Measurement of Lα, Lβ and Total L X-ray fluorescence cross-sections for some elements with 40≤Z≤53

Lα, Lβ and total L X-ray fluorescence (XRF) cross-sections have been measured for the nine elements (Zr, Nb, Mo, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb and I) using photon energy 5.96 keV. In these the elements, Lα and Lβ spectra were derived from the measured L-shell spectra by fitting process. Experimental results of Lα, Lβ and total L X-ray fluorescence cross-sections have been compared with theoretical results. The experimental results of L XRF cross-section are found to be in agreement with the theoretical values.     

Measurement of L subshell fluorescence yields of some elements in the atomic range 75⩽Z⩽92 using photoionization

L subshell fluorescence yields (ω₁, ω₂ and ω₃) for the elements Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Hg, Tl, Pb, Bi, Th and U have been measured at the 123.6 keV γ-ray emission excitation energy from a ⁵⁷Co annular radioactive source (925 MBq) using a Si(Li) detector. The measured L subshell fluorescence yields were compared with the theoretical and semi-empirical values.     

L X-ray intensity ratios of some elements in the region of 56≤Z≤83

L X-ray intensity ratios of Ba, La, Ce, Gd, Er, Yb, Ta, Au, Hg, Pb, Bi have been measured. The L shell elctrons are excited by 59.5 keV gamma-rays from ²⁴¹ Am and the L X-rays from samples are measured with a Si(Li) detector. The experimental values are compared with the theoretical values of the pure elements.     

Metal-enhanced fluorescence of nano-core–shell structure used for sensitive detection of prion protein with a dual-aptamer strategy

Metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) as a newly recognized technology is widespread throughout biological research. The use of fluorophore–metal interactions is recognized to be able to alleviate some of fluorophore photophysical constraints, favorably increase both the fluorophore emission intensity and photostability. In this contribution, we developed a novel metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) and dual-aptamer-based strategy to achieve the prion detection in solution and intracellular protein imaging simultaneously, which shows high promise for nanostructure-based biosensing. In the presence of prion protein, core–shell Ag@SiO₂, which are functionalized covalently by single stranded aptamer (Apt1) of prions and Cyanine 3 (Cy3) decorated the other aptamer (Apt2) were coupled together by the specific interaction between prions and the anti-prion aptamers in solution. By adjusting shell thickness of the pariticles, a dual-aptamer strategy combined MEF can be realized by the excitation and/or emission rates of Cy3. It was found that the enhanced fluorescence intensities followed a linear relationship in the range of 0.05–0.30 nM, which is successfully applied to the detection of PrP in mice brain homogenates.     

Energy dependence of photon-induced Kα and Kβ x-ray production cross-sections for some elements with 38≤Z≤51 in the energy range 20–50 keV

The energy dependence of photon-induced Kα and Kβ x-ray production (or x-ray fluorescence) cross-sections for Sr, Y, Mo, Ru, Pd, Ag, In and Sb elements has been studied in the energy range of 20–50 keV using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) Spectrometry. The photon energy dependence of K x-ray production cross-sections was measured with secondary excitation method. A radioisotope point source of ²⁴¹Am was employed to excite the K x-rays of secondary exciter elements. The L x-ray yields from Th and U were measured to determine I_oG (the intensity of exciter K x-rays falling on primary target). The measurements have been made by observing the x-ray emissions with the help of HPGe detector coupled with a multichannel analyzer. The areas of the Kα and Kβ spectral peaks, as well as the net peak areas, have been determined by a fitting process. The measured Kα and Kβ x-ray production cross-sections have been compared with calculated theoretical values in this energy regime. The present experimental results for all the elements were in general agreement with the theoretical values calculated using photoionization cross-sections, fractional rates (based on Hartree–Slater potentials) and fluorescence yields.     

Electron Excited M X-Ray Spectra of the Elements 55≤Z≤58

The M emission spectra of the elements 55 Cs, 56 Ba, 57 La, and 58 Ce were measured using wavelength dispersive X-ray spectrometry with a TAP crystal as the dispersing element. In total, 34M lines were observed, of which only 13 are contained in the compilation of Bearden. M and M of 56 Ba are among the new lines. They have their origin in a similar process to one that is known for 57 La. The interpretation of these spectra is complicated by the strong overlap of some emission lines with the M_IV,V absorption structures, which may lead to anomalous self-absorption effects. Therefore, we have concentrated on spectra taken at a low energy of the exciting electrons, E₀=2.5keV. However, in order to illustrate the anomalous self-absorption effects parts of the 2.5keV spectra, of Ba and La, are shown in comparison with the 10keV spectra.     

Lι, Lα, Lβ and Lγ X-ray fluorescence cross-sections of heavy elements for the exciting photons energy 38.18, 43.95, 50.21 and 59.5 keV

The cross-sections for the production of L_ι, L_α, L_β and L_γ X-ray fluorescence (XRF) in Er, Ta, W, Au, Hg, Tl, Pb and Bi by photons with energies in the range 38–59.5 keV have been measured, using a standard doublereflection experimental set-up. Measurements have been performed using an annular 241 Am primary source and X-ray emitting secondary-exciter system. Experimental cross-sections have been compared with the theoretically calculated values of L X-ray cross-sections and fairly good agreement is observed between the experimental and theoretical values.     

Ab initio Calculation and Kinetic Study for the Abstraction Reaction of H with Sihcl3

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K shell,L shell–subshell and M shell–subshell photoeffect cross-sections in elements between Tb (Z=65) and U (Z=92) at 123.6 keV

In this paper, we report on measurements of K shell, L shell–subshell and M shell–subshell photoeffect cross-sections for 21 high-atomic-number elements between Tb (Z=65) and U (Z=92) at 123.6 keV. These photoeffect cross-sections have been measured by using our earlier measurements of the K-shell X-ray production cross-sections. The measured photoeffect cross-sections have been compared with calculated theoretical values. It is clear that the results compare well with theoretical values within an experimental average error. At 123.6 keV, these cross-sections have been measured for the first time. The results have been plotted versus atomic number.     

Amplified fluorescence aptamer-based sensors using exonuclease III for the regeneration of the analyte

Quick and easy detection: The Exo?III-stimulated regeneration of the analyte by the digestion of supramolecular aptamer-analyte complexes provides a means to develop amplified optical aptasensors (see figure).     

K β /K α X-ray intensity ratio in the region of 15≤Z≤22

The X-ray intensity ratioK /K has been measured by using a 10 mCi⁵⁵Fe source (MnK X-rays) and high resolution Si(Li) detector system coupled to a computer-controlled multichannel analyzer over the range of 15Z22. Corrections have been made to the measured relative intensities (K andK X-rays) for self-absorption in the sample, air, Be-window absorption and detection efficiency. The results are compared with those of other experiments and with the Scofield calculations.     

Applications of capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence for analysis of dGMP–BPDE adduct

DNA adducts are thought to be crucial to the initiation of mutational and carcinogenic processes. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been identified as one major source of carcinogenic risk since they can bind to DNA thus forming an adduct. Quantification of this adduct is important because it may correlate to the risk for cancer development. In this study, the adduct formed between 2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-monophosphate and benzo[ a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE) was analyzed by capillary electrophoresis. Both capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) and micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MECC) modes with laser-induced fluorescence detection were used for the separation and analysis of DNA adducts. The exploration of capillary electrophoresis in several modes provided different separation mechanisms in which the stereochemical forms of the adduct could be separated. The best result obtained was using a coated fused-silica capillary in Tris-TAPS buffer, which provided high sensitivity with a detection limit of 2.5x10(-9) mol L(-1). MECC separation of the BPDE adduct, although less sensitive, provided an efficient enantioselective separation option.     

Absorption and fluorescence spectral studies of the interaction of sulpha drugs with α-cyclodextrin

The spectral characteristics of different drugs i.e. sulfanilamide, sulfanilic acid, sulfosalicylic acid dihydrate (SSAD) and sulfamethoxazole in aqueous α-cyclodextrin (CD) have been investigated at neutral pH. The formation of inclusion complexes of sulfa drugs with α-CD leads to the changes in fluorescence and absorption spectra which further enable the calculation of association constant of the bind processes by implementing the non-linear regression on the experimental data. The standard Gibbs energy ΔG was also calculated for the systems in which complex formation was observed. The α-CD study indicates that the sulpha drugs form 1:1 inclusion complex with α-CD.     

Aminophenol-based carbon dots with dual wavelength fluorescence emission for determination of heparin

We describe the preparation of carbon quantum dots (C-dots) by a one-step hydrothermal method starting from o-aminophenol as the precursor. The C-dots exhibit bright both blue fluorescence (with excitation/emission peaks at 300/410 nm and with quantum yield of 0.40) and green fluorescence (420/500 nm; QY 0.28) without any other element doping. The unique emission properties are attributed to a synergistic effect of amino and hydroxy groups on the surface of the C-dots. The C-dots are shown to be viable fluorescent probes for heparin. The positively charged surface amino groups are assumed to interact with sulfate and carboxy groups in heparin via electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding. This causes the blue fluorescence of C-dots to be turned off (quenched). Fluorescence is strongest at a pH value of 6. The fluorometric calibration plot is linear in the 10 to 100 nM concentration range, with an 8.2 nM detection limit (at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3).

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Graphical abstract Carbon quantum dots with dual fluorescence emission bands were synthesized and are shown to be a viable fluorescent probe for heparin.

     

Measurements of activation cross-sections for the 101Ru(n,p)101Tc reaction for neutrons with energies between 13 and 15 MeV

In this study, activation cross-sections were measured for the ¹⁰¹Ru(n,p)¹⁰¹Tc reaction at three different neutron energies from 13.5 to 14.8 MeV. The fast neutrons were produced via the ³H(d,n)⁴He reaction on K-400 neutron generator. Induced gamma activities were measured by a high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometer with high-purity germanium detector. Measurements were corrected for gamma-ray attenuations, random coincidence (pile-up), dead time and fluctuation of neutron flux. The data for ¹⁰¹Ru(n,p)¹⁰¹Tc reaction cross-sections are reported to be 15.7 ± 2.0, 18.4 ± 2.7 and 22.0 ± 2.4 mb at 13.5 ± 0.2, 14.1 ± 0.2, and 14.8 ± 0.2 MeV incident neutron energies, respectively. Results were compared with the previous works.     

The precipitation of the lanthanide elements complexes with hexammine cobalt(III) cation—I: The sulfate complexes of the trivalent lanthanide elements

Precipitation behaviors of the trivalent lanthanide elements from (NH₄)₂SO₄ and H₂SO₄ solutions were studied using hexammine cobalt(III) cation as the precipitant. Trivalent lanthanide elements from La to Ho precipitate as crystalline complexes of the same composition, [Co(NH₃)₆][Ln(SO₄)₃]·nH₂O. The solubility increases rapidly with increase of the atomic number after a minimum at Nd, Sm and Eu. Somewhat different behavior of Ce(III) was observed.     

Synchrotron radiation induced total reflection X-ray fluorescence of low Z elements on Si wafer surfaces at SSRL — comparison of excitation geometries and conditions

The analysis of low Z elements, like Na and Al at ultra trace levels (<10¹⁰ atoms/cm²) on Si wafer surfaces is required by the semiconductor industry. Synchrotron radiation induced total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis (SR-TXRF) is a promising method to fulfill this task, if a special energy dispersive detector with an ultra thin window is used. Synchrotron radiation is the ideal excitation source for TXRF of low Z elements due to its intense, naturally collimated and linearly polarized radiation with a wide spectral range down to low energies even below 1 keV. TXRF offers some advantages for wafer surface analysis such as non-destructive analysis and mapping capabilities. Experiments have been performed at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lab (SSRL) using Beamline 3-4 (BL 3-4), a bending magnet beamline using white (<3 keV) and monochromatic radiation, as well as Beamline 3-3 (BL 3-3), using a crystal monochromator as well as a multilayer monochromator. A comparison of excitation–detection geometry was performed, using a side-looking detector with a vertically positioned wafer as well as a down-looking detector with a horizontally arranged wafer. The advantages and disadvantages of the various geometrical and excitation conditions are presented and the results compared. Detection limits are in the 100-fg range for Na, as determined with droplet samples on Si wafer surfaces.     

Synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis on AP1™ films applied to the analysis of trace elements in metal alloys for the construction of nuclear reactor core components: a comparison

Synchrotron radiation induced total reflection X-ray fluorescence and conventional 45° energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis using a 150-nm-thick AP1™ film as sample carrier have been exploited for the elemental analysis of traces in alloys used for the construction of reactor core components of nuclear power plants. Both techniques are well suited for the analysis since they require a low amount of sample (μl), important on one hand because of the limited disposal and on the other hand because of its high specific activity. The methods provide a very low background due to the total reflection phenomenon in TXRF and the thin AP1™ film sample support, respectively. The employment of synchrotron radiation was necessary since there are no laboratory sources which can deliver a collimated beam of the energy and intensity needed to excite the K-shell of the rare earth elements, allowing the achievement of minimum detection limits relevant for the proposed purpose (ng/g range). Moreover, the linear polarization of synchrotron radiation combined with a side-looking detection geometry manages to reduce the scattering due to the remaining matrix of the analyzed samples. Detection limits for Nb and for some of the rare earth elements (pg range for absolute detection limits and ng–μg/g range for concentration detection limits) obtained with the two techniques are presented and the two approaches are compared.