns have been got. One of them has 6P symmetry in ZOLZ pattern.As a rusult of computer simmulation , the possibility of having cubic or hexagonal structure has been excluded.So the most possible structure the phase has is rhombohedra. Who is familiar with this structure and knows some suitble simmulationsprogram? Thanks E-mail address:cfs_wei-at-nsun1.hmi.de
Dear Colleague: Our selected area electron diffraction pattern from a amorphous were recorded on the IP(Imagine-Plate), we want to calculate the radial distribution function(RDF) from the intensity measurements by the Fourier transformation of the coherently scattered electron intensity. However, we don't have the transformation programm, could you give us some information about the now available program? In addition, can anyone give us a suggestion how can we measure the intensity from the IP exactly. Thanks. our email address: cfs_wei-at-nsun1.hme.de
} } } Frank Scheltens and I recently looked at the new Fuji Imaging plates. } } } They are spectacular!
The beauty of the Fuji imaging pl } ates is that their output is linear over about 5 orders of exposure. (Get } Fuji's literature for all the specific details. ************************
Hi Scott, what bit depth in output precision are provided by the Fugi files (8-bit, 16-bit)? This is an important measure for the contrast resolution of the image file. Large exposure range is very nice, but high contrast resolution is even nicer. Otherwise, your small contrasts will be squished into only a few intensity seps and get lost, and you will lose much of the digital advantage.
Best regards Klaus
****************************************************************************** * Klaus-Ruediger Peters, Ph.D. :Molecular Imaging Laboratory * * Director, Molecular Imaging Laboratgory : http://panda.uchc.edu/ * * Biomolecular Structure Analysis Center : htklaus/index.html * * University of Connecticut Health Center : * * 263 Farmington Ave. :F r e e Access to Differential * * Farmington, CT 06030-2017; U.S.A :Contrast Software at * * e-Mail: Peters-at-BSAC.UCHC.EDU : http://panda.uchc.edu/ * * Tel: (860) 679-3977; Fax: (860) 679-1989 : htklaus/DHP-Img.html#Software* ******************************************************************************
about the archiving software: we use PHRASEA on Macintosh systems. In principle it should work fine but we've had a lot of troubles with respect to installation, crashes, lost pictures etc. It looks as if the soft- and hardware are not as yet fully compatible. We choose this package because it fitted best with our needs with respect to having a searchable database in a multiple-user environment. We plan to store all our images on CD-rom and keep small pictures in the database. Also, what do you do with your old images (over 20.000 pictures in our case). It takes a lot of time to scan them but you need this to have good use for your look-up tables or searches. I guess we'll keep working with Phrasea, but I'd like to hear comments on the practical use of such databases.
Nick Schryvers Antwerp, Belgium
--------------------------------------
Raining in Manchester!!
Chris
Chris Gilpin Biological Sciences Electron Microscope Unit G452 Stopford Building Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PT phone +44 161 275 5170 fax +44 161 275 5171
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Recently, someone mentioned that polyclonal antibody has 70% labeling efficiency while monoclonal antibody has only 5% (I am not sure about this figure). Have these figures been published? Where can I find the paper?
The following two positions are currently available in our department:
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY TECHNICIAN
E M Technician - The Department of Biology at Western Kentucky University is accepting applications for a full-time, permanent Electron Microscopy Technician position available immediately. The major responsibility of this position will be to oversee all activities associated with the multi-disciplinary user EM Facility. The facility houses two JEOL 100B TEMs, one JEOL 5400 LV (low vacuum) SEM with attached KEVEX Sigma Level One EDS, darkroom and full sample preparation equipment. The technician will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the laboratory including routine maintenance and trouble-shooting, supervision of service personnel, training of users, and providing consultative and research support for faculty and students. The qualified candidate should have a B.S. degree (M.S. preferred) and at least two years of experience, including EDS and skills in both biological and materials science specimen preparation. Additional duties (less than 25% time commitment) include organization of the use of shared equipment in multisection introductory laboratory courses and maintenance and care of the departmental greenhouse. Send letter of application, curriculum vitae and three letters of reference to: Dr. Heather A. Owen, Department of Biology, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101-3576. Screening of applications will begin July 1, 1996. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. An affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT TEMPORARY - 1 YEAR REPLACEMENT
CELL/ULTRASTRUCTURAL BIOLOGIST - The Department of Biology of Western Kentucky University is accepting applications for a temporary Assistant Professor position. Responsibilities include cell biology and electron microscopy courses, and supervision of an EM facility. Research activity is encouraged. Ph.D. or ABD is required. Appointment for fall, 1996. Send application, vitae, statement of research/teaching interests, and three letters of reference to: Dr.Blaine Ferrell, Department of Biology, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101-3576. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. An affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
************************************************************ - - ************************************************************ Heather Owen Department of Biology Western Kentucky University 1 Big Red Way Bowling Green, KY 42101-3576
I will be attending the MSA meeting, and I want to get inexpensive lodging. I will be flying in Saturday afternoon or evening and staying through Thursday. If anyone wishes to split costs by sharing a room, please let me know. I don't smoke, but I don't mind sharing with someone who does. TIA. Yours, Bill Tivol
Second Reminder, Space Still Available, Please Pre Register.
Here is a reminder and some clarifying information.
The Microbeam Analysis Society is sponsoring their first Topical Conference immediately prior to the Microscopy and Microanalysis 96 meeting in Minneapolis this year. The Topical Conference is entitled:
{bold} "Microscopy & Microanalysis Resources on The World Wide Web"
It will be held in The Minneapolis Convention Center on
SATURDAY THE 10TH of AUGUST 1996.
Note that the ad in Microscopy Today contained a typo stating that the meeting was to be on the Sunday. The meeting has been placed on SATURDAY to avoid any conflict with the M&M Tutorials.
The starting time will be 9:00am and the conference will last all day.
The morning will be a series of presentations which will cover the following:
1. Basic introduction to the Web
2. What is available on the Web generally.
3. What is available on the Web for Microscopy & Microanalysis
4. How to create your own Web Page.
Invited Presenters include:
Greg Meeker - U.S. Geological Survey.
Marc De Graef - Carnegie Mellon University.
Darcy Clark - University of Michigan (formerly University of Queensland).
John Mansfield - University of Michigan.
The afternoon will be focussed on a hands-on workshop where there will be a minimum of 15 computer workstations connected to the Internet (via a T1 line)
for attendees to use. The morning's presenters will be available to advise attendees on all aspects of accessing and using the Web.
Attendance is FREE to MAS members
Attendance is $35 for Non Members
If you join The Microbeam Analysis Society you may attend free, membership is $25 per year.
You may register by:
1. Filling out the card that was contained in the last issue of Microscopy Today
and mailing it in to the address noted on the card.
2. You may register electronically if you are a member. Connect to:
http://www.microanalysis.org/mas/regtopconf.html
3. Non members may complete the form at:
http://www.microanalysis.org/mas/regtopconf.html, print it and mail it to the address supplied in the form.
4. Members & Nonmembers may send their:
Name
Full address
Business phone
FAX
email address
and an indication of their computer and Web expertise to John Mansfield
at the address at the end of this message.
Non-Members should enclose a check for $35 (drawn on a US bank) made out to The Microbeam Analysis Society.
} } Most labs dehydrate tissue in ethanol when processing for E.M. } } I have always used methanol. Is there logic in using one alcohol or the } other? } Dear Sally, Since water is completely miscible with either alcohol, the only logical reason I can think of is that methanol is more toxic. Yours, Bill Tivol
Message-Id: {199606262227.AA128098060-at-pigseye.mmm.com} X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Version 1.4.3 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
This is a follow-up to my previous question about sources of used parts for Zeiss scopes.
First of all, thank you to all who replied!! I got the web address for Zeiss (http://www.zeiss.com), for Scott Scientific (http://www.scottscientific.com) as well as suggestions of Spectra Services, Inc. at (716) 654-9500 and West L.A. Microscope at (800) 794-8898.
The second thing I have to say is Aaaaak! I was afraid this wouldn't be simple. [I am a newbie to the components of light microscopes, and inherited this one without an owner's manual]. For those of you who wanted more details, the scope is a Standard Pol type, with a phototube. The beam stop selects how much light goes to the phototube (usually either 80% or 100% I think). The 40x objective says "NeoFluar 40/0.75, Ph2, 160/0.17" and is a Zeiss brand. From this I assume it is a Phase 2 and 160 mm (fixed) tubelength.
What I would like is something which gives less blurriness on a relatively "thick" section (4-8 um) and does not have Phase, which I don't want to be bothered with.
Thanks again for the responses and I will check out the above sources!
Karen
Life Sciences Sector Lab Reply: kszaruba-at-mmm.com 3M Company 3M Center 270-1S-01 Phone: 612-737-2971 St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
These opinions are my own and may not represent those of 3M.
Dear Gib, } [snip] } I'll never forget the pleasant shock I got when I found out the effect that } condenser aperture diameter can have on resolution at the mags you would view } catalase crystals at. I used to think that the condensor aperture was just a } coarse brightness control, a big valve on the electron flow. But using a 50 } to 100 micron condenser aperture can show big improvement in resolution over } a 200 micron size. I've tried to find out why in books on TEM optics theory } but the turf is fraught with mathematical complexities, contrast transfer } functions and stuff like that. Can anyone out there give it to me straight? } Of course, our geometry is different with the HVEM; we normally use a 1 mm condenser aperture, but for low-dose and diffraction, we use either a 100 or 30 micron condenser apertures (unlike nearly everyone else, we often try to throw away beam current). These smaller apertures select electrons which are emitted from a smaller area of the (W) filament than does the large aperture, so the beam is more coherent. The lessening of the overlapped interference fringes accounts, I think, for the better observed resolution. The same effect should occur for a LaB6 filament operated in "tip" mode--we are about to install one, so I'll see for myself soon.
} Of course, objective aperture diameter affects contrast of image too. I } typically use a 40, sometimes a 20 micron diameter objective aperture for } viewing bilogical sections. There is probably an optimum combination of the } two aperture sizes to maximize resolution as a funtion of the other operating } values, kV, spot size, sample type, etc.
The objective aperture size is simply related to the attainable reso- lution and related in a more complex way to the contrast. If you look in diffraction mode, you can see the aperture and the diffracted electrons which it admits. From the camera length and the size of the image of the aperture, the resolution can be calculated. The contrast is determined by the electrons scattered outside the aperture (removed from the image) vs those passed through the aperture. This ratio depends on the angular distribution of the scattering (in a crystalline material, whether there are intense, high-order reflections outside the aperture). As far as optimal combinations is concerned, the main things to remember are that 1) the size of the finest observed features depends on the contrast and 2) for biological specimens, only the stain is observed. Since the stain particles are ~1 nm or so in size, an objective aperture should be chosen which gives the best combination of beam intensity and contrast, and this will be specimen-dependent. We normally use a 30 micron aperture, which nominally gives 0.5 nm resolution. When I was imaging crystals at high reso- lution (for the HVEM), I used a 50 micron aperture so that the reflections at 0.3-0.4 nm would contribute to the image. For microtubules, we need a 10 micron aperture to get good contrast, and 1.5 nm is about the size of the stain, so we don't lose biological info, even though the resolution is "poor". Yours, Bill Tivol
At 09:08 26-06-96 -0400, Scott D. Walk wrote: } } If you assume that the eye's resolution is about .1mm (~300dpi), then you can enlarge a TEM negative (12.5um) by 8x. (From experience, I have printed TEM negatives on 16 x 20 paper with good results.) The corresponding limit to enlarging the imaging plates would be 4x. } *********************** I am afraid that Scott may have used pixel/area. For resolution comparisons, one must stay with linear measures. Document films (and that is what the EM emulsions are) have a resolution of at least 200 lines/mm and this Kodak film could go to 300 lines/mm. 10 lines/mm resolution for the unaided eye is a realistic figure and this means that 20 and even 30 times enlargements will show details not visible at lower enlargements. This is the theory and I have done that in practice - it works!
The Fuji film comparison Scott made, may!!! be valid, but there are advantages in having a slower film. As I pointed out in my contribution on film resolution/ instrument depth-of-field, an image is better when formed by more electrons (slower film=better). Slower film is also more contrasty and has better resolution. The slow film's down-side is less exposure latitude and the faster film excels in that respect and that was Scott's main observation with the Fuji Film.
Swings and round-abouts, but which is the most suitable film and for which application?
} To all: } } I was recently asked the following question about film resolution. I have } seen a discussion of this somewhere but can't seem to locate it now. Can } anyone point me in the right direction? } } Bob Wise } } ***************
The comparison of film capture versus digital capture has two important aspects: spatial resolution and contrast resolution. The spatial resolution question is already addressed by several responses. We have experience with the contrast resolution of films since we use differential hysteresis processing (for free access to the software see below) for contrast quantitation and contrast imaging of digitized microscopy negatives (graytone and color).
Film provides up to 14 to 15 bit of contrast resolution using the AGFA Arcus II scanner ($ 2,000). This is an exceptionally high contrast resolution and provides astonishing precision and quality of the digitized information. This means that small contrasts, let's say fine structural details of fibers of 1-200 intensity steps, have the same range in the dark areas (intensity range 1-10,000) as well as in the midrange areas (intensity range 10,000-20,000) and the bright area (intensity range 20,000 - 30,000) of the negative. On negatives digitized at this precision, we recover information never being expected to exist or been seen before on the photographic prints, i.e., yesterday, in collaboration with Dr. Papermaster, University of Texas, San Antonio, we saw in negatives (taken years ago from in retina section) extracellular fibers of characteristic structure connecting the cilium with the wall of the periciliar ridge complex.
Silver halide image processing (conventional photographic techniques) can not easily access this contrast resolution of the negative. It provides only local display in a cumbersome fashion (graytone separations procedures using ion counter diffusion techniques). Thus, using photographic emulsions as capturing device and a cheep scanner as A/D converter is a good and practical solution for any imaging lab (only constrained by the limited but sufficient linearity of the transfer characteristics).
In contrast, high resolution CCD cameras must be cooled for capturing 14 to 15-bit (very expensive) and conventionally they are not linear for their dose response. Thus the CCD camera data have a very different contrast resolution behavior in addition to their limited spatial resolution. The small fiber contrast mentioned above would be reduced in logarithmic fashion with the intensity of it's background, i.e., already loosing 50% of it's range in the midtone areas. (Linearization of the signal is easy but will change the data fidelity).
When dealing with negatives contrast resolution seems to provide a greater advantage than spatial resolution. And this high contrast resolution is now accessible through digital contrast imaging. Bye bye photolab!
Best regards Klaus
****************************************************************************** * Klaus-Ruediger Peters, Ph.D. :Molecular Imaging Laboratory * * Director, Molecular Imaging Laboratgory : http://panda.uchc.edu/ * * Biomolecular Structure Analysis Center : htklaus/index.html * * University of Connecticut Health Center : * * 263 Farmington Ave. :F r e e Access to Differential * * Farmington, CT 06030-2017; U.S.A :Contrast Software at * * e-Mail: Peters-at-BSAC.UCHC.EDU : http://panda.uchc.edu/ * * Tel: (860) 679-3977; Fax: (860) 679-1989 : htklaus/DHP-Img.html#Software* ******************************************************************************
I saw this plate system at a recent meeting, last year at MSA, I think, and was very intrigued. Although I don't have enough money to buy a system, I have a few questions about it.
1. Can anyone tell us how many of these units in 3.25 X 4 inch format have been placed, both worldwide and by region, e.g., US, europe and asia?
2. How are people with these systems archiving data sets of this size, 23MB?
***[snip]*** } The files are 3760 x 3000 x 16-bit (14-bits used) unsigned integer raw } files (23MB). These can easily be imported into Spyglass, } DigitalMicrograph, Semper or any other sophisticated image processing } package that can handle 16-bit data (if you have enough memory!). ***[snip]***
There seems to be quite a bit of interest in this topic so I have put a bibliography I compiled last year about imaging technologies on the web at http://www.uct.ac.za/depts/emu/imaging/papers.htm
I hope it will be helpful
good papers on film are: Downing and Grano (1982) Farnell and Flint (1973) and (1975) Hahn (1980) Hamilton and Marchant (1967)
The field was reviewed by Zeitler (1992) Ultramicroscopy 46,405
Message-Id: {9606270725.AA26384-at-granite.ab.sac.ac.uk} Comments: Authenticated sender is {ab157-at-granite.ab.sac.ac.uk}
Dear Chris and all, We use the Aequitas archiving software from DDL. We mainly use it to archive light/fluorescence images captured through a Leica Quantimet 600, but it would be equally applicable to electron microscopy images. It is a very easy to use windows program, which allows creation of database forms to the users specification. It supports full searching of the created databases, and archiving to whatever media you have available. Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.
On Wed, 26 Jun 1996, Scott D. Walck WL/MLBT wrote:
} Frank Scheltens and I recently looked at the new Fuji Imaging plates. They are spectacular! The plates are loaded in the same film holders as regular film. We ran a test where we spread the the beam out until the lowest current reading on the screen was indicating. Then stepped the exposure through two plates using an aperture. The exposure times went from .12 to 600 sec and all the steps were there without saturating the plates. We did the same test on Kodak SO-163. }
.../...
} Fuji has a program where you can try out their imaging plates if you are interested. That is how we got them to try out. } } - -Scott Walck
Just one question. The plate number is usually printed on the plates using a photonic system, (seems to be a small screen on which data are printed, and one or two mirrors and a lens allowing to focus the data on the plate) which works quite well with usual photographic plates.
In the case on Fuji IP, it seems that it does just not work, because IP are sensitive to electrons and NOT to photons (I may be equivocated but I do not think so). Do you know if any improvement is in progress? this could be a new device developed by EM companies or by Fuji itself, allowing an auxilliary electron beam to print the relevant data on the plates, or any other system that I have not though about. It appears that with many users using the same microscope, it is likely that plates be mixed up, so that just printing numbers on the back of the plates might be unsufficient.
Another question. What will Fuji price policy be in the future. At the moment their plates seem to be rather expensive, so that if we want to equip 5 microscopes with this system we might think twice...
Yet another one. I would be happy to be able to get the plate out of the microscope just after taking the picture.
I elaborate: with photographic plates I understand that we have to work in batches because plates are light sensitive. As a consequence one has to wait till the plate is processed in order to know if it is good or not. For this reason camera makers do have a great argument telling that the image can be computer stored instantaneously.
If you can get the IP out of the microscope and have it processed within minutes this would be a great improvement. It "just" takes a modification of the photo box, and I imagine that a good engineer could do that. By solving these two problems I believe that Fuji would clear any arguments against their system.
Yves MANIETTE Universitat de Barcelona Serveis Cientifico Tecnics Unitat ESCA TEM Carrer Luis Sole i Sabaris E-08028 BARCELONA
This is a question directed to our Friendly Neighborhood SysOp and any vendors planning to be in Minneapolis 8/10-15. How good are our chances of finding Zip drive equipped Macintosh computers? It is a wonderful way to transport digital anything. Kate Connolly
Does anyone out there have an old used low speed diamond saw such as those sold by Buehler, South Bay Technology, etc? Preferably something no longer needed such that a donation would be in order, else we are willing to purchase at some reasonable cost. If one is available but needs repair that is O.K. too. Also looking for an old Fischione electropolishing unit and power supply.
Thanks, Please respond in private to Mark Wall, 510 423-7162, USA
Dear Wei I can help you with your Image plate RDF problem. 1. To analyse the data, you should use the method of Cockayne et al. See Acta Cryst. A44, p.870 (1988). and earlier papers. This is important. 2. To convert the IP data to intensity, you need the conversion table and the sensitivity setting used to read the data. This is available from our computer specialist, Paul Perkes. (We also have a Fuji Image plate reader). You can contact him using the address paulperkes-at-asu.edu Regards, John Spence
We are clearing space and would like to get rid of an old Quantamet 900. We asking a nominal fee. Sorry, I wanted to give it away or dump it. If you are intrested in it please contact me and I will get back to you.
Mike
=========================================================== Michael Dunlap lab (916) 752-0284 Facility For Advanced Instrumentation fax (510) 422-2282 University of California mrdunlap-at-ucdavis.edu Davis CA, 95616 http://carbon.ucdavis.edu ============================================================
} This is a question directed to our Friendly Neighborhood SysOp and any } vendors } planning to be in Minneapolis 8/10-15. How good are our chances of finding Zip } drive equipped Macintosh computers? It is a wonderful way to transport digital } anything. } Kate Connolly
There will be at least one ZIP drive on a Mac and one on a PC at the Computer Workshop at the M&M96 meeting.
Jfm.
John Mansfield North Campus Electron Microbeam Analysis Laboratory 417 SRB, University of Michigan 2455 Hayward, Ann Arbor MI 48109-2143 Phone: (313)936-3352 FAX (313)936-3352 Email: jfmjfm-at-engin.umich.edu URL: http://emalwww.engin.umich.edu/people/jfmjfm/jfmjfm.html
A permanent (at least 4 years) position will be available late summer/ early fall at The Rockefeller University/Cornell Medical School in one of the nicest areas of New York City.
I am looking for an experienced EM technician or posdoctoral fellow well-trained in EM techniques to carry on an exciting project involving post- embedding immunoelectron microscopy. We are studying the distribution of plasma membrane cell adhesion molecules during the inflammatory response, as well as changes in cell-cell interactions at the ultrastructural level. The study is funded by a major NIH grant. It is one aspect of a multidisciplinary approach to cell adhesion molecules that my lab is taking. All of the investi- gators interact extensively on the scientific level.
This person would be involved in and responsible for all aspects of this project including processing of specimens, fixation, embedding, sectioning, examination, photography, and data collection and analysis. The successful ap- plicant should have at least a B.A. degree and several years of intensive experience in electron microscropic techniques. Experience with postembedding immunoEM is highly desirable, but not necessary. ImmunoEM (by transmission electron microscopy) is the method we are presently using. In the future we may contemplate SEM approaches, as well. Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
Please send resume to: William A. Muller, MD, PhD Associate Professor Laboratory of Cellular Physiology and Immunology The Rockefeller University 1230 York Avenue New York, NY 10021
fax [preferred method of communication] (212) 327-8875
e-mail: mullerw-at-rmslab.rockefeller.edu (Please DO NOT reply directly to KAURIN-at-rmslab.rockefeller.edu)
I look forward to hearing from you. --Dr. William A. Muller
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We are trying to locate a marker pen that will both count an object when touched and mark it so that it will not be recounted. Does anyone know where we could purchase such a device? Thanks.
#################################################################### John J. Bozzola, Ph.D., Director Center for Electron Microscopy Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL 62901-4402 U.S.A. Phone: 618-453-3730 Fax: 618-453-2665 Email: bozzola-at-siu.edu Web: http://www.siu.edu/departments/shops/cem.html ####################################################################
Dear John, I have used both carbon and graphite rods in my evapoator, and I think either will work. The graphite is more conductive, so you must use a higher current to get it to evaporate, but it is stronger and less likely to break off. I personally prefer the pressed carbon. In answer to your second question, I've found that if you can carefully tighten the rod in the holder without applying sideways stress to it, it is less likely to break. In my system that means tightening up the screws while holding the sharpened rod off the flat piece, then carefully letting it come to rest on the middle of the flat piece. John wrote: } I have two questions regarding carbon evaporation (for applying a conductive } coat to non-conductive materials): } } 1. Is there any difference between using graphite vs carbon rods? } } 2. I use 3 mm diameter rods, with one rod flat and the other sharpened to } a 1 mm tip about 3 mm long. Many times the small tip breaks off during } heating, requiring running the samples over. Any ideas on how to reduce the } breaking of the rods? Luck, Mary
Mary Mager Electron Microscopist Metals and Materials Eng, UBC 309 - 6350 Stores Rd. Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4 CANADA tel: 604-822-5648, fax: 604-822-3619 email: mager-at-unixg.ubc.ca
I recently read an article by Sekiguchi and Sumino (ref. below) in which they etch silicon with "Sirtl or Wright" solution. This facilitates observation of dislocations using SEM.
I'd be really grateful if anybody could tell me:
(i) What this solution is? (ii) How it's used (references?) (iii) Whether it would work on silica (quartz)?
Thanks in advance
Gordon
Sekiguchi, T. & Sumino, K., 1996. Cathodoluminescence study on dislocations in silicon. J. Applied Phys., 79, 3253-3260
**************************************************************************** Dr Gordon R. Watt, Geology & Cartography Division, Oxford Brookes University, Headington, Oxford, OX3 0BP
} I have two questions regarding carbon evaporation (for applying a conductive } coat to non-conductive materials): } } 1. Is there any difference between using graphite vs carbon rods? } } 2. I use 3 mm diameter rods, with one rod flat and the other sharpened to } a 1 mm tip about 3 mm long. Many times the small tip breaks off during } heating, requiring running the samples over. Any ideas on how to reduce the } breaking of the rods?
John,
I think that you will find that a number of suppliers of carbon evaporation equipment now recommend carbon 'string', in preference to carbon rods. This 'string' is a multi filament braid and avoids precisely the type of problem you mention. Additionally, I think you will find that using 'string' the whole evaporation process is rather more controllable - does anyone know of any disadvantage of carbon string (apart from requiring a different evaporator head)?
Leave it to a young mind to pose an unusual question. We do many tours of our facility to lots of different groups. Yesterday, we had a group of gifted high school students come through. While in the tour host mode, I was explaining thermionic emission at the TEM. One student asked the question, what happens to the tungsten nucleus after the electrons are freed and removed? I was honest, and said that I had never really thought about it. I mentioned that I do clean some contaminants from the wehnelt and anode when I change the filament, and this could be possible where the protons and neutrons go. Do the nuclei migrate towards tungsten atoms with more electrons, trying to steal electrons from those richer in them? Inquiring minds want to know....
} We are trying to locate a marker pen that will both count an object when } touched and mark it so that it will not be recounted. Does anyone know } where we could purchase such a device? Thanks. } } #################################################################### } John J. Bozzola, Ph.D., Director
John, 95/96 Fisher catalog, pg 1178, cat# 07-910-15, $175, made by Manostat. Phil
&&&&&&&&&&& Illigitmi non carborundum &&&&&&&&&&&
Philip Oshel University of Illinois Rm 74 Bevier Hall 905 S. Goodwin Ave. Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 244-3145 oshel-at-ux1.cso.uiuc.edu
As with the other thing, would you keep me posted, this time if you don't get a useful answer I should be able to build one for next to nothing.
Alternatively, if you can put an image of the objects into a macintosh, there is a great freeware image analysis program (NIH-Image, available via ftp from zippy.nimh.nih.gov/pub/mac/nih-image - check the directory tree yourself) that allows you to do the same thing with a mouse, ie you click the cursor on the object and the program records the x/y coordinates of the object and marks it with a dot. The program also has many automatic dot/particle analysis features, and some handy enhancement routines.
Ray
At 6:14 pm 27/6/96, John J. Bozzola wrote: } We are trying to locate a marker pen that will both count an object when } touched and mark it so that it will not be recounted. Does anyone know } where we could purchase such a device? Thanks. } } #################################################################### } John J. Bozzola, Ph.D., Director } Center for Electron Microscopy } Southern Illinois University } Carbondale, IL 62901-4402 } U.S.A. } Phone: 618-453-3730 } Fax: 618-453-2665 } Email: bozzola-at-siu.edu } Web: http://www.siu.edu/departments/shops/cem.html } ####################################################################
Ray Hicks ________________________________________________________________________ |University of Cambridge |Tel 01223 330149 | |Department of Medicine |Fax 01223 336846 | |Level 5, Addenbrookes Hospital |e-mail rh208-at-cus.cam.ac.uk | |Hills Road Cambridge |Web Page/ facsmac.med.cam.ac.uk | |CB2 |ftp server 131.111.80.78 | |UK | | |_________________________________|_____________________________________|
Posted-Date: Fri, 28 Jun 1996 17:34:23 +0200 Message-Id: {31D3FB7F.27A6-at-csb.ki.se}
I'm looking for some theory (or experience) on the effect of binning on image quality. Given an image with a certain noise level, how fine does the binning need to be to get the full information content (especially if I'm going to average the digitized images to reduce noise)?
Thank You in advance
Philip -- Philip Koeck Karolinska Institutet Dept. of Bioscience Novum S-14157 Huddinge Sweden Tel.: +46-8-608 91 93 Fax.: +46-8-608 92 90 Email: Philip.Koeck-at-csb.ki.se
Message-Id: {1.5.4.32.19960628162813.0069c1b0-at-biotech.ufl.edu} X-Sender: sdw-at-biotech.ufl.edu X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (32) Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Here is a question that I received and would like to forward to the list. Please send the replies directly to " rv-at-swifty.pse.umass.edu" as they do not subscribe to the list. Thanks
} X-POP3-Rcpt: sdw-at-snitch } Date: Wed, 26 Jun 1996 14:10:37 -0400 } From: Regina Valluzzi {rv-at-squeaky.pse.umass.edu} } Subject: TEM instrumentation - a question } Sender: rv-at-swifty.pse.umass.edu } To: sdw-at-biotech.ufl.edu } Organization: UMass Polymer Science } X-Url: http://www.biotech.ufl.edu/~emcl/tips.html } } I noticed that the types and tricks seem to be answers to peoples } questions, and was wondering if anyone out there had any ideas about } something our 200 kV TEM has been doing. We have a tungsten filament in } our microscope, and I've noticed that there are 2 intensity maxima when } I slowly saturate the filament. If I go to crossover and slowly } desaturate the filament, the tip(s) can be imaged at both maxima and the } images are different, but both look filament tip-like. The beam current } also seems really high. The two maxima occurred with a previous } filament and the beam current was also really high (at the second } intensity maximum, the first maximum is at the current I'd expect from } prior experience). Our technician doesn't seem to find this unusual, so } perhaps it's not a problem, but we go through many filaments in a } typical year. Anyone know if this is a problem? Anyone know how to fix } it ? } }
Scott D. Whittaker 218 Carr Hall Research Assistant Gainesville, FL 32610 University Of Florida ph 904-392-1295 ICBR EM Core Lab fax 904-846-0251 sdw-at-biotech.ufl.edu http://www.biotech.ufl.edu/~emcl/
Subject: Time: 2:27 PM OFFICE MEMO RE: where nuclei go Date: 6/28/96
Apart from those that evaporate from the filament, or those that move around within the body of the filament itself, due to thermal effects, I don't think much of anything happens to the nuclei. In metals, the valence electrons reside in a valence "band", meaning that their energy states are related to the overall structurel arrangement of the atoms in the crystal (rather than being determined by the nearby atoms to which they are bonded, as in organic molecules where we have localized covlaent bonds, and in ionic compounds where we have well defined ions). In this situation, the electrons move rather independently of the individual nuclei (that is 'they belong to the overall crystal' rather than to individual nuclei) and so the electrons that are emitted from the filament are simply replaced by ones that are fed into it from the external the circuit running from your local power company, and probably the nuclei don't know or care very much about the fact that this process is going on around them. For a discussion of metallic bonding, see the chapter on Atomic Structure and Interatomic Bonding in the book "Materials Science & Engineering" by W. D. Callister (in the 2nd Edition, this was Ch. 2 - I don't know about more recent editions).
Reply to: RE} Image archiving software RE} Image archiving software:
Our company, Signal Analytics, has a new Image Cataloger module, an add-on to our main product, IPLab Spectrum image analysis software (currently for Macintosh). With this module, IPLab Spectrum offers integrated image acquisition, processing, and archiving.
If anyone would like further information, please contact us at {info-at-iplab.com} .
Paul Krumpe pkrumpe-at-iplab.com --------------------------------------
Dear Friends, I have just published a review article entitled "Glycosomes - the organelles of glycogen metabolism" in Tissue & Cell 28 (3) 253-265,1996 which is a revision of the EM interpretation of glycogen. The review is based on biochemical and microscopical studies, includes the history of glycogen research in each discipline as well as the current status of knowledge. The conclusion I have reached from my studies is that glycogen occurs in the cell as part of organelles, called glycosomes, composed of glycogen and the enzymes involved in its metabolism. The 20-30 nm granules visible in sections stained with uranyl and lead and commonly interpreted as particles of glycogen, represent only the protein component of glycosomes. I feel that the revision of this point is of particular importance in EM research. It may seem like a small point, for there is no doubt that glycogen is associated with glycosomal protein, however, the size and the electron density of protein prticle indicates the metabolic state of the organelle rather then the amount of glycogen. The recognition and understanding of the nature of glycosomes opens a wide field for microscopical research on glycosomal enzymes, on the association of glycosomes with other cellular organelles and the role played by glycogen in the regulation of physiological processes. I would be very happy to receive some feedback on the ideas I outlined in my review article and to continue discussion with anyone interested in glycogen research.
} Just one question. The plate number is usually printed on the } plates using a photonic system, (seems to be a small screen on which data } are printed, and one or two mirrors and a lens allowing to focus the data on } the plate) which works quite well with usual photographic plates. } } In the case on Fuji IP, it seems that it does just not work, because IP } are sensitive to electrons and NOT to photons (I may be equivocated but } I do not think so).
It is my understanding that IP's *are* sensitive to photons (at least in some frequency ranges). Fuji would know whether the usual illumination system would work. We have a xenon flash tube and glass prisms/lenses, so maybe there are enough high-frequency photons.
} Do you know if any improvement is in progress? this } could be a new device developed by EM companies or by Fuji itself, } allowing an auxilliary electron beam to print the relevant data on the } plates, or any other system that I have not though about.
It would seem that a CRT-type beam could be used to write this way.
} Another question. What will Fuji price policy be in the future. At the } moment their plates seem to be rather expensive, so that if we want to } equip 5 microscopes with this system we might think twice... } Since the plates are reusable, it is only a one-time expense.
} Yet another one. I would be happy to be able to get the plate out of the } microscope just after taking the picture. } } I elaborate: with photographic plates I understand that we have to work in } batches because plates are light sensitive.
IP's are also light-sensitive--you should not expose them to fluor- escent light when taking them to the reader.
} As a consequence one has to } wait till the plate is processed in order to know if it is good or not. } For this reason camera makers do have a great argument telling that the } image can be computer stored instantaneously. } } If you can get the IP out of the microscope and have it processed within } minutes this would be a great improvement. It "just" takes a modification } of the photo box, and I imagine that a good engineer could do that. By } solving these two problems I believe that Fuji would clear any arguments } against their system. } This is as easy as removing a single piece of film--no problem on our scope. The readers I've seen take on the order of a few minutes to process an IP. Yours, Bill Tivol
} One student asked the question, what } happens to the tungsten nucleus after the electrons are freed and removed? I } was honest, and said that I had never really thought about it. I mentioned } that I do clean some contaminants from the wehnelt and anode when I change } the filament, and this could be possible where the protons and neutrons go. } Do the nuclei migrate towards tungsten atoms with more electrons, trying to } steal electrons from those richer in them? Inquiring minds want to know.... } Dear Randy, First, only a few of the electrons are removed from the tungsten, and since it is metallic, these electrons are in the valence band associated with the entire crystal (or the surface, anyway) rather than any particular atom. Second, the thermionic process which removes the electrons occurs at a temp- erture of a few kK--equivalent to ~1 eV--which is not enough to displace nuclei; however, at that temperature atoms can get sufficient energy to leave the surface. That is, the tungsten will sublime. The tungsten vapor then condenses on the wehnelts, anode, etc., causing the contamination. Third, unless you have hydrogen in your tungsten, there will be no free protons, and even at our high voltage (1.2 MV) there is insufficient energy to produce free neutrons (and, of course, the HV is not at the filament). Tungsten atoms (not nuclei) do migrate, as the field ion microscope demonstrates, but it is not as if they were bare nuclei drawn toward electron-rich atoms. I hope this satisfies the inquiring minds. Yours, Bill Tivol
We don't use Sirtl anymore, however, here is the story on it. A paper was presented in 1961 by Von Erhard Sirtl and Annemarie Adler of Siemens in Munich, Germany. They described an etch which decorates defects such as dislocations and stacking faults in silicon. The mix specified in the paper was 46gms CrO3 in 100gms of 40% HF; and was reported to be stable with use, and useful over a wide range of concentrations. It cannot be stored in bottles such as Nalgene because the bottles will slowly decompose, turn green, and become brittle enough to break. ( When we used it, we would always create a new solution each day). Wright etch is a defect etch for silicon and is an improved version of Sirtl etch. Wright etch was developed by Margaret Wright Jenkins of Motorola. The Wright etch consists of a mixture of 30ml of 5 molal chromic (CrO3), 60ml hydrofluoric (HF), and 30ml nitric (HNO3), buffered with 60ml glacial acetic acid and 60ml water. Two grams of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2) or copper sulfate (CuSO4) are also used to decorate the junction. Wright etch decorates defects on both {100} and {111} planes in n- and p-type material, over a wide range of resistivities. Wright etch preferentially delineates defects resulting from high-temperature processing steps. The reference paper for the etch is: "A New Preferential Etch for In Silicon Crystals" by Margaret Wright Jenkins, Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 124, 1977, p757. The etch is available from Olin Corp. by the name "Wright Etch X-17"
********************************************************** Jake Schaper Product Analysis Lab Application Specific Integrated Circuit Division Motorola, Inc. 1300 N. Alma School Rd. Chandler, Arizona 85224 Mail Drop CH240 Phone 602-814-4756 **********************************************************
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I'd be really grateful if anybody could tell me:
(i) What this solution is? (ii) How it's used (references?) (iii) Whether it would work on silica (quartz)?
Thanks in advance
Gordon
Sekiguchi, T. & Sumino, K., 1996. Cathodoluminescence study on dislocations in silicon. J. Applied Phys., 79, 3253-3260
**************************************************************************** Dr Gordon R. Watt, Geology & Cartography Division, Oxford Brookes University, Headington, Oxford, OX3 0BP
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When a filament is heated to the point that "saturation" occurs, what is actually happening in the electron gun is that the emission current through the filament is increased. This current flows through a bias resistor, and this causes the bias voltage between the filament and the grid cap to increase to such a level that the equipotential surfaces around the filament tip attain sufficient curvature to cause the electron beam to be focused to aspot somewhere in front of the grid cap. This process was first fully understood by Haine & Epstein in 1952, and is nicely described in Haine's book, "The Electron Microscope" which was published by Interscience in the mid 1950's (Chs. VI and VII). I do not know the exact characteristics of your electron gun, which depend on the size and shape of the hole in the grid cap and the position of the filament relative to that hole, but is sounds as though you have a situation where you are able to take the process through two successive focusing conditions. It is quite possible to do this in electron lenses - we once had a microprobe that had such a strong power supply for the condenser lens that we could run the beam through two successive focus conditions if we ran the power to the lens through the whole range provided by the power supply. While this was an electromagnetic lens, and you are dealing with a very primative electrostatic lens, it nonetheless sounds like what is happening in your gun. In any event, filament life is exponentially dependent on filament temperature. So, to increase filament life you should certainly operate at the the crossover or saturation condition corresponding to the lowest filament heating current.
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Here is a question that I received and would like to forward to the list. Please send the replies directly to " rv-at-swifty.pse.umass.edu" as they do not subscribe to the list. Thanks
} X-POP3-Rcpt: sdw-at-snitch } Date: Wed, 26 Jun 1996 14:10:37 -0400 } From: Regina Valluzzi {rv-at-squeaky.pse.umass.edu} } Subject: TEM instrumentation - a question } Sender: rv-at-swifty.pse.umass.edu } To: sdw-at-biotech.ufl.edu } Organization: UMass Polymer Science } X-Url: http://www.biotech.ufl.edu/~emcl/tips.html } } I noticed that the types and tricks seem to be answers to peoples } questions, and was wondering if anyone out there had any ideas about } something our 200 kV TEM has been doing. We have a tungsten filament in } our microscope, and I've noticed that there are 2 intensity maxima when } I slowly saturate the filament. If I go to crossover and slowly } desaturate the filament, the tip(s) can be imaged at both maxima and the } images are different, but both look filament tip-like. The beam current } also seems really high. The two maxima occurred with a previous } filament and the beam current was also really high (at the second } intensity maximum, the first maximum is at the current I'd expect from } prior experience). Our technician doesn't seem to find this unusual, so } perhaps it's not a problem, but we go through many filaments in a } typical year. Anyone know if this is a problem? Anyone know how to fix } it ? } }
Scott D. Whittaker 218 Carr Hall Research Assistant Gainesville, FL 32610 University Of Florida ph 904-392-1295 ICBR EM Core Lab fax 904-846-0251 sdw-at-biotech.ufl.edu http://www.biotech.ufl.edu/~emcl/
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The electrons leave but are replaced by electrons supplied by the cathode potential applied to the filament.
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} The electrons leave but are replaced by electrons supplied by the cathode } potential applied to the filament.
True, but only to the extent that each individual e- requires a nudge of,
just to estimate, less than volts, less than milli-volts, less than micro-volts,
less than nano-volts, and more in the range of pico-volts, per electron.
To be more descriptive however, thermal forces stir up
the collection of e-'s in the entire conducting part into a cloud.
By far, most of the cathode potential serves to accelerate the e-'s as they
accelerate after leaving the cathode. The loss of each individual electron
is shared among ". . billions and billions . ." of neighboring atoms
(say, 10e9 per cubic micron, or 10e18 per cubic millimeter)
Several excellent answers have been given already, but it important to note that atoms are VERY small, and that the quantum physics leads to interesting conclusions.
The question which stimulated all these replies is a fundamentally excellent one to stir our wonder and was not in any way answered well until the advent of quantum physics in the twentieth century, after the photovoltaic effect was noted, where e- emission is related to the color of the light shining on the surface of the metal.
Bill, thank you for your reply. Yet despite I believe IP is a rather nice system there are some points remaining unclear for me. Maybe I am asking too much...
On Fri, 28 Jun 1996, William Tivol wrote:
} } Another question. What will Fuji price policy be in the future. At the } } moment their plates seem to be rather expensive, so that if we want to } } equip 5 microscopes with this system we might think twice... } } } Since the plates are reusable, it is only a one-time expense.
this is not perfectly true. Fuji claims their plates are reusable 500 times, so you may have to buy new ones every few years. It comes to be a bit less expensive than photo plates, but you need to add the reader's price. Therefore it is more expensive actually.
} } Yet another one. I would be happy to be able to get the plate out of the } } microscope just after taking the picture. } } I elaborate: with photographic plates I understand that we have to work in } } batches because plates are light sensitive. } } IP's are also light-sensitive--you should not expose them to fluor- } escent light when taking them to the reader.
One of the argument of Fuji is precisely that dark room is not necessary any more. So here is something that I do not understand clearly. On the other hand I repeat that I have never seen any number printed on any IP, therefore it must be quite less sensitive than photo plates.
} } As a consequence one has to } } wait till the plate is processed in order to know if it is good or not. } } For this reason camera makers do have a great argument telling that the } } image can be computer stored instantaneously. } } } } If you can get the IP out of the microscope and have it processed within } } minutes this would be a great improvement. It "just" takes a modification } } of the photo box, and I imagine that a good engineer could do that. By } } solving these two problems I believe that Fuji would clear any arguments } } against their system. } } } This is as easy as removing a single piece of film--no problem on } our scope. The readers I've seen take on the order of a few minutes to } process an IP.
Right. But if you make high resolution images, you may want to know quickly if the photo was successful or not (focus, drift). Therefore being able to see the result just after taking the picture can be a real improvement versus normal photo plates. On a Philips microscope, removing one plate is the same as removing 36: you HAVE to switch off the HT. this means that when working in high resolution it is not so easy. The system I imagine would allow you to get the plate out the microscope within seconds, without generating any perturbation in the vacuum system.
Yves MANIETTE Universitat de Barcelona Serveis Cientifico Tecnics Unitat ESCA TEM Carrer Luis Sole i Sabaris E-08028 BARCELONA
Tel +34 3 402 16 95 Fax +34 3 402 13 98
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