Sialoliths from parotid and submaxillar glands have been characterized. Fractured and polished surfaces revealed an intrinsic structural diversity across the calculi sections. In general, the calculi presented highly mineralized amorphous-looking cores surrounded by concentric alternating mineralized and organic layers. The thickness of these layers decreased from the outer regions toward the center of the sialolith, illustrating a sequence of growth stages. Nevertheless, a significant variability could be detected among the specimens. In some cases, the calculi displayed multiple cores and lacked concentric laminated structures. In other instances, the specimens exhibited extensive regions of globular structures. In these cases, the globule diameter decreased across the radius toward the center of the sialoliths, and the globular structures tended to reorganize, forming bright and dark laminated layers surrounding the core. The participation of globular structures in the layer formation process points to morphogenetic mechanisms not previously described.

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2007 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA, August 5 – August 9, 2007

Following is a list of microscopy-related meetings and courses.

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2007 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA, August 5 – August 9, 2007

Executive Program Group.

Committee members and session chairs.

Fluorochrome marking of the gastropod Concholepas concholepas has shown that the prismatic units of the shell are built by superimposition of isochronic growth layers of about 2 μm. Fluorescent growth marks make it possible to establish the high periodicity of the cyclic biomineralization process at a standard growth rhythm of about 45 layers a day. Sulphated polysaccharides have been identified within the growth layers by using synchrotron radiation, whereas high resolution mapping enables the banding pattern of the mineral phase to be correlated with the layered distribution of polysaccharides. Atomic force microscopy has shown that the layers are made of nanograins densely packed in an organic component.

Extended abstract of a paper presented at MC 2007, 33rd DGE Conference in Saarbrücken, Germany, September 2 – September 7, 2007

Following is a list of microscopy-related meetings and courses. The editors would greatly appreciate input to this list via the electronic submission form found in the MSA World-Wide Web page at http://www.msa.microscopy.com. We will gladly add hypertext links to the notice on the web and insert a listing of the meeting in the next issue of the Journal. Send comments and questions to Nestor Zaluzec, [email protected].

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2007 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA, August 5 – August 9, 2007

Welcome from the Local Arrangements Committee.

Welcome from the Technologists' Forum.

Technologists' Forum.

Extended abstract of a paper presented at MC 2007, 33rd DGE Conference in Saarbrücken, Germany, September 2 – September 7, 2007

The Microscopy and Microanalysis meeting this year is being hosted by the Microscopy Society of America, the Microbeam Analysis Society, and the International Metallographic Society. On behalf of our respective societies we welcome you to Fort Lauderdale. Known as the Venice of America for its extensive system of waterways and canals, Ft. Lauderdale is a thriving near-tropical paradise with miles of beaches and world-class fishing and diving. We think you will find Fort Lauderdale an excellent venue for an excellent technical meeting. The Local Arrangements Committee, headed by Ron and Dale Anderson, has done an excellent job preparing for your arrival so that you can enjoy the meeting and the beautiful surroundings.

Extended abstract of a paper presented at MC 2007, 33rd DGE Conference in Saarbrücken, Germany, September 2 – September 7, 2007

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2007 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA, August 5 – August 9, 2007

Extended abstract of a paper presented at MC 2007, 33rd DGE Conference in Saarbrücken, Germany, September 2 – September 7, 2007

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2007 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA, August 5 – August 9, 2007

Message from the President.

MSA calendar of events.

Council members.

MSA appointed officers.

MSA sustaining members.

MSA awards.

Extended abstract of a paper presented at MC 2007, 33rd DGE Conference in Saarbrücken, Germany, September 2 – September 7, 2007

Message from the President.

MAS calendar of events.

MAS Council officers 2007.

MAS past presidents.

MAS sustaining members.

2007 awards.

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2007 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA, August 5 – August 9, 2007