Life Sciences Commons^™

Calcospherites In Rabbit Incisor Predentin, H. Mishima, Y. Kunuki, T. Sakae, Y. Kozawa, N. Watabe

Scanning Microscopy

Calcospherites from the lower incisor dentin of rabbits were investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and electron diffraction analyses. In the labial predentin, globular calcospherites of 8-31 μm were present at the root apex, decreasing in size toward the incisal region. The calcospherites at the intermediate region were of mulberry- as well as of spindle-shape of 1.5-4 μm diameter. The incisal pulp horn contained micro-calcospherites of 0.3-0.6 μmin diameter. In the lingual predentin, small granular calcospherites of 1. 8-3 μm were present at the root apex, increasing in size toward the intermediate region. Ultrathin …

Ultra-High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopic Studies On The Sarcoplasmic Reticulum And Mitochondria In Various Muscles: A Review, Takuro Ogata, Yuichi Yamasaki

Scanning Microscopy

The three-dimensional structure of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), transverse (T)-axial tubular system and mitochondria in various muscles was examined by means of ultra-high resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after removal of the cytoplasmic matrices and myofilaments by the aldehyde-osmium-DMSO-osmium procedure. The striated muscles reviewed and presented are twitch and slow fibers of the frog, twitch and slow fibers of the chicken, twitch extrafusal fibers and intrafusal fibers of the rat, and cardiac muscle fibers of the rat and dog. In all of these striated muscle fibers, T-tubules run transversely and are coupled with terminal cisternae forming triads or dyads. Sarcotubules …

High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy Of Rat Incisor Ameloblasts, A. Nanci, S. Zalzal, F. W. K. Kan

Scanning Microscopy

The internal three-dimensional organization of secretory and maturation stage ameloblasts was examined using field emission scanning electron microscopy. Particular attention was given to the structure of the Golgi apparatus, the distribution of smooth membrane tubulo-vesicular elements and their relationship with endosomal/lysosomal components. Rat incisors were fixed by intracardiac perfusion with glutaraldehyde, decalcified and divided into segments. The tissues were cryoprotected with glycerol and freeze-fractured. They were then macerated in osmium, and after conductive staining with osmium/tannic acid, the samples were critical-point dried and sputtered with gold. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy showed that ameloblasts contain a well-developed Golgi apparatus, even in …

The Use Of Sonic Frequencies As A Cleaning Agent Of Specimens To Be Observed By Scanning Electron Microscopy, G. Familiari, A. Familiari, G. Macchiarelli, L. J. A. Didio, P. M. Motta

Scanning Microscopy

The presence of mucus and/or cellular debris can obscure the fine morphology of the gastrointestinal or respiratory luminal surface, when observed by scanning electron microscopy. With the intent of obtaining a good cleaning of the mucosal surface without altering the ultrafine morphology of epithelial cells, a new model of sonicator/ultrasonicator is presented.

The instrument is supplied with a control system for wave frequency, amplitude and form, and permits a precise regulation of the wave energy. With this instrument it is possible to produce a "cleaning effect" by using any kind of frequency (either sonic or ultrasonic) and/or amplitude and/or waveform …

Study Of Surface Modified Poly(Ethylene) Yarns, Samuel H. Cohen, Heidi Schreuder-Gibson, John T. Stapler

Scanning Microscopy

Spectra® fibers and fabrics have been treated to enhance surface friction to determine if ballistic penetration resistance of Spectra fabric can be increased with improved interfiber friction. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has shown the extent of surface modification for plasma treated Spectra yarns and the uniformity of coverage for dip-coated yarns and fabrics. Of particular interest is the observation by SEM that plasma gases etch the surface of the polyethylene, producing varying effects on the fiber surface friction. While difficult to measure spectroscopically, the presence of coatings that affect fiber friction are confirmed by SEM.

Mercox®-Methylmethacrylic Acid Mixture Penetrates Into Cells. A Scanning And Transmission Electron Microscopic Study, S. Aharinejad, P. Böck

Scanning Microscopy

During preparation of vascular casts using mixtures of Mercox® and methylmethacrylic acid for scanning electron microscopy, occasionally irregular structures were observed adhering to otherwise well prepared corrosion casts. These artifacts were further analyzed in sections of cast preparations. The bizarre-shaped structures varied in size and were often tightly connected to vascular casts; they withstood KOH maceration and cleaning with formic acid. The persistence of biological material, connective tissue fibers and cells or cellular fragments, became obvious in ultrathin sections. Transmission electron microscopy also showed inhomogeneity of the polymerized casting medium (Mercox®-methylmetbacrylate mixture; v/v: 4:1). An unidentified com-pound of this resin …

Scanning Electron Microscope Observations Of Brine Shrimp Larvae From Space Shuttle Experiments, Lynnette Debell, Avelina Paulsen, Brian Spooner

Scanning Microscopy

Brine shrimp are encysted as gastrula stage embryos, and may remain dehydrated and encysted for years without compromising their viability. This aspect of brine shrimp biology is desirable for studying development of animals during space shuttle flight, as cysts placed aboard a spacecraft may be rehydrated at the convenience of an astronaut, guaranteeing that subsequent brine shrimp development occurs only on orbit and not on the pad during launch delays.

Brine shrimp cysts placed in 5 ml syringes were rehydrated with salt water and hatched during a 9 day space shuttle mission. Subsequent larvae developed to the 8th larval stage …

Scanning Electron Microscopy Of Intracellular Organelles In The Young Odontoblasts Of Rats, Yasutomo Iwai-Liao, Yoshikage Higashi, Masakazu Ishikawa, Hideaki Hori

Scanning Microscopy

Intracellular structures of the odontoblasts were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using a modified AODO (aldehyde prefixed-osmium-DMSO-osmium) method. Well-developed flattened and layered rER (rough endoplasmic reticulum), paved with its associated ribosomes on its outer surface, were clearly observed in the odontoblast. Branched tubular mitochondria with nodules and swollen endings, interposing between and passing through the fenestrated layered rER, were demonstrated in the functional cells. Oblique and cross-sections of both the rER system and tubular mitochondria showed orthodox configurations similar to those usually described in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. Many finger-like projections constructing the cristae directing towards the inner …

Microvasculature Of Normal And Hydropic Labyrinth, Yoshiaki Nakai, Haruhiko Masutani, Makoto Moriguchi, Kazuhiro Matsunaga, Akihumi Kato, Hitoshi Maeda

Scanning Microscopy

The microvasculature of the inner ear in guinea pigs and humans was observed with a scanning electron microscope using corrosion casting method. Alterations in the inner ear vasculature which occurred in association with experimental endolymphatic hydrops were also investigated. The results thus obtained are summarized as follows:

1. In the cochlea and vestibule, the arteries, coiled arterioles, and the veins are endowed with their respective characteristic morphologic features and play a role in the regulatory mechanisms of circulation.

2. The point in humans which is most different from guinea pigs was that coiled arterioles in the cochlea and the coil-like …

Techniques For Low Voltage Scanning Electron Microscopy Linewidth Measurements, Kenneth S. Maher

Scanning Microscopy

Present scanning electron microscopy (SEM) linewidth measurement systems, although "state of the art", require better defined techniques in deriving operating parameters for precision measurements. Experiments were performed to check techniques used on cleaved and uncleaved specimens, void of conductive coatings to obtain optimum SEM operating parameters, and the variations in results due to changes in system operating conditions. In addition, a method was devised to select and use different calibration standards and evaluate SEM linewidth measurement systems.

Response Of The Esophageal Epithelium To Concomitant Cis-Dichlorodiammineplatinum(Ii) And Radiation Treatment. An Electron Microscopic Study In Rabbits, M. Albertsson, M. Cwikiel, C. H. Håkansson, M. Palmegren

Scanning Microscopy

The rabbit esophageal mucosa was irradiated with daily fractions of 2 Gy up to an accumulated dose of 20 Gy (total dose 2, 6, 10. 16 or 20 Gy). Fifteen to forty-five minutes before the start of each irradiation 0.3 mg Cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum (cis-DDP, cisplatinum) was given by intraperitoneal injection to each rabbit. Examinations were carried out 1-10 days after each fractionation schedule, when specimens were taken for morphological investigations.

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination showed a gradual development of damage with cell loss and structural disarrangement of the microridges and whorls on the surface. However, with further treatment the esophageal …

Scanning Electron Microscopy Of Nerve Fibers In The Dog Cochlea, Hirofumi Morita, Tomoyuki Hoshino, Kunihiro Mizuta

Scanning Microscopy

The nerve fiber arrangement inside the organ of Corti in the dog was studied. Thick sections were cut serially from celloidin-embedded cochleas and observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The nerve fibers in the organ of Corti were clearly exposed in sections cut in the horizontal plane. The arrangement of nerve fibers in the dog showed considerable difference from that of other species. The tunnel basilar fibers in the dog curved basalward, and took a long longitudinal course to form a broad bundle in the center of the tunnel floor. This bundle has not been found in adult animals …

The Effect On The Ultrastructure Of Dental Enamel Of Excimer-Dye, Argon-Ion And Co2 Lasers, J. Palamara, P. P. Phakey, H. J. Orams, W. A. Rachinger

Scanning Microscopy

This study aimed to investigate the ultrastructural changes that occur in dental enamel irradiated with pulsed excimer-dye, continuous-wave (CW) argon-ion and CW CO2 lasers. The pulsed excimer-dye laser produced deep craters, rough damaged surfaces with underlying porosity and amorphous vitrified material. The vitrification of the enamel indicated that the temperature in these areas must have been al least in the range 1280 to 1600°C. The CW argon-ion laser irradiation produced a changed non-cratered surface with inter-crystalline porosity and a mixture of small and some large irregularly packed recrystallized enamel crystals. The CW CO2 laser produced shallow craters, surface crazing and …

Morphological Study Of Gastric Lesions Developing In The Rat Under Several Damaging Conditions: Modifications Induced By Pretreatment With Zinc Acexamate, M. Luisa Bravo, Ginés Escolar, Carmen Navarro, Ramón Fontarnau, Oriol Bulbena

Scanning Microscopy

Lesions developing in the gastric mucosa of the rat after exposure to different gastric damaging agents (100 mg/kg aspirin, and 70% or 100% ethanol) were assessed by scanning electron microscopy. The severity of the lesions was quantified according to morphological criteria. Modifications in the severity of these lesions induced by pretreatment with zinc acexamate were also analyzed. The scanning electron microscope revealed that with the exception of absolute ethanol, which caused distinctive morphological features, lesions found under the different experimental agents shared a common pattern of progression. Ultrastructural lesions on surface epithelial cells preceded further alterations of parietal cells. After …

Electron Probe Microanalysis Of The Otolithic Membrane. A Methodological And Quantitative Study, J. A. López-Escámez, F. J. Cañizares, P. V. Crespo, A. Campos

Scanning Microscopy

The effect of tissue preparation on calcium and potassium weight percents in the otoconial layer in the utricle and saccule was studied in four groups of OF1 mice with electron probe X-ray microanalysis. Glutaraldehyde and freeze-drying, glutaraldehyde and air-drying, air-drying, and cryo-fixation and freeze-drying were compared. Ca and K changed significantly in the utricle depending on the method used (P < 0.001), and K changed significantly in the saccule (P < 0.001 ). We chose cryo-fixation with freeze-drying for the quantitative analysis of the otolithic membrane because this method provided the highest values of Ca and K with minimum loss of Ca and K . Microcrystalline salt standards mounted on scanning electron microscopy holders were used for the quantification of Ca and K by the peak-to-local-background (P/B) ratio method. The P/B ratio in standards with reproducible results, when plotted against weight percent, gave a straight line for Ca (r = 0.99, P < 0.001) and K (r = 0.98, P < 0.001). The Ca and K weight percents in otoconia showed similar frequency distributions in the utricle and saccule.

Vascular Anatomy Of The Pig Kidney Glomerulus: A Qualitative Study Of Corrosion Casts, B. J. Moore, Kenneth R. Holmes, Lisa Xuemin Xu

Scanning Microscopy

Pig kidney glomerular vascular anatomy was studied by scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts. A generalized vascular architecture is presented to describe the pig kidney glomerulus based upon the observation of 3,800 vascular cast glomeruli. The relative simplicity of the pig glomerular vascular architecture has allowed the characterization of different vascular segments more completely than has been possible in other mammals. Based upon relationships to the afferent arteriole, a nomenclature and definition of primary, secondary, tertiary and anastomotic vessels is proposed for the distributing vessels comprising the glomerular tuft. The existence and formation of a large central hemispheric vessel …

Luminal Constrictions On Corrosion Casts Of Capillaries And Postcapillary Venules In Rat Exocrine Pancreas Correspond To Pericyte Processes, Seyedhossein Aharinejad, Peter Böck

Scanning Microscopy

The rat exocrine pancreas was studied as a model to demonstrate morphological features of different types of capillaries, using scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts and transmission electron microscopy of tissue sections. Two types of capillaries were discerned. The first type represents less undulated, slender, straight capillaries with numerous, shallow, circular or semilunar furrows on its cast's surface. In tissue sections, this type probably corresponds to non-fenestrated capillaries. The numerous grooves on its cast correspond to pericyte processes beneath the endothelial lining. The second type comprises capillaries of an undulated course and variable diameter with less numerous furrows. In …

Appearance Of Venous Sphincters In The Pulmonary Microvascular Bed Of Normotensive And Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats, Seyedhossein Aharinejad, Peter Böck

Scanning Microscopy

The appearance of pulmonary venous sphincters was studied in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats using scanning electron microscopy of microvascular corrosion casts and transmission electron microscopy of tissue sections. Vascular casts were prepared either after lavage with Tyrode solution or after glutaraldehyde prefixation. Pronounced pulmonary venous sphincters were more frequently identified in spontaneously hypertensive rats as compared to corresponding circular indentations in normotensive rats. Tissue sections established venous sphincters in hypertensive animals as consisting of multiple layers of smooth muscle cells in the venous walls. We did not observe any autonomic nerve terminals in close proximity to these bundles of …

Application Of Cathodoluminescence In Paint Analysis, W. Stoecklein, R. Göbel

Scanning Microscopy

When solving cases of burglary or investigating ship collisions, the forensic scientist frequently has to examine several layers of paint of the same color, often white. As a rule, the usual microscopic and spectroscopic methods [fluorescence microscopy, FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), pyrolysis, GC/MS (Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry), etc.] are not sufficient to prove that the paint traces found on the scene, which are often only available in the form of fragments, originated from the same source as the reference material. It is possible to achieve convincing proof of this using either an optical cathodoluminescence-microscope or a cathodoluminescence-scanning electron …

Early Effects On The Morphology Of Mouse Small Intestine Of Single Or Combined Modality Treatment With Hyperthermia And X-Irradiation, G. R. Dickson, H. M. H. Kamel, S. P. Hume, M. Jaber, K. E. Carr

Scanning Microscopy

This study describes the effects of hyperthermia and X-irradiation on the morphological appearance of normal, at risk tissues in the ileum of the mouse. The early morphological effects day after a combined modality treatment are compared with those due to either hyperthermia or X-irradiation given alone. The response was assessed qualitatively and semiquantitatively using scanning electron microscopy and a villous scoring technique.

Early post-irradiation effects on topography did not differ significantly from those observed after small intestine exteriorisation without treatment. The villous scores for the combined modality treatments reflected greater damage than would be expected from the sum of villous …

Review And New Case Reports On Scanning Electron Microscopy Of Pili Annulati, Monilethrix And Trichothiodystrophy, K. Meyvisch, M. Song, N. Dourov

Scanning Microscopy

Pili annulati, Monilethrix and Trichothiodystrophy are uncommon conditions in which the hair shaft has a distinct appearance as seen by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We report several new cases and review the characteristic ultrastructural abnormalities investigated by SEM.

Pili annulati: abnormal areas which show a longitudinal, "curtain-like" folding of the cuticular cells, alternating with normal areas. The latter present regularly non-systematized, superficial depressions. Hair specimens of the patient's mother show the same surface irregularities.

Monilethrix: most hair shafts show variations in thickness giving a typical nodal appearance. In the isthmus area we noticed longitudinal ridging …

Scanning Electron Microscopy Of A Soil Fungus Gliocladium Roseum, David Jones, Derek Vaughan, William J. Mchardy

Scanning Microscopy

The paper describes the ultra-structural features of cryofixed and critical point-dried sporing cultures of a soil fungus Gliocladium roseum. Features described are Acrostalagmus-like conidiophores with spore masses in mucoid balls borne at the tips of branchlets and penicillate heads with conidia massed in rope-like formations. A particular feature of the aerial hyphae and conidiophores is the presence of blister-like swellings on their walls. These observations help to accurately characterize the organism in taxonomic studies.

The Diagnostic And Phylogenetic Significance Of Widened And Pronged Hamuli In Feathers, Tim G. Brom, Uri Frank

Scanning Microscopy

The taxonomic distribution of widened and/or pronged hamuli (hooklets) on distal barbules in the pennaceous part of feathers was studied with light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in order to assess the diagnostic and phylogenetic significance of these structures. Comparison of the LM and SEM appearance of these structures indicates that "thickened" hamuli are artifacts, arising from the misinterpretation of rotated tape-like structures. Pronged hamuli, on the contrary, are non-artifacts. These structures have a much wider taxonomic distribution than was reported by earlier workers, and therefore do not seem to be useful for identifying feather fragments.

Relationship Between Villous Shape And Mural Structure In Neutron Irradiated Small Intestine, K. E. Carr, J. S. Mccullough, A. C. Nelson, S. P. Hume, S. Nunn, H. H. M. Kamel

Scanning Microscopy

Previous work on irradiation of mouse small intestine has assessed the changes produced by counting crypts/microcolonies, scoring villous shape or examining morphological changes in specific parts of the wall.

This paper used scanning and transmission electron microscopy to study the effects of whole body irradiation with 5 Gy neutrons on the surface and internal features of the intestinal wall of CFLP mice, 1 day, 3 days and 7 days after treatment.

Empirical scores from the ultrastructural findings were inserted into a Morphological Index display calculated from analytical data based on cell counts and area measurements obtained from resin histology sections. …

Scanning Electron Microscopy And Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Microanalysis Studies Of Early Dental Calculus On Resin Plates Exposed To Human Oral Cavities, T. Kodaka, Y. Ohohara, K. Debari

Scanning Microscopy

Dental calculus formed after 10 days on resin plates, applied to the lingual sides of the mandibular gingival regions in eight human subjects, was investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). The mineral deposits were mainly divided into three types: A, B, and C. The type A deposits showing an average Ca/P molar ratio of 1.42 were densely packed with fine needle-shaped crystals formed by the intra- and extracellular calcification. The type A deposits, probably composed of Ca-deficient apatites and the transitional forms between apatite and octacalcium phosphate (OCP), were observed in all subjects. …

Scanning Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy And X-Ray Diffraction Analyses Of Human Salivary Stones, H. Mishima, H. Yamamoto, T. Sakae

Scanning Microscopy

Ten salivary stones in the human submandibular gland were investigated by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray diffraction analyses. The stones usually showed a lamellar pattern. SEM observations revealed cubical, plate-like, granular, small and large granules, polyhedral or globular structures in these stones. By X-ray powder diffraction analysis, the main constituents of salivary stones were found to be apatite and whitlockite. SEM-EDS analyses showed that Ca and P were the major elements, frequently accompanied by Mg and S, and less frequently by Na, Al, Si, Cl, K, Fe, Cu and Zn. Ca/P molar ratios ranged from 1.00 to …

A Light, Transmission And Scanning Electron Microscope Study Of Snuff-Treated Hamster Cheek Pouch Epithelium, S. H. Ashrafi, A. Das, R. Worowongvasu, B. Mehdinejad, J. P. Waterhouse

Scanning Microscopy

The effects of smokeless tobacco (snuff) on hamster cheek mucosa were studied by light microscopy, transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Two grams of commercially available smokeless tobacco were placed into the blind end of the right cheek pouch of each experimental animal, once a day and five days a week for 24 months. The control animals did not receive smokeless tobacco. After 24 months treatment with smokeless tobacco, hamster cheek mucosal epithelium lost its translucency and had become whitish in color. By light microscopy hyperorthokeratosis, prominent granular cell layers with increased keratohyalin granules and hyperplasia were seen. At …

Integrated Single Crystal Detector For Simultaneous Detection Of Cathodoluminescence And Backscattered Electrons In Scanning Electron Microscopy, Rudolf Autrata, Josef Jirák, Jiří Špinka, Otakar Hutař

Scanning Microscopy

The design of the majority of the available high efficiency cathodoluminescence (CL) detection systems allows the secondary electron (SE) and backscattered electron (BSE) image modes to be detected simultaneously to a limited degree only. The described CL-BSE detector is based on the single crystal YAG scintillator shaped as a spherical mirror which reflects photons emitted from the CL specimen and focuses them on to the entrance surface of a fibre optic light guide connected to the photomultiplier tube (PMT I). The backscattered electrons emitted from the CL specimen move through the reflecting layer of the mirror into the YAG scintillator …

Structural Artifacts And Advantages Of Cytocentrifugation Of Cells As Viewed By Scanning Electron Microscopy, Mário N. D. Peão, Artur P. Águas, Carlos Moreira De Sá, Nuno R. Grande

Scanning Microscopy

Cytocentrifugation of cell suspensions onto glass slides is a widely used procedure in contemporary cytology. We employed here scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate putative morphological changes induced in cells submitted to cytocentrifugation. The fine structure of murine pleural exudate cells (macrophages mainly) processed by spinning was compared with that of similar cells treated without centrifugation (poly-L-lysine attachment of the cells to glass slides at 1 g). Cells of cytocentrifuged preparations showed a significant increase in diameter and smoothening of the cell surface as compared with the morphology of non-centrifuged cells. Cytocentrifugation also induced the formation of thin elongations coming …

Effect Of Draw Ph On The Development Of Curd Structure During The Manufacture Of Mozzarella Cheese, L. J. Kiely, P. S. Kindstedt, G. M. Hendricks, J. E. Levis, J. J. Yun, D. M. Barbano

Food Structure

The impact of varying the pH of whey at whey drainage (5.9, 6.15 or 6.4) on the development of curd structure during the manufacture of Mozzarella cheese was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Dramatic changes in curd structure were apparent with stage of manufacture , in particular the stretching step which aligned the protein fibers.

Of additional interest is the effect of draw pH on the structure of curd at whey drainage. When whey was drained at pH 6.4, an open poorly fused network of paracasein particles was observed in the cheese curd. Jn contrast, lowering the draw pH (6.15 …