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Standardless EDS analysis of bulk and thin specimens.

A direct relationship between the x-ray intensity ratio and the concentration ratio for bulk and thin specimens has been established by use of a revised full-diffusion model of electron scattering. The suitable ionization cross section, the most important parameter influencing the accuracy of the calculated Cliff-Lorimer factors, has been found after comparing the experimental intensity ratio I(L)/I(K) of eight elements (from Ge to Sn) and I(M)/I(L) of six elements (from Sm to Bi) with the calculated values. The quantitative standardless EDS analysis of bulk samples obtained by this direct method is more satisfactory than the commercial indirect method which gives the composition through ZAF correction after calculating the intensity factors of pure elements. The quantitative standardless analysis of thin samples has been improved by the suitable cross section significantly. This method has been applied to the analysis of film on substrate either without any common element or with one common element (P-Si glass film on Si). It has also been used to calculate the intensity factors of pure bulk samples and the backscattering correction factor in Auger electron spectroscopy.

Electron Probe Microanalysis↗

Comparison of TEM and APFIM in microstructural characterization and interpretation: an overview.

A comparison of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atom probe field-ion microscopy (APFIM) is presented with respect to the interpretation of complex microstructures, phase identification, determination of crystallographic order, and analysis of interfaces. The capabilities, spatial resolutions, and limitations of each technique are discussed with examples taken from combined analytical electron microscopy (AEM) and APFIM studies. Both techniques are extremely powerful for routine characterization of a wide range of materials, although care must be exercised in experimentation and interpretation. The combined use of TEM and APFIM is synergistic and extends their individual capabilities from the macro scale to the atomic level.

Electron Probe Microanalysis↗

A replica technique for extracting precipitates from zirconium alloys for transmission electron microscopy analysis.

A reliable two-stage carbon replica technique has been developed to extract precipitates from zirconium alloys. Using this technique, all precipitating phases can be extracted from Zircaloy-2, Zr-Cr-Fe, and Zr-Nb-Fe alloys. Precipitate identification using EDS X-ray analysis and convergent beam electron diffraction was greatly facilitated in comparison to thin foils. In addition, the sensitivity for the detection of trace elements in particles was increased using extraction replicas. The chemical compositions of the precipitates as determined from both replica and thin foils were in excellent agreement.

Alloys↗

Microscopy in solid state science.

The Microstructural Physics group at the Cavendish Laboratory is actively involved in a considerable number of research projects which cover a broad range of materials science. In this paper, we describe briefly several such projects, with particular emphasis given to the application of parallel-detection electron energy loss spectroscopy (PEELS) on a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) to the analysis of materials such as stainless steels, catalysts, and high temperature superconductors. In addition, we describe a number of related projects that are currently being carried out in the group, particularly those which utilise and develop novel STEM imaging and analytical techniques.

Aerosols↗

Subcellular calcium localization in Toxoplasma gondii by electron microscopy and by X-ray and electron energy loss spectroscopies.

The localization of calcium in Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites was studied at the ultrastructural level, with a cytochemical pyroantimonate precipitation method (PA) and controlled by EGTA chelating and EDX and EELS microanalyses. Appropriate conditions for material preparation, fixation and embedding, were defined. The proportion of precipitates that were either free or inside vacuoles and their distribution inside Toxoplasma appeared to be PA dose-dependent. Precipitation mainly occurred in the anterior pole of the Epon-embedded tachyzoites. EDX and EELS analyses showed that out of 30 PA precipitates inside tachyzoites, 78% contained Ca. In Melamine sections, 96% of the tachyzoites had intracellular precipitates and the membrane complex was stained; 25% of the tachyzoites inside host cells contained PA-Ca precipitates, but most of them were retained in the reticular network of the parasitophorous vacuole. Melamine embedding appeared to improve the preservation of calcium pyroantimonate precipitates.

Animals↗

Uranium-contaminated soils: ultramicrotomy and electron beam analysis.

Uranium-contaminated soils from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Fernald Site, Ohio, have been examined by a combination of backscattered electron imaging (BSE) and analytical electron microscopy with electron diffraction (AEM). The inhomogeneous distribution of particulate uranium phases in the soil required the development of a method for using ultramicrotomy to prepare transmission electron microscopy (TEM) thin sections from the SEM mounts. A water-miscible resin was selected that allowed comparison between SEM and TEM images, permitting representative sampling of the soil. Uranium was found in iron oxides, silicates (soddyite), phosphates (autunites), and uraninite (UO2 + x). No uranium was detected in association with phyllosilicates in the soil.

Electron Probe Microanalysis↗

Electron microscopic microprobe analysis of mineralized collagen fibrils and extracollagenous regions in turkey leg tendon.

Bundles of tibia tendon from 19 week-old turkeys were deep frozen, freeze dried and embedded in styrol methacrylate or Epon. In the distal mineralized region, bundles of unmineralized collagen fibrils as well as mineralized regions consisting of round microcompartments with low contrast surrounded by a mineral sheath with high contrast were found. The inner regions with low contrast corresponded to the mineralized collagen fibrils, while the contrast-rich peripheral zones corresponded to the mineralized collagen-free "ground substance". Using electron microscopic microprobe analysis, it was shown that the peripheral mineralized region, consisting mainly of closely packed needles, often contained 100% more mineral substance than the central, mineralized collagen zone, which consisted mainly of plate-like crystallites. Possible reasons for this difference in mineral content are discussed on the molecular level.

Animals↗

Electron microprobe investigations into the process of hard tissue formation.

The electron microprobe microanalyser has been used to measure the concentrations of Ca, P and S in the predentine of young rat incisors. The specimens were prepared as alcohol embedded ultrathin sections, unfixed vacuum embedded dry cut ultrathin sections and as thin cryostat sections. The results show the influence of preparation on the measured compositions and indicate that Ca is tightly bound to the matrix, whereas P can be easily washed out. Measurements along the dentine-predentine border demonstrated zones of Ca enrichment, the average size of which suggests that the zones could be the prestages of calcospherites. A mineralisation mechanism is discussed in which the high Ca concentration activates pyrophosphosphatase or ATPase before the onset of nucleation.

Animals↗

Silver tolerance and accumulation in yeasts.

Debaryomyces hansenii (NCYC 459 and strain 75-21), Candida albicans (3153A), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (X2180-1B), Rhodotorula rubra (NCYC 797) and Aureobasidium pullulans (IMI 45533 and ATCC 42371) were grown on solid medium supplemented with varying concentrations of AgNO3. Although Ag+ is highly toxic towards yeasts, growth on solid media was still possible at Ag concentrations of 1-2 mM. Further subculture on higher Ag concentrations (up to 5 mM) resulted in elevated tolerance. The extent of Ag tolerance depended on whether Ag-containing plates were exposed to light prior to inoculation since light-mediated reduction of Ag+ to Ag0 resulted in the production of a less toxic silver species. Experimental organisms exhibited blackening of colonies and the surrounding agar during growth on AgNO3-containing medium especially at the highest Ag concentrations tested. All organisms accumulated Ag from the medium; electron microscopy revealed that silver was deposited as electron-dense granules in and around cell walls and in the external medium. X-ray microprobe analysis indicated that these granules were metallic Ag0 although AgCl was also present in some organisms. Volatile and non-volatile reducing compounds were produced by several test organisms which presumably effected Ag+ reduction to Ag0.

Candida albicans↗

The differences in calcium distribution pattern between preodontoblasts and preameloblasts in developing rat molar tooth germs.

Ultrastructural localization of calcium in preodontoblasts and preameloblasts was investigated using the potassium pyroantimonate technique, and it was confirmed that there were clear differences in calcium distribution pattern between preodontoblasts and preameloblasts. In preodontoblasts, pyroantimonate reaction products were mainly observed in the Golgi region, lateral intercellular spaces, and secretory granules, especially in the distal portion of cell body; however, few were found in mitochondria and on the plasma membrane. In preameloblasts, on the other hand, the precipitates were located in mitochondria, nuclei, and on the inner face of the plasma membrane; however, few reaction products were observed in the intercellular spaces, lysosomelike granules, secretory granules, and stippled materials. Granular reaction product approximately 20-40 nm in diameter adhered preferentially to the growing end of needlelike crystals in the initial enamel matrix.

Ameloblasts↗

Role of trichome of Pteris vittata L. in arsenic hyperaccumulation.

Environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) fitted with an energy dispersive X-ray microanalyzer (EDX) was used to investigate the surface micromorphology and arsenic (As) micro-distribution in Chinese brake (Pteris vittata L.). It was found that amounts of trichome, which possessed multicellular structure with the average length of 160 microm and with an average diameter of 28 microm, existed in the frond of P. vittata, and the density of trichome on the pinnate axial surface was higher than that on the petiole. Visible X-ray peak of As was recorded in the epidermal cell and trichome. The relative weight of As in the pinnate trichome, which contained the highest concentration of As among all tissues of the plant, was 2.4 and 3.9 times as much as that in the epidermal and mesophyllous cells, respectively. The As concentrations in the basal and stalk cells of the same trichome were higher than that in its cap cell. This is the first time to report that the trichome of P. vittata plays an important role in arsenic hyperaccumulation. The finding from the present study implies that much attention should be paid to the role of the trichome in understanding the hyperaccumulation and detoxicity of As in the hyperaccumulator and improving the ability of As accumulation.

Arsenic↗

Silica accumulation in Triticum aestivum L. and Dactylis glomerata L.

The silica accumulation in orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has been studied in plant samples grown under defined conditions in a pot trial. The plant habit and the quantity of biomineralised silica within the selected Gramineae depend to a remarkable extent on the soil. The plants grew with different soil pH values and silica additives. By means of atomic absorption spectrometry, the silicon enrichment in different plant parts was determined. In dried plant parts the silica bodies can be well distinguished by variable pressure scanning electron microscopy in the back scattering mode. They are located in silica cells below the epidermis and in epidermal appendices (bristles, prickle hairs). The silica bodies showed a defined morphology, structure and composition which was elucidated by the combined performance of scanning electron microscopy in combination with X-ray spectroscopy, solid-state nuclear resonance, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The composition was near to stoichiometric SiO(2) (41 weight% silicon, 56 weight % oxygen), and the SiO(4/2)tetrahedra were arranged preferentially in three-dimensional networks; a smaller proportion was in chains and layers. The silica bodies with an overall amorphous structure contained crystalline precipitates, which could be indexed by alpha-quartz.

Dactylis↗

A method to increase silver biosorption by an industrial strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Ag+ biosorption by an industrial strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was investigated. Older (96 h old) biomass had half the biosorption capacity of younger (24 h old) biomass (0.187 and 0.387 mmol Ag+/g dry mass respectively). Comparisons of cell walls isolated from biomass of either age indicated that chemical composition and Ag+ biosorption capacity varied little over the time span examined and that cell walls from either age of culture had small Ag+ biosorption capacities compared to whole cells of a similar age. Silver-containing precipitates were observed both on the cell wall and within the cell, indicating that intracellular components sorbed Ag+. The concentration of these precipitates within the cell appeared visually to decrease with age in Ag(+)-exposed cells. Incorporation of L-cysteine into the growth medium resulted in biomass with increased silver biosorption capacities, protein and sulphydryl group content. Increasing the concentration of L-cysteine in the growth medium from 0 to 5.0 mM increased silver biosorption from 0.389 to 0.556 mmol Ag+/g dry mass. Isolated cell walls of biomass grown in supplemented media also showed a possible link between silver biosorption capacities, protein and sulphydryl group content. No precipitates were observed in silver-exposed biomass that had been grown in the presence of 5.0 mM L-cysteine.

Adsorption↗

Silica deposition in Demosponges: spiculogenesis in Crambe crambe.

Transmission electron-microscopy images coupled with dispersive X-ray analysis of the species Crambe crambe have provided information on the process of silica deposition in Demosponges. Sclerocytes (megasclerocytes) lie close to spicules or surround them at different stages of growth by means of long thin enveloping pseudopodia. Axial filaments occur free in the mesohyl, in close contact with sclerocytes, and are triangular in cross section, with an internal silicified core. The unit-type membrane surrounding the growing spicule coalesces with the plasmalemma. The axial filament of a growing spicule and that of a mature spicule contain 50%-70% Si and 30%-40% Si relative to that contained in the spicule wall, respectively. The extracellular space between the sclerocyte and the growing spicule contains 50%-65%. Mitochondria, vesicles and dense inclusions of sclerocytes exhibit less than 10%. The cytoplasm close to the growing spicule and that far from the growing spicule contain up to 50% and less than 10%, respectively. No Si has been detected in other parts of the sponge. The megascleres are formed extracellularly. Once the axial filament is extruded to the mesohyl, silicification is accomplished in an extracellular space formed by the enveloping pseudopodia of the sclerocyte. Si deposition starts at regularly distributed sites along the axial filament; this may be related to the highly hydroxylated zones of the silicatein-alpha protein. Si is concentrated in the cytoplasm of the sclerocyte close to the plasmalemma that surrounds the growing spicules. Orthosilicic acid seems to be pumped, both from the mesohyl to the sclerocyte and from the sclerocyte to the extracellular pocket containing the growing spicule, via the plasmalemma.

Animals↗

Investigation of titanium leak to bone tissue surrounding dental titanium implant: electron microscopic findings and analysis by electron diffraction.

This study investigated the tissue response associated with dental titanium implants. The mandibular third and fourth premolars and first molar of three adult beagle dogs were extracted bilaterally. Healing was then allowed for 3 months. Six titanium implants were placed in the mandibles of a dog. Three weeks after the implantation, mandibular sections containing the implants were retrieved with the use of a bone saw and investigated by light and electron microscopy, X-ray microanalyzer, and electron diffraction. Scanning electron microscopic observation showed titanium particles on the implant-bone interface, and investigation by microanalyzer revealed titanium not only on the implant-bone interface but also in the bone tissue. Transmission electron microscopic observation and investigation by electron diffraction showed titanium in the bone matrix and cells other than macrophages. In this study, titanium particles from the dental implant were recognized morphologically in the surrounding bone tissue. Thus, study of the influence of titanium particles on the human body is needed.

Animals↗