Showing papers in "Imaging & Microscopy in 2006"
TL;DR: In this paper, image mining and automatic image interpretation comes into play to automatically analyse these images, according to the desired statements, where image mining is used for image classification and image interpretation.
Abstract: Microscopic cell images are the basis of a wide variety of medical, pharmaceutical, biotechnological applications. Although the background of the applications and the required statements obtained from the visual appearance of the cells might be different, we can see these applications from the computer-vision point of view as a whole class of applications for which it seems to be interesting to develop novel, computer-based techniques that allow one to automatically analyse these images, according to the desired statements. This is where image mining and automatic image interpretation comes into play.
12 citations
TL;DR: Focused ion beam (FIB) provides a sharp ion cross-sectioning tool for soft or biological materials to etch, mill and image the sample surface and the exposed sections as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Focused Ion Beams (FIBs) provide a sharp ion cross-sectioning tool for soft or biological materials to etch, mill and image the sample surface and the exposed sections. The area of FIB sectioning/imaging of biomaterials is one that is sadly neglected, compared with studies on inorganic materials. In combination with a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), FIB makes electron and ion microscopy available at the same time, providing complementary morphological information and, sometimes, facing charge problems.
10 citations
TL;DR: The study of surface's electrical properties at very small scales can be faced with Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) in its well-known EFM method of operation as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The study of surface's electrical properties at very small scales can be faced with Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) in its well-known Electric Force Microscopy (EFM) method of operation. For example on ferroelectric materials SPM-EFM can provide direct information about local polarisation, charge distribution, and electromechanical properties of surfaces; in semiconductor devices and biological samples, knowledge of the local electric potential distribution is of significant interest because it helps in linking the specimen's observed function with its local structure and composition.
10 citations
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TL;DR: This years' International Microscopy Congress (IMC16) was the 16th in a series of international microscopy congresses as mentioned in this paper and was attended by over 2,040 scientific delegates representing 63 countries.
Abstract: This years' International Microscopy Congress (IMC16) was the 16th in a series of international microscopy congresses. Congresses have been held every four years under the auspices of the International Federation of Societies for Microscopy (IFSM). The 2006 meeting in Sapporo, Japan, was a truly international event, organised by Science Council of Japan, International Federation of Societies for Microscopy (IFSM) and the Japanese Society of Microscopy (JSM), with English as the conference language. The congress was attended by over 2,040 scientific delegates representing 63 countries.
7 citations
TL;DR: It is very likely that 3D characterisation will become the industrial standard within a decade, and in many cases 3D (x, y, z) characterisation is required in order to evaluate the properties and the quality of a surface.
Abstract: The ability to manipulate materials on smaller and smaller scales has led to an increasing demand for surface metrology solutions that facilitate innovation and help to assure quality While 2D (x, z) surface characterisation is still very common in industry today, in many cases 3D (x, y, z) characterisation is required in order to evaluate the properties and the quality of a surface It is very likely that 3D characterisation will become the industrial standard within a decade
6 citations
TL;DR: A new and simple method for the visualisation of chemotactic responses to chemical gradients in microfluidic channels using a cAMP gradient over Dictyostelium discoideum cells which subsequently performed chemotaxis.
Abstract: We present a new and simple method for the visualisation of chemotactic responses to chemical gradients in microfluidic channels Fluorescence data showed the gradient's steepness with good reproducibility These results were used to establish a cAMP gradient over Dictyostelium discoideum cells which subsequently performed chemotaxis
5 citations
TL;DR: Three-dimensional fluorescence microscopy has found widespread applications in recent years, especially in molecular cell biology, and the apparent fluorescent intensity in confocal imaging could vary significantly over the image field.
Abstract: Three-dimensional fluorescence microscopy has found widespread applications in recent years, especially in molecular cell biology. Imaging in this type of microscopy is usually based on a series of sectioned images obtained by stepping the specimen through the focal region of a beam type scanning microscope. In most confocal or two-photon microscopes, the signal at each lateral image position in a section is digitised and the data subsequently stored as a 3D dataset. Ideally, the imaging properties should be identical over the imaging field. However, the apparent fluorescent intensity in confocal imaging could vary significantly over the image field.
4 citations
3 citations
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TL;DR: The way how the light intensity is transformed into grey-values for these pixels controls image quality and precision of measurements is discussed in detail in this paper, where the authors propose a method to generate images consisting of separated dots (pixels).
Abstract: Scanning microscopes generate images consisting of separated dots (pixels). The way how the light intensity is transformed into grey-values for these pixels controls image quality and precision of measurements.
3 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical microscopy, in particular fluorescence microscopy are combined in order to detect specific structures in a heterogeneous sample, such as a cell.
Abstract: Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical microscopy, in particular fluorescence microscopy, make a powerful combination in the study of biological samples. AFM is not subject to Abbe's resolution limit, and can generate images with a much higher resolution than light microscopy. However, as contrast is generated in response to the structural properties of the sample, it can be challenging to detect specific structures in a heterogeneous sample, such as a cell. By combining the two techniques, higher resolution structural information can be generated using AFM. Subsequent correlation with fluorescently labelled markers can provide information about the composition, and consequently the function, of the identified structures.
3 citations
TL;DR: A modeling concept that allows building of complex structures such as muscle cells according to imagination of scholars is introduced, which would allow simple communication of complex biological objects.
Abstract: Progress in biological sciences asks for modeling tools that would allow simple communication of complex biological objects. According to electron microscopic studies, cells are packed with intracellular organelles that vary widely in size and shape and are in complex spatial relations to each other. We introduce here a modeling concept that allows building of complex structures such as muscle cells according to imagination of scholars.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present new challenges for manipulation, observation, and modification of devices on a submicron scale, and present a method for accurate and efficient site specific cross-sectioning of specimens and preparation of TEM samples.
Abstract: Recent developments in nano- and semiconductor technology have substantially increased the demand for accurate and efficient site specific cross-sectioning of specimens and preparation of TEM samples. Moreover, nano-research is facing new challenges for manipulation, observation, and modification of devices on a submicron scale.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors highlight the development of a new imaging platform that provides a greater capacity to control EMCCDs, thus allowing biological researchers to quantitatively measure low-light signals with extremely high fidelity.
Abstract: Several years ago, Photometrics' introduction of the first electron-multiplying CCD (EMCCD) cameras designed for microscopy enabled life science researchers to detect ultra-low-light signals via on-chip multiplication gain. Since the advent of EMCCDs, camera manufacturers have focused their R&D efforts on areas that offer the most room for improvement of such devices, including bias and EM gain stability as well as sensor aging. Here we highlight the development of a new imaging platform that provides a greater capacity to control EMCCDs, thus allowing biological researchers to quantitatively measure low-light signals with extremely high fidelity. Advantages in high-speed measurement of a calcium ratiometric time-course application are demonstrated.
TL;DR: The ability of FM-AFM to perform molecular resolution imaging of biomembrane surfaces and to detect individual layers of structured water at similar membrane interfaces is highlighted.
Abstract: Frequency Modulation AFM (FM-AFM) is commonly operated in ultra-high vacuum, though its inception in liquids for biological samples is relatively new. Here, we highlight the ability of FM-AFM to perform molecular resolution imaging of biomembrane surfaces and to detect individual layers of structured water at similar membrane interfaces. These studies highlight the potential of FM-AFM for studying model membranes and lipid raft systems on the molecular scale.
TL;DR: FIM and PFDMS are used for studying particles that mimic catalytic grains as mentioned in this paper, and they are complementary to environmental transmission and scanning electron microscopy, which can approach simultaneously the behavior of each plane of small crystallites in terms of surface reconstruction, adsorption and catalytic activity.
Abstract: FIM and PFDMS are used for studying particles that mimic catalytic grains. Exposing tips to reactive gas mixtures allows following in-situ catalytic reactions on the nanometer scale. These techniques appear as unique tools to approach simultaneously the behavior of each plane of small crystallites in terms of surface reconstruction, adsorption and catalytic activity. They are complementary to environmental transmission and scanning electron microscopies.
TL;DR: Gap junctions are ubiquitous channels that directly connect the cytoplasm of neighbouring cells, allowing electrical and chemical communication via rapid passive diffusion of ions, metabolites and small molecules up to 1 kDa.
Abstract: Gap junctions (GJ) are ubiquitous channels that directly connect the cytoplasm of neighbouring cells, allowing electrical and chemical communication via rapid passive diffusion of ions, metabolites and small molecules up to 1 kDa. Each GJ channel is comprised of transmembrane proteins termed connexins, six of which form a hemi-channel or connexon that docks with a hemi-channel in the membrane of an adjacent cell.
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TL;DR: The last week in June is like a festival of microscopy in the UK as discussed by the authors, and whilst Microscience dominates the calendar, it is just one of many events being laid on by the RMS.
Abstract: Summer and autumn are busy months for meetings and conferences. In the UK, the last week in June is like a festival of microscopy. Whilst Microscience dominates the calendar, it is just one of many events being laid on by the RMS.
TL;DR: In this article, a limitation of the EDS analysis of matrix properties in layered specimens is discussed, where it is not possible to investigate the bulk properties without complicated and time-consuming delayering processes.
Abstract: Users of SEMs with EDS systems are familiar with the limiting effect of strong X-ray background intensity on the detectability for low concentrations. This background results from deceleration of the electron beam inside the sample (Bremsstrahlung). It varies with element, matrix composition and peak overlap. Element concentrations may be analysed only down to a contents of 1,000 ppm. A further limitation concerns the EDS analysis of matrix properties in layered specimens. Layers are often thicker than the penetration depth of electrons, even at high beam energies. In most cases it is not possible to investigate the bulk properties without complicated and time-consuming delayering processes.
TL;DR: Digital holographic microscopes (DHM) as mentioned in this paper enable strictly noninvasive visualisation of unstained transparent, and partially reflective specimens, in real time, by providing simultaneously amplitude and phase changes of, a light wave transmitted or reflected.
Abstract: Digital Holographic Microscopes (DHM) enables strictly noninvasive visualisation of unstained transparent, and partially reflective specimens, in real time, by providing simultaneously amplitude and phase changes of, a light wave transmitted or reflected. They are used for characterisation of samples at the nanometer scale, for quality control on production line, and for dynamical analysis of biological specimen and micro systems.
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TL;DR: The International Conference on Nanoscale Science and Technology (ICN+T 2006) as mentioned in this paper took place in Basel, Switzerland, from 30 July through 4 August, 2006, while most of Switzerland was caught up in the festivities that commemorate the birth of the nation on 1 August.
Abstract: The International Conference on Nanoscale Science and Technology (ICN+T 2006) took place in Basel, Switzerland, from 30 July through 4 August, 2006. While most of Switzerland was caught up in the festivities that commemorate the birth of the nation on 1 August, approximate 1,600 scientists from all over the world gathered in Basel at ICN+T 2006 to discuss the latest developments in nanoscience and technology.
TL;DR: Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a well-established surface characterisation technique initially introduced for high-resolution surface profiling as discussed by the authors, which can be used for high resolution surface profiling.
Abstract: Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a well-established surface characterisation technique initially introduced for high-resolution surface profiling Fast development of AFM instrumentation has significantly extended its capabilities, which now also include measurements of local mechanical, adhesive, magnetic, electric and thermal properties
TL;DR: In this paper, a method to produce nanoparticles with core-shell structure, having crystalline Ni3Si core and amorphous Si(O) shell, was reported, which extracted from a two phase metallic alloys by selective phase separation using electrochemical dissolution technique.
Abstract: A method to produce nanoparticles with core-shell structure, having crystalline Ni3Si core and amorphous Si(O) shell is reported. The core-shell nanoparticles are extracted from a two phase metallic alloys by selective phase separation using electrochemical dissolution technique.
TL;DR: The sizes of the surface features that a cell might encounter in its natural environment span the nanometer-to-micrometer range of topographies.
Abstract: The sizes of the surface features that a cell might encounter in its natural environment span the nanometer-to-micrometer range of topographies. These environments include extracellular matrix, other cells, organisms, tissues, artificial materials, and various forms of the surface coatings or roughness that have been used for dental and orthopedic implants.
TL;DR: High-content imaging can visualise the effect of compounds on cells, tissues, and whole organisms for purposes of drug discovery & development and can provide a detailed picture of developments within the cell or tissue before such perturbations give rise to morphological changes.
Abstract: High-content imaging (HCI) can visualise the effect of compounds on cells, tissues, and whole organisms for purposes of drug discovery & development. Most HCI experiments employ screens which are morphological in nature, or monitor expression of a fluorescently-tagged protein. Much more information may be provided by screens at the metabolomic level, i.e. the effect of compounds and experimental conditions on the steadystate and dynamic levels of individual metabolites in the system. A metabolic profile of key molecules, both intrinsic (e.g. nutrients and signaling molecules) and extrinsic (e.g. the compounds in the screening library, their breakdown products, and other compounds whose metabolism might also be affected), can provide a detailed picture of developments within the cell or tissue before such perturbations give rise to morphological changes.
TL;DR: ICN+T2006 as mentioned in this paper is an International Conference on Nanoscience and Technology (ICN+) that will take place at the Basel congress centre, Switzerland, from 30 July through 4 August 2006.
Abstract: This year, an International Conference on Nanoscience and Technology (ICN+T2006) will take place at the Basel congress centre, Switzerland, from the 30 July through 4 August 2006 (www.icnt2006.ch). The scope of this conference is twofold: First to commemorate the invention and development of SPM (25 years of STM and 20 years of AFM) and their related techniques and their impact on the sciences. Second the expansion and reinforcement of Nanoscience in general and its potential to unleash future technologies.
TL;DR: Fluorescence lifetime imaging has advantages in measuring protein proximity, polymerisation, relative concentration of different molecules, separation of different labels with spectral overlap, ion concentration, and removal of autofluorescence.
Abstract: Along the domain of spectroscopy and biophysics labs, fluorescence lifetime is rapidly becoming an accessible tool for “mainstream” molecular biology research involving live cell imaging. In measuring a different physical property of a fluorophore, fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLI) has advantages in measuring protein proximity, polymerisation, relative concentration of different molecules, separation of different labels with spectral overlap, ion concentration, and removal of autofluorescence.