Different Types Of Microscopes Research Articles

Classification of Leukocytes Using Meta-Learning and Color Constancy Methods

In the human healthcare area, leukocytes are very important blood cells for the diagnosis of different pathologies, like leukemia. Recent technology and image-processing methods have contributed to the image classification of leukocytes. Especially, machine learning paradigms have been used for the classification of leukocyte images. However, reported models do not leverage the knowledge produced by the classification of leukocytes to solve similar tasks. For example, the knowledge can be reused to classify images collected with different types of microscopes and image-processing techniques. Therefore, we propose a meta-learning methodology for the classification of leukocyte images using different color constancy methods involving previous knowledge. Our methodology is trained with a specific task at the meta-level, and the knowledge produced is used to solve a different task at the base-level. For the meta-level, we implemented meta-models based on Xception, and for the base-level, we used support vector machine classifiers. Besides, we analyzed the Shades of Gray color constancy method commonly used in skin lesion diagnosis and now implemented for leukocyte images. Our methodology, at the meta-level, achieved 89.28% for precision, 95.65% for sensitivity, 91.78% for F1-score, and 94.40% for accuracy. These scores are competitive regarding the reported state-of-the-art models, especially the sensitivity which is very important for imbalanced datasets, and our meta-model outperforms previous works by +2.25%. Additionally, for the basophil images that were acquired from a chronic myeloid leukemia-positive sample, our meta-model obtained 100% for sensitivity. Moreover, we present an algorithm that generates a new conditioned output at the base-level obtaining highly competitive scores of 91.56% for sensitivity and F1 scores, 95.61% for precision, and 96.47% for accuracy. The findings indicate that our proposed meta-learning methodology can be applied to other medical image classification tasks and achieve high performances by reusing knowledge and reducing the training time for new similar tasks.

Low-Cost ITO Microelectrodes for Bio-Sensing and Impedance Based Cellular Assays

Excellent electronic and optical properties make Indium tin oxide (ITO) an attractive electrode substrate.1 It is an alloy of indium oxide (In2O3) and tin oxide (SnO2) in a weight ratio of 90:10. It is transparent as thin film, so, it is also good to be viewed under different types of microscopes used in cell-culture studies. Despite the commercial availability of finest quality ITO and some low-cost methods for direct deposition being in use by now, definition of patterns on them is still a concern. Placing its popularity and extensive usage aside, the manufacturing of ITO electrodes so far lacks a rapid, proficient, highly reproducible, flexible, cost-effective, easy patterning process that could surpass non-trivial, time consuming techniques as lithography. A promising advancement towards achieving these limitations was the use of lasers for the fabrication of the ITO electrodes and related structure. Even though several laser techniques are explored, with the exception of CO2 lasers, none of the others provides the benefit of being widely available and comparatively inexpensive means for fabrication of microelectrode sensors. Presently, these are the highest-power continuous wave lasers available. With their high efficiency, they are usually employed in laser cutting, welding, drilling and surface treatment.2 A cost-effective method based on CO2 laser irradiation for the preparation of ITO microelectrodes to find applications in the bio-sensing, impedance-based analysis, and more, is presented. Electrodes of different sizes and shapes were examined to identify the performance of the samples. They were later optimized to suit our applications for studies in three dimensional cell-cultures. For rectangular shaped electrodes, the smallest sizes optimized were 25, 50 and 100 µm wide. The figure attached shows cyclic voltammetry results illustrating the reproducibility of 100 µm electrodes with ferrocenedimethanol as the redox probe in potassium nitrate. However, smaller electrodes are not always desirable. For the cell-culture work, electrodes with area 1.75mm2 were fabricated and characterized to get reproducible results. Initial measurements of impedance based cellular assays have been conducted first in DMEM medium and then in the cell culture medium to understand the parameters and study the adhesion of the cells on to the electrodes. Analysis of glucose sensing properties of the system have also been attempted. Further modifications of the electrode structure and characterizations for validation will be discussed.References Stadler A. et al. J.Materials, 2012, 5, 661-683Wang Y. et al. J Energy Chem. 2021, 59, 642-665 Figure 1

Erosive Effect of Acidic Beverages and Dietary Preservatives on Extracted Human Teeth-An In Vitro Analysis.

Frequent consumption of acidic beverages and dietary preservatives in younger generation, diet-conscious (celebrities), and obese individuals have a rapid impact on demineralization of the teeth. An attempt was made to analyze the erosive potential of various acidic beverages. One hundred and ninety extracted human permanent teeth were sectioned longitudinally, pre-weighed, randomly grouped, and placed in nine acidic beverages (200 mL) with predetermined pH, i.e., three commercially available fruit juices, three carbonated drinks, and three dietary preservatives. The sectioned specimens (n = 10) were analyzed at time intervals of 12, 24, 48, and 96 days. Mean weight loss was calculated, and surface changes were assessed under a stereomicroscope. The demineralization pattern and microscopic changes were observed under a compound and polarizing microscope. One-way analysis of variance test followed by Tukey's post-hoc analysis was employed. Overall the maximum demineralizing effect was caused by vinegar and apple cider. In the fruit juices category, lemon juice induced significant changes, while in the carbonated drinks category Coca-Cola induced the maximum changes and in the category of food preservatives vinegar induced the maximum changes. Severe discoloration was seen with respect to Coca-Cola followed by Mountain Dew (carbonated drink). The present study is unique as three different types of microscopes have been employed and both dentin and enamel of permanent teeth have been analyzed. In addition, the effect of dietary preservatives on hard tissues was evaluated. Oral health educators can reinforce important practices such as decreasing the frequency of consumption and time duration of beverage contact with the teeth. Also, the use of mouth rinses and buffering agents after the consumption of dietary beverages can be advocated along with regular fluoride application for those who are regular consumers.

Different Cleaning Techniques for Removal of Iron stain from Archaeological Bone Artifacts: A Review

Archaeological bone artifacts are found in different locations in Egypt, and they represent multiple values that should be preserved from different deterioration factors. Iron contamination is considered one of the most aspects of deterioration for bones extracted from excavation areas. This study aims to make an integrated study for the first time on the formation of iron rust stain on archaeological bones, explain the aspects and mechanism of its deterioration, explain traditional and advanced techniques of cleaning used for stain removal, and presents the analysis and investigations used to explain the deterioration or evaluate the materials and methods used in this process. The nature and formation of iron stain and its effect on archaeological bone components were explained. The cleaning techniques (mechanical, chemical, laser, and plasma) for removing it were discussed. Some analyses and investigations [such as different types of microscopes, X-ray fluorescence, Atomic absorption, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, etc.] that can be used in this process were mentioned. The results confirmed that iron is present within sediments can lead to the breakdown of collagen. It can cause an increase in the porosity of bone artifacts. Hydroxyapatite can undergo alterations such as ionic exchange, cationic exchange, and substitution of phosphate with carbonate. All cleaning techniques have many advantages and some disadvantages. The choice of method for cleaning of iron rust stain depends on the condition and size of the bone piece, and on the thickness and nature of the iron stain.

Data fusion and smoothing for probabilistic tracking of viral structures in fluorescence microscopy images

Automatic tracking of viral structures displayed as small spots in fluorescence microscopy images is an important task to determine quantitative information about cellular processes. We introduce a novel probabilistic approach for tracking multiple particles based on multi-sensor data fusion and Bayesian smoothing methods. The approach exploits multiple measurements as in a particle filter, both detection-based measurements and prediction-based measurements from a Kalman filter using probabilistic data association with elliptical sampling. Compared to previous probabilistic tracking methods, our approach exploits separate uncertainties for the detection-based and prediction-based measurements, and integrates them by a sequential multi-sensor data fusion method. In addition, information from both past and future time points is taken into account by a Bayesian smoothing method in conjunction with the covariance intersection algorithm for data fusion. Also, motion information based on displacements is used to improve correspondence finding. Our approach has been evaluated on data of the Particle Tracking Challenge and yielded state-of-the-art results or outperformed previous approaches. We also applied our approach to challenging time-lapse fluorescence microscopy data of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and hepatitis C virus proteins acquired with different types of microscopes and spatial-temporal resolutions. It turned out, that our approach outperforms existing methods.

Age estimation using tooth cementum annulations method by different types of microscope: A comparative study

Introduction: Age is an essential factor in establishing the identity of a person. Age estimation through dental parameters can be of valuable assistance in human identification as teeth can survive in most conditions encountered at death and during decomposition. Tooth cementum annulations are one of the many methods for determination of an individual's age. Incremental lines in cementum are counted in this method. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between chronologic age and estimated age and to find the most accurate method of calculating cemental annulations using different types of microscopes (light microscope, phase contrast microscope, polarized, and stereomicroscope). Methodology: The extracted teeth were cleaned and polished. Block was prepared by embedding two third of each tooth root horizontally in self-cure acrylic. Using a hard tissue microtome (SP 1600) longitudinal sections of 100 μm thickness were made. The sections were cleaned in alcohol and were mounted on a glass slide. These sections were observed under different types of microscopes (light microscope, phase contrast microscope, polarized, and stereomicroscope) to count cemental annulations. Results: The relationship between chronological age and estimated age using light microscope, phase contrast and polarized microscope showed stronger correlation while stereo microscope showed a weaker correlation. Conclusion: The use of polarized microscope increases the accuracy and thus, can predict the near estimate of the age for all the age groups.

Veštačenje umetničkih dela na papiru

One of the most profitable forms of criminal activity is the forgery of works of art, where huge profits are earned on auctions and on the black art market. In private collections, galleries and museums, there is certainly a large number of undiscovered forged artworks whose authenticity is to be determined. Much of the authentication process does not belong to forensics, because art historians and art connoisseurs most often made conclusions about authenticity. Later examinations found that 40% of the works of art were of questionable authenticity; which points to the need for a scientific analysis of works of art, and that the forensic approach to authentication is replaced by experts or experts in the history of art. The need for expertise of documents and works of art on paper usually occurs when the content, origin or presentation of the circumstances under which the work is made constitutes a serious suspicion of its authenticity. The expertise of works of art on paper represent a criminal and judicial examination of works of art where paper is used for the substrate, and in the works of art there are watercolors, pastels, graphic prints, drawings (pencil, ink wash paint, ink), maps and plans, and many other combined techniques. The scientific study of art works on paper uses tools from very simple to state-of-the-art analytical instruments which provide detailed and accurate information about work of art on paper. The scientific study of works of art on paper shares common objectives with the technical studies of any work of art. Artifacts are examined in order to answer art historical questions about the origin of a work, namely, where, when, and by whom a work was created. The main components that make up an artwork on paper are paper (paper substrate), pigments and colors, various types of inks, and other materials used to create an artwork (such as charcoal, pens, various media, combined techniques, etc.). The expert must have the necessary knowledge of the components that make up an artwork on paper; to know the types of paper, to differentiate painting techniques; to know perfectly about the components from that make up the work of art (composition, types of production and types of paper, composition and types of pigments, composition and types of inks, tools used for workmanship, etc.). First, simple methods are used, such as the detailed study of the components of the painting (identification of paper, paint, ink, pigment, etc.). Subsequently, physical non-destructive methods are used that do not impair the tested material: use of different types of microscopes (stereo microscope, polarization microscope, fluorescence microscopy); magnifying glasses; types of invisible rays (ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, X-rays), neutron activation analysis, X-ray fluorescence analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and investigative photography. Destructive methods damage the material being analyzed. Destructive methods include chemical analysis, chromatography (Liquid Chromatography, Gas Chromatography, Thin-Layer Chromatography), electrophoresis, infrared spectrophotometry, etc. These methods are highly avoided and are used only in extreme as ultimate necessity, in the case where the results obtained previously are unsatisfactory and with insufficient information. Each of these methods has a different working principle and gives us different information about the subject being analyzed, and the expert must have a basic knowledge of chemistry in order to understand the working principle of these analyzes and to know what kind of information they provide.

Fully automated registration of vibrational microspectroscopic images in histologically stained tissue sections.

BackgroundIn recent years, hyperspectral microscopy techniques such as infrared or Raman microscopy have been applied successfully for diagnostic purposes. In many of the corresponding studies, it is common practice to measure one and the same sample under different types of microscopes. Any joint analysis of the two image modalities requires to overlay the images, so that identical positions in the sample are located at the same coordinate in both images. This step, commonly referred to as image registration, has typically been performed manually in the lack of established automated computational registration tools.ResultsWe propose a corresponding registration algorithm that addresses this registration problem, and demonstrate the robustness of our approach in different constellations of microscopes. First, we deal with subregion registration of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) microscopic images in whole-slide histopathological staining images. Second, we register FTIR imaged cores of tissue microarrays in their histopathologically stained counterparts, and finally perform registration of Coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopic (CARS) images within histopathological staining images.ConclusionsOur validation involves a large variety of samples obtained from colon, bladder, and lung tissue on three different types of microscopes, and demonstrates that our proposed method works fully automated and highly robust in different constellations of microscopes involving diverse types of tissue samples.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12859-015-0804-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Imaging properties of different types of microscopes in combination with an image inversion interferometer

Image inversion microscopy enables an increase of the lateral resolution of optical microscopes. A huge advantage of the method is the possibility to combine it with different illumination techniques, because the required image inversion interferometer has to be added behind the microscope objective.In this work, we investigate the influence of a pinhole on the resolution, the sectioning capability and the noise characteristics of a confocal fluorescence microscope combined with such an interferometer. Additionally, we demonstrate the benefits of image inversion interferometers for two-photon microscopes, as well as for extended-focus microscopes. As a result, the increase in information for interferometrically enhanced systems can be up to 500% in terms of the optical transfer function.

Design of Optical Microscopes Some Guiding Factors

The essential parameters of different types of microscopes, e.g.. magnification, resolving power and numerical aperture, have been highlighted and relations among these parameters have been established. Effort has been made to correlate focal length and numerical aperture of objectives, which may prove useful to the microscope designers in the country.

Feeding by the newly described heterotrophic dinoflagellate Stoeckeria changwonensis: A comparison with other species in the family Pfiesteriaceae

The feeding ecology of the newly described heterotrophic dinoflagellate Stoeckeria changwonensis was explored. The feeding behavior of S. changwonensis, and the kinds of prey species that it feeds on were investigated with several different types of microscopes and high-resolution video-microscopy. Additionally, the growth and ingestion rates of S. changwonensis as a function of prey concentration for perch (Lateolabrax japonicus) blood cells, the raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo, the cryptophytes Rhodomonas salina and Teleaulax sp., and the phototrophic dinoflagellate Amphidinium carterae prey were measured. S. changwonensis feeds on prey through a peduncle, after anchoring the prey by using a tow filament. This type of feeding behavior is similar to that of Stoeckeria algicida, Pfiesteria piscicida, and Luciella masanensis in the family Pfiesteriaceae; however, S. changwonensis feeds on various kinds of prey species different from those of the other heterotrophic dinoflagellates. S. changwonensis ingested perch blood cells and diverse algal species, in particular, the large thecate dinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedrum which are not eaten by the other peduncle feeders. H. akashiwo and the perch blood cells supported positive growth of S. changwonensis, but R. salina, Teleaulax sp., and A. carterae which support positive growth of P. piscicida and L. masanensis did not support positive growth of S. changwonensis. With increasing mean prey concentration the growth rates for S. changwonensis on H. akashiwo and the perch blood cells increased rapidly and then slowly or became saturated. The maximum growth rates of S. changwonensis on H. akashiwo and the perch blood cells were 0.376 and 0.354d−1, respectively. Further, the maximum ingestion rates of S. changwonensis on H. akashiwo and the perch blood cells were 0.35ngCpredator−1d−1 (3.5cellspredator−1d−1) and 0.27ngCpredator−1d−1 (29cellspredator−1d−1), respectively. These maximum growth and ingestion rates of S. changwonensis on H. akashiwo, the perch blood cells, R. salina, Teleaulax sp., and A. carterae differed considerably from those of S. algicida, P. piscicida, and L. masanensis on the same prey species. Thus, the feeding behavior of S. changwonensis may differ from that of other species in the family Pfiesteriaceae.

High-accuracy magnification calibration for a microscope based on an improved discrete Fourier transform

Microscopes are widely applied in characterizing feature sizes at the micro-/nanoscale, and magnification calibration plays a key role in achieving precise measurements. However, it is difficult to obtain accurate results by using the general magnification calibration method if comparing the displayed size of a test-piece under microscope and its original one. In this study, a high-accuracy and automatic magnification calibration method that could be applied to different types of microscopes is proposed. A standard grating is employed as the reference, and a high-resolution discrete Fourier transform is used to analyze the images captured under various magnifications in this method. With utilization of the high-order harmonic component in the Fourier spectrum, the proposed method is capable of performing the calibration over a wide range of magnifications while maintaining identical precision. The relative error of the proposed method can be theoretically limited to 0.01%; moreover, the image noise can be tolerated. Furthermore, the validation and extensive adaptability of this method are demonstrated by calibrating the magnification of a scanning electron microscope and an optical microscope.

Swept under the rug: the problem of unacknowledged ambiguity in lithic residue identification

Microscopic analysis of organic residues on stone tools is used to interpret prehistoric stone tool functions. The morphology of some residues can be difficult to interpret, yet this ambiguity is rarely acknowledged in the literature. Our research seeks to understand the nature of this ambiguity by objectively identifying ambiguous residues in our reference collection. We trained four archaeologists in residue analysis using one part of our reference collection, then tested their ability to identify sixty-eight residues in another part of the same collection. Forty-eight of the residues in the test (70%) were correctly identified by three or all four subjects. We considered the remaining twenty residues, which were correctly identified by two or fewer of the subjects, to be ambiguous. These are most often in the hide-scraping, bone-scraping, and hardwood-scraping (macerated) categories, and tend to have an atypical morphology which falls in the range of variability of another residue category. Some of these residues also have optical properties which make them more difficult to image than others. We explore the potential for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to improve residue identification in a second test. This test shows a modest improvement in identification success rates of ambiguous residues when SEM images are included. We conclude that while images from different types of microscopes can improve reliability of identification, some residues will always be ambiguous. Rather than being ignored, these ambiguities should be brought to light, closely examined, and published as such.

Feeding by the Newly Described, Nematocyst‐Bearing Heterotrophic Dinoflagellate Gyrodiniellum shiwhaense

We explored the feeding ecology of the newly described, nematocyst-bearing heterotrophic dinoflagellate Gyrodiniellum shiwhaense (GenBank accession number=FR720082). Using several different types of microscopes and high-resolution video-microscopy, we investigated feeding behavior and types of prey species that G. shiwhaense feeds upon. Additionally, we measured its growth and ingestion rates on its optimal algal prey, the cryptophyte Teleaulax sp. and the dinoflagellate Amphidinium carterae, as a function of prey concentration. These rates were measured for other edible prey at single prey concentrations at which the growth and ingestion rates of G. shiwhaense were saturated. After anchoring the prey with a tow filament, G. shiwhaense fed using a peduncle, ingesting small algal species with equivalent spherical diameters (ESDs) of <13 μm. However, it did not feed on larger algal species that had ESDs≥13 μm or the small diatom Skeletonema costatum. The specific growth rates for G. shiwhaense feeding upon Teleaulax sp. and A. carterae increased rapidly with increasing mean prey concentration before saturating at concentrations of ca. 180-430 ng C/ml. The maximum specific growth rate of G. shiwhaense on Teleaulax sp. and A. carterae were 1.05 and 0.82/d, respectively. However, Heterosigma akashiwo did not support positive growth of G. shiwhaense. The maximum ingestion rates of G. shiwhaense on Teleaulax sp. and A. carterae were 0.35 and 0.54 ng C/grazer/d, respectively. The calculated grazing coefficients attributable to G. shiwhaense on co-occurring cryptophytes and Amphidinium spp. were 0.01-1.87/d and 0.08-2.60/d, respectively. Our results suggest that G. shiwhaense can have a considerable grazing impact on algal populations.

Feeding by the Newly Described Mixotrophic Dinoflagellate Paragymnodinium shiwhaense: Feeding Mechanism, Prey Species, and Effect of Prey Concentration

To investigate the feeding by the newly described mixotrophic dinoflagellate Paragymnodinium shiwhaense (GenBank accession number=AM408889), we explored the feeding process and the kinds of prey species that P. shiwhaense is able to feed on using several different types of microscopes, including a transmission electron microscope and high-resolution video-microscopy. In addition, we measured the growth and ingestion rates of P. shiwhaense on its optimal algal prey Amphidinium carterae as a function of prey concentration. We also measured these parameters for edible prey at a single concentration at which the growth and ingestion rates of P. shiwhaense on A. carterae were saturated. Paragymnodinium shiwhaense feed on algal prey using a peduncle after anchoring the prey by a tow filament. Among the algal prey offered, P. shiwhaense ingested small algal species that had equivalent spherical diameters (ESDs) < or =11 microm (e.g. the prymnesiophyte Isochrysis galbana, the cryptophytes Teleaulax sp. and Rhodomonas salina, the raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo, and the dinoflagellates Heterocapsa rotundata and A. carterae). However, it did not feed on larger algal species that had ESDs > or =12 microm (e.g. the dinoflagellates Prorocentrum minimum, Heterocapsa triquetra, Scrippsiella trochoidea, Alexandrium tamarense, Prorocentrum micans, Gymnodinium catenatum, Akashiwo sanguinea, and Lingulodinium polyedrum) or the small diatom Skeletonema costatum. The specific growth rates for P. shiwhaense feeding upon A. carterae increased rapidly with increasing mean prey concentration before saturating at concentrations of ca. 350 ng C/ml (5,000 cells/ml). The maximum specific growth rate (i.e. mixotrophic growth) of P. shiwhaense on A. carterae was 1.097/d at 20 degrees C under a 14:10 h light-dark cycle of 20 microE/m(2)/s, while its growth rate (i.e. phototrophic growth) under the same light conditions without added prey was -0.224/d. The maximum ingestion and clearance rates of P. shiwhaense on A. carterae were 0.38 ng C/grazer/d (5.4 cells/grazer/d) and 0.7 microl/grazer/h, respectively. The calculated grazing coefficients for P. shiwhaense on co-occurring Amphidinium spp. was up to 0.07/h (i.e. 6.7% of the population of Amphidinium spp. was removed by P. shiwhaense populations in 1 h). The results of the present study suggest that P. shiwhaense can have a considerable grazing impact on algal populations.

Living radiolarian feeding mechanisms: new light on past marine ecosystems

Environmentally controlled studies on living radiolarians, especially on their feeding mechanisms are rare. In the same way, feeding behaviours of fossil radiolarians are poorly known. In this work, techniques for living radiolarian research, including plankton sampling at sea, observations using different types of microscopes, and laboratory culture, are introduced. Light microscope, epifluorescence microscope, and confocal laser scanning microscope images of selected radiolarian species are presented. Four types of feeding behaviour which correspond well to skeletal morphology are recognized and discussed. Multi-segmented nassellarians, represented by Eucyrtidium, Pterocorys, and Spirocyrtis, take relatively large prey, including ciliates and flagellates. Some other nassellarians, e.g. Pseudocubus and Arachnocorallium, are advantageous in collecting tiny prey including microflagellates and bacteria. Solitary spumellarians, represented by Diplosphaera, Spongosphaera, and Spongaster, also gather tiny prey. Colonial radiolarians such as Collozoum and Buccinosphaera seem to live exclusively on symbiotic algae. The wide variation in feeding behaviour means that radiolarians occupy several kinds of ecological niches in marine environments. Assuming that the radiolarian skeletal morphology indicates their feeding strategy, living forms can give some light on the feeding mechanisms of similar Mesozoic forms. By contrast, the unique curved conical skeleton of the Paleozoic Albaillellaria, unknown after the end-Permian mass extinction, suggests a different feeding behaviour.

Relation between Electronic Properties and Density of Crystalline Agglomerates in Microcrystalline Silicon

AbstractA series of silicon thin films was made by very high frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (VHF PECVD) at substrate temperatures below 100 °C at different hydrogen to silane dilution ratios. The electronic properties of these layers were studied as a function of the surface crystalline fraction as determined accurately from a combination of microscope images at different length scales (gathered by using different types of microscopes). The results show that the electrical conductivity increases monotonously as a function of crystalline surface coverage and no discontinuity is observed at the percolation threshold. An increase in conductivity of four orders of magnitude for layers with a high crystalline content is observed after annealing at temperatures up to 170 °C. Combined with the information that oxygen is incorporated at Si-H surface bond sites, this suggests that doping of the intergrain boundaries by oxygen might be dominantly responsible for the electronic properties of mixed phase silicon.

Integrated Live and Stored Internet Based Digital Microscopy for Education

Abstract Few educational institutions have well maintained microscopes that facilitate the experience intended by the creators of their teaching texts. The cost of putting a high quality selection of the different types of microscopes at every educational institution for access by all students is prohibitive. The advent of the Internet and the rapid proliferation of computers at educational institutions offer the prospect for dramatic improvements in microscopy education. We present an Internet based digital microscopy system with unique features for education. We have developed a unified architecture for management and transmission of live and stored microscope data over the Internet. The system consists of a combination of software and hardware. The hardware includes a microscope with a motorized stage, focus, and optionally a motorized nosepiece. Standard off the shelf components for each of the items can be used so that the user is afforded great flexibility in utilizing available hardware. Image acquisition is done by attaching a video camera to the microscope. Both analog and digital video cameras are supported, although it should be noted that users have experienced outstanding results with relatively inexpensive analog cameras.

Sterile cover for the microscope in ENT operations

Complete sterile covering of operating microscopes for ENT operations has been achieved using sterilizable cases of stainless steel, which offer the following advantages: Quick and easy application to different types of microscopes. Considerable cost savings. Significant waste reduction.

Measurements in 3D images

Three-dimensional (3D) images consisting of arrays of voxels can now be routinely obtained from several different types of microscopes. These include both the transmission and emission modes of the confocal scanning laser microscope (but not its most common reflection mode), the secondary ion mass spectrometer, and computed tomography using electrons, X-rays or other signals. Compared to the traditional use of serial sectioning (which includes sequential polishing of hard materials), these newer techniques eliminate difficulties of alignment of slices, and maintain uniform resolution in the depth direction. However, the resolution in the z-direction may be different from that within each image plane, which makes the voxels non-cubic and creates some difficulties for subsequent analysis.