Direct determination of mineral nutrients in soybean leaves under vivo conditions by portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy

A portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer furnished with an Rh X-ray tube was evaluated for the determination of macronutrients and micronutrients in soybean leaves (Glycine max L.). XRF instrumental parameters were optimized in a univariate way, and emission intensities were measured for 60 s and under vacuum for macronutrients, and during 180 s, under air, and 305 μm Al/25.4 μm Ti filter, for micronutrients. Fresh and dried leaves were irradiated, and it was possible to identify P, K, Ca, S, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn Kα emission lines. For comparative purpose, the samples were also microwave assisted, digested and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. In general, linear correlations between K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn concentrations in the tested samples and the corresponding portable XRF (pXRF) intensities were obtained. The linear correlation coefficients (R²) ranged from 0.42 to 0.86. In addition, the detection limits were suitable for plant nutrient diagnosis. It is demonstrated that pXRF is a simple and powerful tool for analysis of plant materials.     

Certification of NIST SRM 2569 Lead Paint Films for Children's Products

SRM 2569 Lead Paint Films for Children's Products is a new Standard Reference Material (SRM) developed for use primarily with X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) instrumentation. It consists of three paint coatings, with nominally 0, 90, and 300 mg/kg of Pb added, on polyester substrates. The levels of Pb are appropriate for use when validating test methods intended for testing product compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. The Pb mass fraction, mass Pb per unit area, paint density, and paint thickness are all characterized to make these materials useful to users of different XRF instrumentation. These parameters are consistent with one another and can be used to demonstrate mathematical conversions between units of mass fraction and mass per unit area. The assigned values for these parameters were obtained through direct determinations using instrumental methods and via calculations using measured values for paint ingredients, paint composition, and physical properties. The paints are highly homogeneous among units, although within units, some localized areas enriched in Pb can be observed using microbeam XRF instrumentation. For this reason, SRM 2569 is not recommended for use with measured areas smaller than 1 mm diameter. The development of SRM 2569 is a good case study for the use of multiple, interrelated parameters and test methods to demonstrate the comparability of values derived from a variety of measurement processes. Published 2012. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.     

Analytical Study of Raw Materials of Zinc Oxide Used for Enamels on Industrial Ceramics: Quantitative Analysis of Zinc,Lead, and Sulfur in These Samples by X‐ray Fluorescence and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

An analytical study is carried out to optimize X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) and flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) quantitative analysis of Zn, Pb, and S in ZnO samples commonly used to obtain industrial ceramic enamels. Pb and S in the raw materials often contaminate ZnO and are very detrimental in industrial applications. Thus, very accurate analytical determination of these elements in ceramic samples is extremely important. First of all, a mineralogical study by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) on the different components in these raw materials and the materials produced during the firing process is performed in order to establish the mineral forms in a reference sample for analysis by XRF spectrometry. The working conditions are optimized for XRF multielemental analysis, using the sample in the form of pellets, due to high loss on ignition (LOI) values. The preparation of suitable standards and working conditions for FAAS analysis have also been optimized. The content of these elements was determined by FAAS for the reference sample and several samples for industrial use, and the results were compared with those obtained by XRF. Comparison of the results obtained from XRF and FAAS analysis of Pb and Zn show more accurate values for FAAS. For ZnO, an accuracy of 0.11% with ±0.1% precision by FAAS and 0.46% accuracy with ±0.2% precision by XRF are found. For PbO, 1.06% accuracy and ±0.06% precision using FAAS and 5.6% accuracy and ±0.35% precision by XRF were found. For SO₃ determined only by XRF, accuracy was 4.76% with ±0.25% precision. These values are highly satisfactory given that these two elements are only found in small proportions.     

Recent Advances in Graphene Quantum Dots for Fluorescence Bioimaging from Cells through Tissues to Animals

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have attracted tremendous attention in recent years. In this review, the recent developments are summarized in the synthesis, edge functionalization, and cyctotoxicity of GQDs, followed by presenting a focused overview on their current applications for in vitro fluorescence imaging in cells and tissues as well as in vivo macroscopic and microscopic imaging in animals. Challenges and opportunities in the development of GQDs for bioimaging are also discussed.     

Resonant Laser Excitation/Ionization and Mass Spectrometry in Isotope Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry

SCOPE OF REVIEW

This paper reviews the coupling of resonant laser ionization and laserexcited fluorescence with mass spectrometry to make difficult isotopic-ratio measurements. To keep this review focused and manageable in size, it covers only metal and noble-gas isotopic analyses that find applications in isotope geochemistry and cosmochemisty. Many research groups are applying lasers and mass spectrometry to atomic, molecular, and isotopic analyses that address problems in nuclear physics [1], materials science [2-4], biology [5,6], environmental science, and other areas of geochemistry and cosmochemistry [7,8]. Several previous reviews and monographs cover the basic principles and instrumentation of resonant laser processes and mass spectrometry in more breadth [9-12]. The latest Analytical Chemistry Fundamental Reviews [13] and the published proceedings of the biannual International Symposium on Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy and Its Applications provide updates of other recent work [8]. This review does not comprehensively encompass the use of lasers for analyte sampling by desoxption, ablation, sputtering, or melting. Several other specific reviews discuss laser sampling in elemental [14,15] and stable-isotope analyses [16,17]. This review does include applications in which pulsed ion sputtering and laser desoxption atomize analytes for ionization by resonance ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS). This review also does not include isotopic-analytical methcds that use solely optical spectroscopy. The continuing development of laser and plasma technology is leading to promising spectroscopic-only methods for stable-isotope analysis [18-21].     

Noise properties of multi-combination information in x-ray grating-based phase-contrast imaging

Grating-based x-ray phase contrast imaging has attracted increasing interest in recent decades as multimodal and laboratory source usable method. Specific efforts have been focused on establishing a new extraction method to perform practical applications. In this work, noise properties of multi-combination information of newly established information extraction method, so-called angular signal radiography method, are investigated to provide guidelines for targeted and specific applications. The results show that how multi-combination of images can be used in targeted practical applications to obtain a high-quality image in terms of signal-to-noise ratio. Our conclusions can also hold true for upcoming targeted practical applications such as biomedical imaging, non-destructive imaging, and materials science.     

中国原子光谱发展近况概述

原子光谱技术作为现代分析检测技术中的一个重要组成部分,在分析领域中占据着举足轻重的地位,而其发展也反映了分析技术的不断改革与创新。综述了中国原子光谱技术近15年来(2000年—2014年)的研究与应用进展。内容涉及原子光谱的多个分支领域,包括原子发射光谱(atomic emission spectrometry,AES),原子吸收光谱(atomic absorption spectrometry,AAS),原子荧光光谱(atomic fluorescence spectrometry,AFS),X射线荧光光谱(X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, XRF)以及原子质谱(atomic mass spectrometry,AMS)五种原子光谱技术,重点关注各技术在检测方法上的创新及其在环境样品、生物样品、食品饮料以及地质材料等相关领域中的应用,并对原子光谱分析中利用到的各种联用技术进行了简要介绍。最后展望了今后我国原子光谱技术的发展方向。     

Special features of the safety and control systems of theDhruva reactor

The prime requirement of reactor safety combined with the need for high availability of nuclear plants have, in recent years, led to considerable research and development efforts at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in the field of reactor safety and control engineering. The areas of special interest have been the development of a fast acting emergency shutdown system, on-line fault detection facility for the reactor protection circuits, enhanced instrumentation capability for measurement of critical plant parameters and computerised systems for plant protection, control, performance evaluation, disturbance analysis, and data acquisition and display with particular attention to the problem of manmachine interface. Some of these recent concepts have been incorporated in safety and control systems of theDhruva reactor which is at present undergoing commissioning trials at Trombay. The special features of these systems are highlighted in the paper. The safety strategy adopted for the reactor and the consequent development of special safety systems are described in detail. The choice of the reactor control scheme and the methodology followed in the design of the automatic power control system are indicated. Campbell instrumentation for measurement of neutron flux or in other words reactor power, extensive use of microprocessors in safety related instrumentation and an improved man-machine interface through suitable design of control room have helped in achieving a high degree of reactor safety. The salient features of these systems are also included.     

Chromium localization in plant tissues of Lycopersicum esculentum Mill using ICP-MS and ion microscopy (SIMS)

High-resolution imaging secondary ion mass spectrometry (HRI-SIMS) in combination with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were utilised to determine specific sites of chromium concentration in tomato plant tissues (roots, stems and leaves). The tissues were obtained from plants grown for 2 months in hydroponic conditions with Cr added in a form chromium salt (CrCl₃·6H₂O) to concentrations of 25 and 50 mg/L. The chemical fixation procedure used permit to localize only insoluble or strongly bound Cr components in tomato plant tissue. In this work no quantitative SIMS analysis was made. HRI-SIMS analysis revealed that the transport of chromium is restricted to the vascular system of roots, stems and leaves. No Cr was detected in epidermis, palisade parenchyma and spongy parenchyma cells of the leaves. The SIMS-300 spectra obtained from the tissues confirm the HRI-SIMS observations. The roots, and especially walls of xylem vessels, were determined as the principal site of chromium accumulation in tomato plants.     

Thickness determination of gold layer on pre‐Columbian objects and a gilding frame,combining pXRF and PLS regression

In conservation, restoration and characterization studies of art and archaeological objects, the improvement of analytical techniques is a tendency. X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) is a versatile technique, and it has been widely used in the last decades for characterization of a great variety of materials (metals, glass, paints, inks, ceramics, etc.) applied to cultural heritage studies. Besides the chemical composition, it is possible to infer the layer thickness through XRF, enabling a general knowledge of the manufacturing techniques implemented by the culture of origin, as well as the association with the technological level reached for the production of each kind of artefact. The aim of this study is to introduce an alternative way for gold thickness determination of coatings in cultural heritage objects, combining portable XRF data and partial least square regression. As a case of study, we present the use of this methodology in portable XRF measurements performed in situ on a gilding frame in Brazil and in two pre‐Columbian artefacts from Chavin culture in Peru. Gold layers with thicknesses determined by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) were used as standards to perform a calibration model and to check the methodology before its application to unknown artefacts. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ion Mobility Spectrometry: Principles and Applications

Abstract

General principles are reviewed for ion mobility spectrometry including new methods for ion separation through field dependent mobilities in strong electric fields with high frequency asymmetric waveform. Additionally, recent advances in the instrumentation for the characterization of ion mobilities in air at ambient pressure are described and critically reviewed. Advances in instrumentation, understanding of principles of measurements by IMS, and the development of hyphenated technologies have resulted in an increase in the number of applications in recent years.     

A review of hyperspectral imaging for nanoscale materials research

As an emerging technology, hyperspectral imaging (HSI), which combines both advanced spectroscopy and imaging techniques, provides sufficient information for spectral and spatial analysis and is thus suitable for distribution and property investigation of nanoscale materials. Considering the applications of HSI have spread from remote sensing to quality control of macro products such as food and milk, this article reviews recent research of HSI in a new field of nanoscale materials. On the basis of fundamental parts of a HSI system, new techniques fitting specifically for nanoscale materials imaging such as dark field and Raman spectroscopy are introduced. Nanoscale materials, including metal nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes and graphene, biological components in cells and tissues, as well as multi-layer nanoscale materials, are the research hotspots utilizing HSI technology. Related research reports of the above materials are reviewed based on the physical distinction of these nanoscale materials. It is believed that HSI technology is a strongly potential technique for property investigation and manipulation of nanomaterial for various applications.     

New technical developments in magnetic resonance imaging of epilepsy

Within the last several years a number of technical developments have been made in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that can potentially impact clinical and research MR imaging applications in epilepsy. These include developments in instrumentation and in pulse sequences. Advances in instrumentation include higher capacity gradient systems and multiple receiver coils as directed to brain imaging. Advances in pulse sequence include use of fast or turbo-spin-echo techniques, variants of echo-planar imaging, and sequences such as fluid-attenuation inversion recovery (FLAIR) targeted to specific applications of brain imaging. The purpose of this paper is to review several of these developments.     

Analytical Assessments of Gallstones and Urinary Stones: A Comprehensive Review of the Development from Laser to LIBS

Abstract

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a sensitive optical technique capable of fast multi-elemental analysis of various kinds of materials (solid, liquids, and gases) and its applications are growing rapidly and continue to extend to include a broad variety of biological materials. Its application is suited particularly for urinary stones and gallstones bulk analysis and microanalysis because investigation of the spatial distribution of matrix and trace elements can help to explain their emergence and growth. Therefore, we review the application of LIBS for the analysis of different kinds of gallstones and urinary stones. In brief, we also describe the history, fundamentals, advantages, and disadvantages of LIBS and its potential for spectrochemical analysis of gallstones and kidney stones. We also emphasize the applications of different kinds of lasers in urology, particularly the laser ablation of gallstones and urinary stones and its recent progress. We also summarize and compare the analytical figures of merits of analytical techniques that are commonly used to characterize and/or analyze stones.     

Methodology for the determination of minor and trace elements in petroleum cokes by wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (WD‐XRF)

This article describes a methodology for the analysis of minor and trace elements in petroleum cokes by wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (WD‐XRF) spectrometry. The methodology was developed in order to have a rapid and reliable control method of these elements, because they determine coke end uses. There are a number of standard methods of chemical analysis by WD‐XRF or inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES) techniques. However, the standards that use WD‐XRF measurement give detection limits (L_D) above 10 mg·kg^?1 and only analyse a few elements of interest, whereas the ICP‐OES method requires extensive sample handling and long sample preparation times, with the ensuing errors. In order to improve the method described in the standard ASTM D6376 and reach the L_D and quantification limits (L_Q) required, the different stages of the process, ranging from sample preparation to measurement conditions: analytical line, detector, crystal, tube power, use of primary beam filters, and measurement time, were optimised. The samples were prepared in the form of pressed pellets, under conditions of high cleanliness of the mills, crushers, presses, and dies, and of the laboratory itself. The following reference materials were used in measurement calibration and validation: SRM 1632c, SRM 2718, SRM 2719, SRM 2685b, AR 2771, AR 2772, SARM 18, SARM 19, and CLB‐1. In addition, a series of materials were analysed by WD‐XRF and ICP‐OES, and the results were compared. The developed methodology, which uses WD‐XRF, is rapid and accurate, and very low L_D and measurement uncertainties were obtained for the following elements: Al, Ba, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ge, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, Ti, V, and Zn. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Imaging Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Mass spectrometry has been a valuable resource in science for decades. The ability to know exact masses of analytes allows for a more precise knowledge of the composition of materials. The technique has evolved to allow analysis of increasing numbers compounds in increasingly complex environments. Selected examples of biological applications of mass spectrometry imaging are discussed, in addition to a variety of tissue imaging and other medical applications. A number of inorganic applications are also described. Finally, a conclusion regarding the prospects for the future of imaging mass spectrometry completes this brief review.     

The relationship of problems in biomedical MRI to the study of porous media.

The NMR methods that are used to characterize inanimate porous media measure relaxation times and related phenomena and material transport, fluid displacement and flow. Biological tissues are comprised of multiple small, fluid-filled compartments, such as cells, that restrict the movement of the bulk solvent water and whose constituents influence water proton relaxation times via numerous interactions with macromolecular surfaces. Several of the methods and concepts that have been developed in one field of application are also of great value in the other, and it may be expected that technical developments that have been spurred by biomedical applications of MR imaging will be used in the continuing study of porous media. Some recent specific studies from our laboratory include the development of multiple quantum coherence methods for studies of ordered water in anisotropic macromolecular assemblies, studies of the degree of restriction of water diffusion in cellular systems, multiple selective inversion imaging to depict the ratios of proton pool sizes and rates of magnetization transfer between proton populations, and diffusion tensor imaging to depict tissue anisotropies. These illustrate how approaches to obtain structural information from biological media are also relevant to porous media. For example, the recent development of oscillating gradient spin echo techniques (OGSE), an approach that extends our ability to resolve apparent diffusion changes over different time scales in tissues, has also been used to compute surface to volume measurements in assemblies of pores. Each of the new methods can be adapted to provide spatially resolved quantitative measurements of properties of interest, and these can be efficiently acquired with good accuracy using fast imaging methods such as echo planar imaging. The community of NMR scientists focused on applications to porous media should remain in close communication with those who use MRI to study problems in biomedicine, to their mutual benefits.     

Advances in Electrothermal Atomization Atomic Absorption Spectrometry: Instrumentation,Methods, and Applications

Abstract

Electrothermal atomization (ETA) atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) offers high sensitivity quantitative analysis of a wide variety of samples for metals. Following an introduction to this instrumental method, recent developments in instrumentation, methods of sample preparation, and significant applications are reviewed, illustrating significant developments. The focus of this review is on the practical application of ETA‐AAS for real sample analysis.