Book Review “Fundamentals of Fluorescence Imaging”.
Publication date: Available online 19 June 2019Source: MicronAuthor(s): Marc A.M.J. van Zandvoort (Source: Micron)
Source: Micron - June 19, 2019 Category: Biology Source Type: research

Application of a layered model for determination of the elasticity of biological systems
Publication date: Available online 15 June 2019Source: MicronAuthor(s): M. Rusaczonek, B. Zapotoczny, M. Szymonski, J. KoniorAbstractElasticity of biological systems is considered to be an important property that might be related to functional or pathological changes. Therefore, careful study and detailed understanding of cell and tissue elasticity is crucial for correct description of their functioning. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful technique, which allows for determination of the physical properties, such as elasticity, of soft-matter systems in nano-scale. An important step in AFM elasticity studies is a p...
Source: Micron - June 16, 2019 Category: Biology Source Type: research

Volumetric estimate of bordered pits in Pinus sylvestris based on X-ray tomography and light microscopy imaging
Publication date: Available online 13 June 2019Source: MicronAuthor(s): Tim Koddenberg, Maximilian Wentzel, Holger MilitzAbstractBordered pits are a major determinant for the hydraulic function of wood tissues. Unlike microscopic imaging (e.g. light and electron microscopy) that is constrained to two-dimensional (2D) information, X-ray micro-computed tomography (XμCT) contributes to three-dimensional (3D) analysis. This advantage was used to estimate the volume of bordered pits in Pinus sylvestris. The 3D data obtained by XµCT were compared with two mathematical models (ellipsoid model and spherical cap models) using 2D ...
Source: Micron - June 15, 2019 Category: Biology Source Type: research

A rapid method of whole cell sample preparation for scanning electron microscopy using neodymium chloride
Publication date: Available online 13 June 2019Source: MicronAuthor(s): Ivan Novikov, Igor ChebotarAbstractThe quality of electron microscopy (EM) visualization of biological objects is constantly improving, primarily with the usage of more complex technologies, such as serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SEM), focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy, and array tomography. Here we suggest a new rapid method of whole cell sample preparation for scanning EM using neodymium chloride treatment followed by staining with lead acetate. This variant of sample preparation does not require separate fixation, comple...
Source: Micron - June 13, 2019 Category: Biology Source Type: research

Mechanical characterisation of pentagonal gold nanowires in three different test configurations: A comparative study
Publication date: Available online 8 June 2019Source: MicronAuthor(s): Mikk Antsov, Boris Polyakov, Vahur Zadin, Magnus Mets, Sven Oras, Mikk Vahtrus, Rünno Lõhmus, Leonid Dorogin, Sergei VlassovAbstractMechanical characterisation of individual nanostructures is a challenging task and can greatly benefit from the utilisation of several alternative approaches to increase the reliability of results. In the present work, we have measured and compared the elastic modulus of five-fold twinned gold nanowires (NWs) with atomic force microscopy (AFM) indentation in three different test configurations: three-point bending with fi...
Source: Micron - June 9, 2019 Category: Biology Source Type: research

A review of high-resolution X-ray computed tomography applied to petroleum geology and a case study
Publication date: Available online 7 June 2019Source: MicronAuthor(s): Penghui Zhang, Yong Il Lee, Jinliang ZhangAbstractHigh-resolution X-ray computed tomography (micro-CT) has been widely used as a non-destructive technique, allowing 3D imaging and analysis of internal features of various objects. This paper briefly describes this technique used in the field of petroleum geology, with an example of its applications for tight-gas sandstone reservoirs. Reservoir quality controls the storage, distribution, and flow of fluids within tight-gas sandstone reservoirs, however, it remains difficult to predict. Although our earlie...
Source: Micron - June 9, 2019 Category: Biology Source Type: research

High contrast at low dose using a single, defocussed transmission electron micrograph
Publication date: Available online 7 June 2019Source: MicronAuthor(s): L. Clark, T.C. Petersen, T. Williams, M.J. Morgan, D.M. Paganin, S.D. FindlayAbstractFor many soft-matter specimens, transmission electron microscopists face the double-bind of low contrast images, due to weakly-scattering specimens, alongside severe limits on the electron dose that can be used before the specimen is damaged by the electron beam. The combination of these effects causes the resultant micrographs to have very low signal-to-noise. It is well known that varying the defocus aberration can enhance image contrast in electron microscopy. For si...
Source: Micron - June 9, 2019 Category: Biology Source Type: research

Editorial Board
Publication date: August 2019Source: Micron, Volume 123Author(s): (Source: Micron)
Source: Micron - June 7, 2019 Category: Biology Source Type: research

Studies on the gametophytic development, mating behaviour and reproductive biology of Macrothelypteris torresiana (Gaudich.) Ching (Thelypteridaceae)
Publication date: Available online 5 June 2019Source: MicronAuthor(s): Niranjan Mishra, Tribhuban Panda, Neelu Lodhiyal, Sandip Kumar BeheraAbstractMacrothelypteris torresiana is a terrestrial fern belongs to the family Thelypteridaceae. It is very imperative to know the germination and growth pattern of this fern to make strategy for ex- situ conservation. In the present study germination of spore, developmental pattern of prothallium with particular emphasis on emergence of antheridia as well as archegonia, their fertilization and development of sporophytes were studied. The spores were spheroidal or reniform with broadl...
Source: Micron - June 5, 2019 Category: Biology Source Type: research

Binding of metals in dacryoliths by means of biomineralization
Publication date: Available online 31 May 2019Source: MicronAuthor(s): Lidiya M. Lamanova, Oksana V. BukharovaGraphical abstract (Source: Micron)
Source: Micron - June 1, 2019 Category: Biology Source Type: research

Parameters affecting the accuracy of nanoparticle shape and size measurement in 3D
Publication date: August 2019Source: Micron, Volume 123Author(s): Misa Hayashida, Kai Cui, Darren Homeniuk, Rinyaporn Phengchat, Arthur M. Blackburn, Marek MalacAbstractWhile electron tomography can be used to visualize objects at nanoscale, it is difficult to perform reproducible quantitative measurements. Here we measure the shape and size of nanoparticles (NPs) in three dimensions (3D) using electron tomography. We evaluated the accuracy of maximum Feret diameter (Feretmax), minimum Feret diameter (Feretmini) and volume of NPs measurements from reconstructed 3D images which were obtained from data acquired with varied e...
Source: Micron - May 28, 2019 Category: Biology Source Type: research

Improved DNA straightening and attachment via optimal Mg2+ ionic bonding under electric field for AFM imaging in liquid phase
Publication date: Available online 25 May 2019Source: MicronAuthor(s): Ziyu Liu, Hongmei Xu, Ying Wang, Fan Yang, Yaoting Yin, Sheng Zhang, Zhankun Weng, Zhengxun Song, Zuobin WangAbstractIn this research, a novel method is proposed to improve DNA straightening under an applied electric field to facilitate imaging in a liquid phase by modifying the substrate with varying Mg2+ ion concentrations. A two-dimensional network of DNA structures was successfully stretched on Mg2+-modified mica substrates under a DC electric field (1 V, 1 A) and imaged in gaseous and aqueous phases by atomic force microscopy. The results reveale...
Source: Micron - May 26, 2019 Category: Biology Source Type: research

From the surface to the bulk: A comparison of methods for the microanalysis of an immiscible polymer blend
In this study, the morphology of an immiscible polymer blend system at various regions of interests was analyzed using different microanalytical methods with varying surface sensitivities. As a model immiscible polymer blend, a HDPE/PP (80/20 wt%) polymer film was used. The blend film was subjected to polarized light microscopy (PLM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). The obtained results were compared regarding the sensitivities, informational values and overall applicability of the anal...
Source: Micron - May 25, 2019 Category: Biology Source Type: research

Editorial Board
Publication date: July 2019Source: Micron, Volume 122Author(s): (Source: Micron)
Source: Micron - May 24, 2019 Category: Biology Source Type: research

Hierarchical spiral-scan trajectory for efficient scanning ion conductance microscopy
Publication date: Available online 17 May 2019Source: MicronAuthor(s): Jian Zhuang, Zhiwu Wang, Xiaobo Liao, Bingli Gao, Lei ChengAbstractScanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) is an emerging technique for non-contact, high-resolution topography imaging, especially suitable for live cells investigation in a physiological environment. Despite its rapid development, the extended acquisition time issues of its typical hopping/backstep scanning mode still restrict its application for more fields. Herein, we propose a novel SICM scanning approach to effectively reduce the retract distance of existing hopping/backstep mode. ...
Source: Micron - May 18, 2019 Category: Biology Source Type: research