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This article informs that thirteen fossil Erica-type seeds extracted by D.G. Wilson from samples collected from the Cromer Forest Bed Series at Pakefield, Suffolk, and Beeston, Norfolk, were examined in the Cambridge Stereoscan Mark II scanning electron microscope at the New University of Ulster. Of the thirteen fossil seeds examined under S.E.M. five were assigned with varying degree of certainty to Erica lusitanica. They could be distinguished from Bruckenthalia spiculifolia on the basis of the characteristics already noted. One seed was tentatively identified with Erica tetralix L., though poor preservation made confirmation impossible. All but one of the remainder were too poorly preserved to permit confident identification.

Unpollinated, cross-pollinated and self-pollinated stigmas of Brussels sprouts and kale were examined in a scanning electron microscope as fresh uncoated specimens. The stigmatic papillae are closely appressed in young stigmas, but are held apart in the mature stigma by the swollen bases of the papilla cells. Some self-pollen tubes show obvious signs of inhibition by being very short, or by coiling over the surface of the papilla without penetrating it. Other self-pollen tubes appear to behave like cross-pollen tubes by producing tubes which penetrate papillae directly. The implications of these observations for the identification of the site of the incompatibility reaction are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphology of the inner and outer surfaces of cuticular membranes of mono- and dicotyledonous leaves and fruits was studied with the scanning electron microscope. Variations in surface structure are related to differences in thickness and composition of the membranes. Delicate leaf membranes have fine ridges and simple stomata, well-developed membranes, thick V-shaped ridges and heavily cutinized stomata. Fruit membranes show deep ridges and extensive secondary cutinization. The most heavily cutinized structures occur in membranes which yield high proportions of 10, 16-dihydroxyhexadecanoic or 9,10,18-trihydroxyoctadecanoic acid which suggests that the membrane thickness and the complexity of the structural features are associated with the degree of hydroxylation of the constituent cutin acids. The relationship between the structure and composition of the cuticular membrane and the type and growth habit of the plant is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One type of eccrine anidrosis, that caused by occlusion of the sweat pore at or near the skin surface, was studied using the scanning electron microscope. In contrast to the normal, patent eccrine ostium, seemingly amorphous, non-cellular, intraluminal material plugs the superficial pore in formalin-produced anidrosis. Interference with sweat delivery in psoriasis, also due to high-level blockage of the duct, appears to result from obstruction by abnormal cellular scale associated with the disease process. Unlike earlier investigative work, which relied primarily on indirect evidence, the scanning electron microscope allows more detailed observation of the detect which causes the sweat disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have used the scanning electron microscope to investigate the changes that occur in scalp hair during infection with Trichophyton violaceum. We provide information on the morphology of these dermatophytes and present evidence that their hyphae dig tunnel-like burrows into the hair shaft, dissociating hair into keratin fibrils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents technical abstracts and notes related to police science. The article "Forensic Applications of the Scanning Electron Microscope," by I. Covin and O. Jahari, presents the proceedings of a forensic workshop held in May, 1971. The article " The Status of Polygraph Legislation of the Fifty States," by Clarence H.A. Romig, discusses the history of the polygraph, the physiological and psychological aspects involved, and the legal status of the polygraph in the United States; part two of this paper continues with the various uses being discussed and concludes by presenting both sides of the argument over the use of the polygraph. The concluding segment covers legislation affecting the use of the polygraph including licensing legislation in eleven states. The series is concluded with a model set of minimum standards for operator certification and regulation. The article " Ubiquitous Reds: A Local Perspective on Secobarbital Abuse," by Bryan S. Finkle, discusses the social background and results of a study and evaluation of secobarbital abuse in Santa Clara County, California. The study also reports the results of analytical analysis showing great variations of the secobarbital content of capsules and also shows that the blood levels are significantly in excess of therapeutic levels which is a possible explanation for a rapid use in secobarbital fatalities among young people and the drug involvement in road traffic accidents.

Hair identification is a complex and important problem in view of forensic investigation. It entails many tests and uncertainties still exist in drawing final conclusions to determine whether a single hair is identifiable from a certain individual. The Scanning Electron Microscope alone may not be able to cause final conclusions to be drawn, however, with further tests and comparative studies, this type of study certainly will eventually lead to a more positive identification of hairs, since it definitely shows improvement over the optical means of identification regarding structural, surface morphology, coupled with other scientific data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses observations of the external anatomy of oribatid mites through the scanning electron microscope (SEM). It observed that these mites have infracapitulum extended legs that bent beneath the body of the lamella and the pteromorph. It showed a dorsal view of their gnathosoma and rostrum, and their rostral hairs are inserted near the distal tips of their tutorium on each side. It has also demonstrated the internal ridges and the slightly tuberculated surface of the mites' bothridial cavity. It seems that SEM will become an instrument for the disclosure of many remarkable features of the external and internal structure of many organisms.

Following positive identification by the usual cytogenetic means of a newborn girl with a triploid chromosome complement (69.XXX), a sample of hair was analyzed with the scanning electron microscope. The results of the observation on triploid human hair were compared to data gathered from the hair of normal newborn boys and girls. Significant differences were found between triploid and diploid hairs in mean width, mean width between the free edges of the cuticular scales, and average number of cuticular scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article about scanning electron microscope, which appeared in the December 1, 1970 issue.