Chalkiness Characters and Scanning Electron Microscope Observation of Rice Grain Endosperm of Japonica Varieties in Southern Henan

Chalkiness characters affect not only the grain appearance,milling,eating and cooking qualities but also the grain nutritional quality in rice,thus it is one of the most important traits in rice. It is very important for us to investigate the relation of the chalkiness formation and the development of endosperm structure and starch granule of different rice varieties. Here,we have investigated the chalkiness characters such as chalkiness rate,chalkiness degree and chalkiness area in 15 japonica rice varieties from southern Henan. Furthermore,the endosperm structure and starch granules of rice grain were also observed with scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the 15 japonica varieties have a significantly linear relationship between the chalkiness rate and chalkiness degree. Among the varieties,the biggest difference is the chalkiness rate,the second is the chalkiness area,and the last is the chalkiness degree. Moreover,there is a certain correlation between the distribution of starch granules,the arrangement of endosperm cells and the occurrence of grain chalkiness in the different rice varieties. For the same variety,the starch granules of chalky and non-chalky grains have obvious difference,while the starch granules from the transparent part of chalky rice and non-chalky rice do not have significant difference. The results would provide useful references for the improvement of grain quality in rice.

Equalization of Ti 6Al 4V alloy welded joint by scanning electron beam welding

The equalization of Ti 6Al 4V alloy welded joint with base metal on corrosion resistance, strength and ductility was studied. The solidification microstructure is transformed from 650 μm columnar grains to 100 μm equiaxed grains by scanning electron beam welding. The anodic polarization curve of 150 μm equiaxed grains coincides with that of base metal. Equal corrosion resistance between weld metal and base metal was obtained. Uniform microstructure and solute distribution are the basis of equalization. Corrosion rate of weld with 150 μm equiaxed grains is the lowest, 2.45 times lower than that of 650 μm columnar grains. Weld strength is 98% as much as that of base metal, yield strength ratio is 99.5%, which is 3.6% higher than that of base metal.

50 years of scanning electron microscopy of bone——a comprehensive overview of the important discoveries made and insights gained into bone material properties in health,disease,and taphonomy

Bone is an architecturally complex system that constantly undergoes structural and functional optimisation through renewal and repair.The scanning electron microscope (SEM) is among the most frequently used instruments for examining bone.It offers the key advantage of very high spatial resolution coupled with a large depth of field and wide field of view.Interactions between incident electrons and atoms on the sample surface generate backscattered electrons,secondary electrons,and various other signals including X-rays that relay compositional and topographical information.Through selective removal or preservation of specific tissue components (organic,inorganic,cellular,vascular),their individual contribution(s) to the overall functional competence can be elucidated.With few restrictions on sample geometry and a variety of applicable sample-processing routes,a given sample may be conveniently adapted for multiple analytical methods.While a conventional SEM operates at high vacuum conditions that demand clean,dry,and electrically conductive samples,non-conductive materials (e.g.,bone) can be imaged without significant modification from the natural state using an environmental scanning electron microscope.This review highlights important insights gained into bone microstructure and pathophysiology,bone response to implanted biomaterials,elemental analysis,SEM in paleoarchaeology,3D imaging using focused ion beam techniques,correlative microscopy and in situ experiments.The capacity to image seamlessly across multiple length scales within the meso-micro-nano-continuum,the SEM lends itself to many unique and diverse applications,which attest to the versatility and user-friendly nature of this instrument for studying bone.Significant technological developments are anticipated for analysing bone using the SEM.

A double toroidal analyzer for scanning probe electron energy spectrometer

An ultra-high vacuum （UHV） compatible electron spectrometer employing a double toroidal analyzer has been de- veloped. It is designed to be combined with a custom-made scanning tunneling microscope （STM） to study the spatially localized electron energy spectrum on a surface. A tip-sample system composed of a piezo-driven field-emission tungsten tip and a sample of highly ordered pyrolytic graphite （HOPG） is employed to test the performance of the spectrometer. Two-dimensional images of the energy-resolved and angle-dispersed electrons backscattered from the surface of HOPG are obtained, the performance is optimized and the spectrometer is calibrated. A complete electron energy loss spectrum covering the elastic peak to the secondary electron peaks for the HOPG surface, acquired at a tip voltage of -140 V and a sample current of 0.5 pA, is presented, demonstrating the viability of the spectrometer.

Comparison of scanning electron microscopy findings regarding biofilm colonization with microbiological results in nasolacrimal stents for external, endoscopic and transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy

AIM:To compare bacterial biofilm colonization in lacrimal stents following external dacryocystorhinostomy(EX-DCR),endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy(EN-DCR),and transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy(TC-DCR)with multidiode laser.METHODS:This prospective study included 30consecutive patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction who underwent EXT-,EN-,or TC-DCR.Thirty removed lacrimal stent fragments and conjunctival samples were cultured.The lacrimal stent biofilms were examined by scanning electron microscopy(SEM).RESULTS:Eleven(36.7%)of the 30 lacrimal stent cultures were positive for aerobic bacteria(most commonly Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa).However anaerobic bacteria and fungi were not identified in the lacrimal stent cultures.Twenty-seven(90%)patients had biofilmpositive lacrimal stents.The conjunctival culture positivity after the DCR,biofilm positivity on stents,the grade of biofilm colonization,and the presence of mucus and coccoid and rod-shaped organisms did not significantly differ between any of the groups(P】0.05).However,a significant difference was found when the SEM results were compared to the results of the lacrimal stent and conjunctival cultures(P【0.001).CONCLUSION:Type of dacryocystorhinostomy(DCR)surgery did not affect the biofilm colonization of the lacrimal stents.SEM also appears to be more precise than microbiological culture for evaluating the presence of biofilms on lacrimal stents.

Bacterial entombment by intratubular mineralization following orthograde mineral trioxide aggregate obturation: a scanning electron microscopy study

The time domain entombment of bacteria by intratubular mineralization following orthograde canal obturation with mineral trioxide aggregate（MTA） was studied by scanning electron microscopy（SEM）. Single-rooted human premolars（n560） were instrumented to an apical size #50/0.06 using ProF ile and treated as follows： Group 1（n510） was filled with phosphate buffered saline（PBS）; Group 2（n510） was incubated with Enterococcus faecalis for 3 weeks, and then filled with PBS; Group 3（n520） was obturated orthograde with a paste of OrthoM TA（BioM TA, Seoul, Korea） and PBS; and Group 4（n520） was incubated with E. faecalis for 3 weeks and then obturated with OrthoM TA–PBS paste. Following their treatments, the coronal openings were sealed with PBS-soaked cotton and intermediate restorative material（IRM）, and the roots were then stored in PBS for 1, 2, 4, 8 or 16 weeks. After each incubation period, the roots were split and their dentin/MTA interfaces examined in both longitudinal and horizontal directions by SEM. There appeared to be an increase in intratubular mineralization over time in the OrthoM TA-filled roots（Groups 3 and 4）. Furthermore, there was a gradual entombment of bacteria within the dentinal tubules in the E. faecalis inoculated MTA-filled roots（Group 4）. Therefore, the orthograde obturation of root canals with OrthoM TA mixed with PBS may create a favorable environment for bacterial entombment by intratubular mineralization.

Scanning transmission electron microscopy: A review of high angle annular dark field and annular bright field imaging and applications in lithium-ion batteries

Scanning transmission electron microscopy（STEM） has been shown as powerful tools for material characterization,especially after the appearance of aberration-corrector which greatly enhances the resolution of STEM. High angle annular dark field（HAADF） and annular bright field（ABF） imaging of the aberration-corrected STEM are widely used due to their high-resolution capabilities and easily interpretable image contrasts. However, HAADF mode of the STEM is still limited in detecting light elements due to the weak electron-scattering power. ABF mode of the STEM could detect light and heavy elements simultaneously, providing unprecedented opportunities for probing unknown structures of materials. Atomiclevel structure investigation of materials has been achieved by means of these imaging modes, which is invaluable in many fields for either improving properties of materials or developing new materials. This paper aims to provide a introduction of HAADF and ABF imaging techniques and reviews their applications in characterization of cathode materials, study of electrochemical reaction mechanisms, and exploring the effective design of lithium-ion batteries（LIBs）. The future prospects of the STEM are also discussed.

Surface characteristics analysis of fractures induced by supercritical CO_(2)and water through three-dimensional scanning and scanning electron micrography

Morphology of hydraulic fracture surface has significant effects on oil and gas flow,proppant migration and fracture closure,which plays an important role in oil and gas fracturing stimulation.In this paper,we analyzed the fracture surface characteristics induced by supercritical carbon dioxide(SC-CO_(2))and water in open-hole and perforation completion conditions under triaxial stresses.A simple calculation method was proposed to quantitatively analyze the fracture surface area and roughness in macro-level based on three-dimensional(3D)scanning data.In micro-level,scanning electron micrograph(SEM)was used to analyze the features of fracture surface.The results showed that the surface area of the induced fracture increases with perforation angle for both SC-CO_(2)and water fracturing,and the surface area of SC-CO_(2)-induced fracture is 6.49%e58.57%larger than that of water-induced fracture.The fractal dimension and surface roughness of water-induced fractures increase with the increase in perforation angle,while those of SC-CO_(2)-induced fractures decrease with the increasing perforation angle.A considerable number of microcracks and particle peeling pits can be observed on SC-CO_(2)-induced fracture surface while there are more flat particle surfaces in water-induced fracture surface through SEM images,indicating that fractures tend to propagate along the boundary of the particle for SC-CO_(2)fracturing while water-induced fractures prefer to cut through particles.These findings are of great significance for analyzing fracture mechanism and evaluating fracturing stimulation performance.

SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF FETAL CHICKEN CALVARIAL OSTEOBLAST-LIKE CELLS CULTURED IN VITRO

Three types of osteoblast-like cells with different cnfigurations could be ob-tained through culturing fetal chicken calvaria in vitro. They were spindle-shaped cells,globular cells, and polygonal or squamous cells. With passage of culture time, there werechanges in configuration so that the spindle-shaped cells and the globular cells turnedgradually into squamous cells, in quantity which increased greatly to produce confluenceand multi-layer formation of cells, and in function as evidenced by emergence ofintracytoplasmic granules, reflecting collagen synthesis.

Functional Microvascular Anatomy of the Horse Eye: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of Corrosion Casts

Objective: This study presents the microvasculature of the horse iris, ciliary process, retina, and choroid and discusses the functional significance of the vasculature. Procedure: Seven horses were used for this study. The ocular vascular system was injected with methylmethacrylate resin via the carotid artery, and the vascular corrosion casts were observed using a scanning electron microscope. Results: The iridial vessels showed a wavy course. The ciliary process was supplied by 2 arterial routes: the iridial and ciliary arterial circles. The subjects displayed a paurangiotic retina with retinal vessels extending only a short distance around the disc. The retinal arterioles and venules ran in closely related pairs, and the capillaries formed hairpin loops. No central retinal artery was seen in the equine eyes examined. The choriocapillaris in the avascular retina was arranged in honeycomb hexagon lobules and formed a more densely packed network than that in the vascular retina. There were 2 distinct venous drainage systems in the horse choroid: the vortex veins and the posterior ciliary veins. The vortex vein ampulla was flattened and showed a slit-like lumen at the merge site with the ophthalmic vein. The vortex veins demonstrated a marked constriction before leaving the eye. Discussion: The 2 choroidal drainage systems may compensate each other in event of occlusion. The ampulla and the constriction in the vortex veins may act as a valve regulating the blood flow to keep the eye at an optimum size and the intraocular pressure within the normal physiological range.

Characterization of a nano line width reference material based on metrological scanning electron microscope

The line width(often synonymously used for critical dimension,CD)is a crucial parameter in integrated circuits.To accurately control CD values in manufacturing,a reasonable CD reference material is required to calibrate the corresponding instruments.We develop a new reference material with nominal CDs of 160 nm,80 nm,and 40 nm.The line features are investigated based on the metrological scanning electron microscope which is developed by the National Institute of Metrology(NIM)in China.Also,we propose a new characterization method for the precise measurement of CD values.After filtering and leveling the intensity profiles,the line features are characterized by the combination model of the Gaussian and Lorentz functions.The left and right edges of CD are automatically extracted with the profile decomposition and k-means algorithm.Then the width of the two edges at the half intensity position is regarded as the standard CD value.Finally,the measurement results are evaluated in terms of the sample,instrument,algorithm,and repeatability.The experiments indicate efficiency of the proposed method which can be easily applied in practice to accurately characterize CDs.

Control on Electron Beam Scanning Track

In order to use electron beam as a movable welding heat source and whose energy distribution along its moving trace can be controlled, a method of electron beam scanning track and scanning mode control was put forward. Based on it, the electron beam scanning track and scanning mode can be edited at will according to actual requirements, and the energy input of each point of the scanning track can be controlled. In addition, the scanning frequency and points control, real time adjusting of the scanning track etc. were explained. This method can be used in electron beam brazing, surface modification, surface heat treatment etc.

Nanoscale cathodoluminescence spectroscopy probing the nitride quantum wells in an electron microscope

To gain further understanding of the luminescence properties of multiquantum wells and the factors affecting them on a microscopic level,cathodoluminescence combined with scanning transmission electron microscopy and spectroscopy was used to measure the luminescence of In_(0.15)Ga_(0.85)N five-period multiquantum wells.The lattice-composition-energy relationship was established with the help of energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy,and the bandgaps of In_(0.15)Ga_(0.85)N and GaN in multiple quantum wells were extracted by electron energy loss spectroscopy to understand the features of cathodoluminescence spectra.The luminescence differences between different periods of multiquantum wells and the effects of defects such as composition fluctuation and dislocations on the luminescence of multiple quantum wells were revealed.Our study establishing the direct relationship between the atomic structure of In_(x)Ga_(1-x)N multiquantum wells and photoelectric properties provides useful information for nitride applications.

IDENTIFICATION OF MARINE AEROSOL COMPONENT BY COMBINED NAA AND SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY WITH X—RAY ANALYSIS

The concentrations of 30 elements in aerosol particles collected in western Pacific ocean have been determined by INAA. The crustal element concentrations decrease with increasing distance from land over the remote area close to Asia land and fluctuate around its average value over the remote ocean area. The volatile elements exhibite average atmospheric concentrations that are higher than those expected from the flux of seasalt or the continental dust. In order to identify marine aerosol component originating from the continent or ocean, the aerosol particles are examined by scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Particle phase structure shows that the crustal aerosol particles are not present internal mixtures with seasalt aerosol, and it also proves the long-range transport of crustal elements from continent to ocean.

A scanning electron microscope study on the gallbladder mucosa in chronic cholecystitis

Three kinds of chronic cholecystifis were investigated with SEM.The results showed thatin the mild chronic cholecystitis,pathological changes represented mainly the collapse on the surfaceof the mucosa and the separation of the columnar cells;while in the moderate ones,erosivechanges on the surface of the epithelium were revealed and in the severe chronic cholecystitis,patchy desquamation of the columnar cells occurred as a result,the lamina propria and thefibro-connective tissue under lamina propria were exposed.In all the three types of the cholecysfitis,mucoid droplets and cholesterol crystals could be seen on the surface of the epithelium.Differentnumbers of lymphocytes were found in the lamina propria.

Scanning Electron Acoustic Microscopy of GaInAsSb by Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition

Scanning electron acoustic microscopy (SEAM) is a new technique for imasing and characterization ofthermal, elastic and pyroelectric property variations on a microscale resolution. The signal generation mechanisms and the application of scanning electron acoustic microscopy in GalnAsSb alloy grown by MOCVD wereinvestigated. Defects below the surface of GalnAsSb alloy were found by SEAM images and cathodelumi-nescence. The results show that electronacoustic imaging has its own features over secondary electron imag-ing.

THE GROWTH OF MONOCRYSTALLINE SILICON THIN FILM ON INSULATOR (SOI) BY SCANNING ELECTRON BEAM

An experiment for preparation of SOI films by using the scanning electron beam to modify the polycrystalline silicon on SiO2 is presented. This method takes on the epitaxial lateral growth of liquid phase with the crystallon to form monocrystalline silicon films. The effects of the beam power density, scanning velocity, temperature of the substrates and the construction of samples on the quality of the monocrystalline silicon films were discussed. A good experimental result has been obtained, the monocrystalline silicon zone is nearly 200×25μm2.

Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM) Observations of Antennal Sensilla of Chrysopa pallens Rambur(Neuroptera：Chrysopidae)

[Objectives]The paper was to provide background information for ongoing research on relationship between smell and behavior of the green lacewing Chrysopa pallens（ Rambur）（ Neuroptera： Chrysopidae）. [Methods]The submicroscopic structure of antennal sensilla of C. pallens was examined using scanning electron microscopy. [Results]Antennae of female and male C. pallens were linear in shape and（ 1. 52 ± 0. 08） and（ 1. 58 ± 0. 23） cm in length,respectively. The scape and pedicel were composed of single sub-segment,while the flagellum consisted of 116 sub-segments,on which most sensilla distributed. The flagella of female and male antennae were（ 1. 44 ± 0. 04） and（ 1. 47 ± 0. 13） cm in length,respectively. Nine morphological sensilla types were recorded in both sexes,including four types of highly abundant and widely distributed sensilla trichodea（ ST Ⅰ,ST Ⅱ,ST Ⅲ and ST Ⅳ）,three types of sensilla basiconica（ SB Ⅰ,SB Ⅱ,and SB Ⅲ）,and one of each type of sensilla chaetica and B9 hm bristles. Although the shape,structure,numbers,and distribution of antennae of females and males were basically similar,major differences were recorded between the sexes in the length of some sensilla types. Both the ST Ⅲ and SB Ⅰ in female adults were significantly longer than that in male ones. Notably,SB Ⅱ was found only in female. [Conclusions]The paper laid a foundation for revealing the relationship between smell and behavior,playing a crucial role in promoting the important biological control effect of C. pallens in farmland ecological system.

Scanning Electron Microscopic Observation on Morphologic Characteristics of Sperms in Uremic Patients

To observe the morphologic characteristics of spermatozoon ultramicroscopic structure in uremic subjects.Method Semen sample from lO patients with uremia and 5 healthy men were observed under light microscope and scanning electronic microscope.Results Abnormalities were found in sperms of uremic patients either in the sperm head （acrosome, acrosomic deficit, nuclear abnormality, pointed head, headless and double head of spermatozoon）, neck （rupture, separation and enlargement）, or tail （mitochondrial swelling, mitochondrial deficit, tailless, double tail, short tail and curled tail）; whereas none of the above-mentioned abnormalities was observed in healthy men. Conclusion Sperms of uremic patients had many morphologic and structural abnormalities in the head, neck and tail.

Investigation on gradient material fabrication with electron beam melting based on scanning track control

A new electron beam control system was developed in a general vacuum electron beam machine by assembling with industrial control computer, programmable logic control （PLC）, deflection coil, data acquisition card, power amplifier, etc. In this control system, scanning track and energy distribution of electron beam could be edited off-line, real-time adjusted and controlled on-line. Ti-Mo gradient material （GM） with high temperature resistant was fabricated using the technology of electron beam melting. The melting processes include three steps, such as preheating, melting, and homogenizing. The results show that the GM prepared by melting technology has fine appearance, and it has good integrated interface with the Ti alloy. Mo and Ti elements are gradually distributed in the inter.face of the gradient material. The microstructure close to the Ti alloy base metal is α ＋ β basket-waver grain, and the microstructure close to the GM is a single phase of β solid solution.