• Applied Microscopy
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.184-187
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• 2016

Neuronal connectivity determines brain function. Therefore, understanding the full map of brain connectivity with functional annotations is one of the most desirable but challenging tasks in science. Current methods to achieve this goal are limited by the resolution of imaging tools and the field of view. Macroscale imaging tools (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tensor images, and positron emission tomography) are suitable for large-volume analysis, and the resolution of these methodologies is being improved by developing hardware and software systems. Microscale tools (e.g., serial electron microscopy and array tomography), on the other hand, are evolving to efficiently stack small volumes to expand the dimension of analysis. The advent of mesoscale tools (e.g., tissue clearing and single plane ilumination microscopy super-resolution imaging) has greatly contributed to filling in the gaps between macroscale and microscale data. To achieve anatomical maps with gene expression and neural connection tags as multimodal information hubs, much work on information analysis and processing is yet required. Once images are obtained, digitized, and cumulated, these large amounts of information should be analyzed with information processing tools. With this in mind, post-imaging processing with the aid of many advanced information processing tools (e.g., artificial intelligence-based image processing) is set to explode in the near future, and with that, anatomic problems will be transformed into informatics problems.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.171-175
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• 2017

Negative staining has been traditionally used for exosome imaging; however, the technique is limited to surface topology only and can cause staining artifacts. Therefore, to analyze the internal structure of exosomes, we employed a method of block preparation, thin sectioning, and electron tomography. In addition, an automatic serial sectioning technique with 15-nm thickness through focused ion beam was employed to observe the three-dimensional structure of exosomes of various sizes. Cryo-transmission electron microscopy revealed the near-to-native structure of exosomes.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2018

Cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) allows us to perform structural analysis of a analyses of large protein complexes, which are difficult to analyze using X-ray crystallography or nuclear magnetic resonance. The most common examples of proteins used are ribosomes and proteasomes. In this paper, we briefly describe the advantage of cryo-TEM and the process of two-dimensional classification by considering a human proteasome as an example.

• Journal of Powder Materials
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.285-291
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• 2017

We propose a custom analysis technique for the dark field (DF) image based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The custom analysis technique is developed based on the $DigitalMicrograph^{(R)}$ (DM) script language embedded in the Gatan digital microscopy software, which is used as the operational software for most TEM instruments. The developed software automatically scans an electron beam across a TEM sample and records a series of electron diffraction patterns. The recorded electron diffraction patterns provide DF and ADF images based on digital image processing. An experimental electron diffraction pattern is recorded from a IrMn polycrystal consisting of fine nanograins in order to test the proposed software. We demonstrate that the developed image processing technique well resolves nanograins of ~ 5 nm in diameter.

• Ceramist
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.368-380
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• 2019

A ceramic is used as a key material in various fields. Accordingly, the use of scanning electron microscopy is increased for the purpose of evaluating the reliability and defects of advanced ceramic materials. The scanning electron microscope is developed to overcome the limitations of optical microscopy and uses accelerated electrons for imaging. Various signals such as SE, BSE and characteristic X-rays provide useful information about the surface microstructure of specimens and, the content and distribution of chemical components. The development of electron guns, such as FEG, and the improved lens system combined with the advanced in-lens detectors and STEM-in-SEM system have expanded the applications of SEM. Automated SEM-EDS analysis also greatly increases the amount of data, enabling more statistically reliable results. In addition, X-ray CT, XRF, and WDS, which are installed in scanning electron microscope, have transformed SEM a more versatile analytical equipment. The performance and specifications of the scanning electron microscope to evaluate ceramics were reviewed and the selection criteria for SEM analysis were described.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.50
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• pp.19.1-19.9
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• 2020

Deformation twinning, one of the major deformation modes in a crystalline material, has typically been analyzed using generalized planar fault energy (GPFE) curves. Despite the significance of these curves in understanding the twin nucleation and its effect on the mechanical properties of crystals, their experimental validity is lacking. In this comparative study based on the first-principles calculation, molecular dynamics simulation, and quantitative in-situ tensile testing of Al nanowires inside a transmission electron microscopy system, we present both a theoretical and an experimental approach that enable the measurement of a part of the twin formation energy of the perfect Al crystal. The proposed experimental method is also regarded as an indirect but quantitative means for validating the GPFE theory.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.49
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• pp.4.1-4.2
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• 2019

We applied the advanced bitmap-assisted patterning function of focused ion beam to fabricate microscale sculpture of the 'BangTanSoNyeonDan' known as BTS members, the world-wide famous K-pop boyband. With the help of an electron microscope, you can carve your idols on your accessories at micro scale. Fun applications of electron microscopes are not limited to science.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.52
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• pp.1.1-1.8
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• 2022

As semiconductor device architecture develops, from planar field-effect transistors (FET) to FinFET and gate-all-around (GAA), there is an increased need to measure 3D structure sidewalls precisely. Here, we present a 3-Dimensional Atomic Force Microscope (3D-AFM), a powerful 3D metrology tool to measure the sidewall roughness (SWR) of vertical and undercut structures. First, we measured three different dies repeatedly to calculate reproducibility in die level. Reproducible results were derived with a relative standard deviation under 2%. Second, we measured 13 different dies, including the center and edge of the wafer, to analyze SWR distribution in wafer level and reliable results were measured. All analysis was performed using a novel algorithm, including auto fattening, sidewall detection, and SWR calculation. In addition, SWR automatic analysis software was implemented to reduce analysis time and to provide standard analysis. The results suggest that our 3D-AFM, based on the tilted Z scanner, will enable an advanced methodology for automated 3D measurement and analysis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.83 no.1
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• pp.89-95
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• 2020

Background: Same-day sputum microcopy is recommended in areas where sputum smear microscopy external quality assessment (EQA) is effectively implemented and sturdy. In Addis Ababa, the status of EQA and drop-out of same-day sputum smear microcopy has not yet been assessed. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of same-day sputum smear microscopy and diagnostic drop-out of presumptive tuberculosis (TB) patients in health facilities (HFs) across Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: Amulti-analysis was conducted from September 2016 to July 2017 to determine the status of external quality assessment and diagnostic drop-out of presumptive TB patients registered for same-day sputum smear microscopy. Data was coded and entered in Microsoft Excel, and subsequently transferred and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: The drop-out of same-day sputum smear microscopy was 209 (6.2%). More than 33% of the specimens collected for purposes of same-day sputum smears were of poor quality. Among the selected HFs for the study: 13 (46.4%) used filter reagents prior to sputum smear staining while 75% of the selected HFs for the study used smear microscopy services interruption in a year. The sensitivity and specificity of the HFs participating in regional quality assessment scheme for the diagnosis of TB was 97.4% and 99.6%, respectively. Conclusion: The diagnostic drop-out of same-day sputum smear microscopy was high in Addis Ababa. Strengthening EQA, competency-based laboratory professionals training on sputum smear microscopy might reduce the reading errors in sputum smear. Awareness creation of the community on the benefits gained from completion of specimen provision for the same-day approach decreases diagnostic drop-out and enhances TB control program.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.244-247
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• 2018

Quantitative analysis for non-host infection bacteriophage was conducted for their enumeration. Flow cytometry and epifluorescence microscopy (EPM) were selected as counting methods. Correlation analysis was performed based on the plaque assay method on the existing host infection and consisted of Pearson correlation statistical analysis, regression analysis, and difference analysis. Analyses of 12 samples with flow cytometry and plaque assay methods showed that there was a correlation of 96.7% with Pearson correlation value r=0.967, $R^2$ 0.9352, and difference value of 1.063. Analyses of 12 samples with EPM and plaque assay methods showed that there was a correlation of 99.0% with Pearson correlation value r=0.990, $R^2$ 0.9811, and difference value of 1.605. Therefore, flow cytometry and epifluorescence microscopy would be effective for enumeration of Weissella cibaria bacteriophage with plaque assay.