PIXE Method Research Articles

Analiza tkiva okrog omajanih umetnih kolčnih debel iz poliacetala z uporabo nuklearnih metod

IntroductionThe influence of polyacetal wear particles on aseptic loosening of non-cemented isoelastic femoral stems with polyacetal coating remains unclear. The aim of our study was to use nuclear methods to prove the presence of polyacetal wear particles, to determine their morphology and to check their distribution in the tissues around loosend hip prosthetic components.MethodsTissue samples obtained during retrieval of 4 aseptic loosened primary hip prostheses with isoelastic stems made of polyacetal were subjected to nuclear analyses. Proton microbrobe method (mikro-PIXE) was used to prove the presence of polyacetal wear particles and to check for their morphology by detection of barium, which is molecularly in BaSO4 embedded in polyacetal. Thermal neutron activation was used to determine distribution pattern of polyacetal wear in the peri-prosthetic tissues.ResultsAgainst expectations, polyacetal wear particles were found rather rare, larger than 100 µm and present in pseudo-membrane samples around the loosened stem, but virtually absent in tissues away from their origin. Concentration of BaSO4 in polyacetal wear particles in pseudo-membrane samples was similar to the one in polyacetal coating (conc. Ba = 14217 µg/g and 14800 µg/g, respectively).ConclusionAccording to the results, the primary cause of the loosening of the isoelastic stems with polyacetal coating is most probably mechanical restlessness, which is responsible for local production of the large polyacetal wear particles responsible to accelerate the process of loosening. PIXE method and thermal neutron activation are sensitive quantitative nuclear methods suitable for direct or indirect detection of wear particles in the tissue around loosened prostheses and to determine morphology of wear particles and their distribution in the tissues.

Evaluation of elemental quantitative values of atmospheric aerosol samples by PIXE method

In order to evaluate the quantitative values of atmospheric aerosol samples collected on filters, we investigated the effects of filter collection conditions (non-uniformity of collected particles) on analytical values and compared the quantitative values by means of PIXE and ICP-MS, using as the analytical sample PM2.5 collected on filters in a monitoring survey of atmospheric fine aerosol over the Kanto area of Japan in summer 2013. The results were as follows: (i) With respect to the uniformity of filter collection, differences in concentrations were seen for S and Cl as well as elements thought to originate in soil (Al, Si, Ti and Fe) depending on the analysis point, suggesting that collection of sulfate particles, chloride particles, and soil particles on filters was not uniform. (ii) According to a comparison of quantitative values yielded by PIXE and ICP-MS, ICP-MS values were lower than PIXE values for Mg, Al, Si, Ti and Fe, with Mg and Si being markedly lower. On the other hand, ICP-MS values were higher than PIXE values for Na, K, Ca and Zn. (iii) According to the results of measurement of NIST reference material and PM2.5 samples by means of PIXE and ICP-MS, Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Ti, Fe and Zn showed the same tendency. However, Na and K were opposite.

Development of a PIXE method at high energy with the ARRONAX cyclotron

The high energy PIXE (HEPIXE) method is a multi-elemental non-destructive ion beam analysis technique. It is based on the detection of the X-ray emitted due to the interaction of high energy particle beam with a sample. This technique is fast and allows the analysis of heavy and medium elements in thin (lm), thick (mm) and multilayer samples. At the ARRONAX facility (Nantes, France), the HEPIXE method has been used to determine the composition of natural and synthetic sodalites. Photochromic properties of these samples are supposed to come from the trace elements (concentration in the ppm range) present in the samples. Taking advantage of the 70 MeV proton beam available at our facility, the HEPIXE method has been also used to study multilayer samples. It has been shown that it is possible to determine the composition of each layer, their thicknesses and their depth position by analyzing the recorded X-ray spectra.

Politico-Economic Conditions of Ilkhanid Coins from Different Mint Houses by PIXE

It has been proved that the basic changes in post-Islam coin minting have been occurred in Ilkhanid era; therefore a survey on the time coins may help us understand the changes and econopolitical situation of the era. In this research, we have applied the non-destructive PIXE method to test 32 Ilkhanid coins belonging to various rulers. The highest and the lowest silver percent's in Damghan were related to Ghazan, and Tegudar and Arghun, respectively. Regarding the conditions of the coins in Arghun era, we may conclude that he had been engaged in the area's conflicts. Most of the coins have mostly close roots, except for two cases.

Geochemistry and health burden of radionuclides and trace metals in shale samples from the North-Western Niger Delta

Organic sedimentary rock samples were collected from three Oil Wells in the North-Western Niger Delta, Nigeria in order to determine their natural radioactivity and elemental geochemistry, with the aim of determining the concentrations of major radionuclides and their radiological and environmental health implication. The PIXE method of IBA technique and an accurately calibrated Si(Li) detector system was used to measure the elemental concentration of the sediment samples. The radionuclides identified belong to the decay series of naturally occurring radionuclides headed by 238U and 232Th along with the non-decay series radionuclide, 40K. The activity concentrations of the radionuclides and their derived dose were then calculated. The average activity concentrations of 40K were 248 Bq/kg for Well A, 261 Bq/kg for Well B and 273 Bq/kg for Well C. For 232Th the activity concentrations were 1,043 Bq/kg for Well A, 1,400 Bq/kg for Well B, 1,434 Bq/kg for Well C. 238U activity concentrations were 2,210, 3,508 and 250 Bq/kg for the Oil Wells A, B, C, respectively. The equivalent dose ranges from 8.5 ± 1.1 to 24.3 ± 2.1 mSv/year with a mean of 14.5 ± 2.2 mSv/year for Oil Well A, 2.4 ± 0.1–75.0 ± 1.2 mSv/year with a mean of 21.5 ± 1.1 mSv/year for Oil Well B and 3.7 ± 0.2–10.7 ± 0.6 mSv/year with a mean of 9.4 ± 2.5 for Oil Well C. The detected trace metals were majorly V, Ni, Pb, Fe, Cr, Cu, Zn, Co and their concentrations together with those of the radionuclides are compared with the relevant world standard limits. The results obtained were high, and hence, the radioactivity level and trace element content of the sediment samples from the North-Western Niger Delta Oil province could constitute health hazard to occupationally exposed workers, and to the public if not properly disposed. However, despite the careful disposal practice claims by the Oil industries, and given the high concentrations, the sediments could still pose an intrinsic health hazard considering their cumulative effects in the environment.

EXAMINATIOIN OF THE INFLUENCE OF SEMI-SOLID NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS WITH DIFFERENT GELLING AGENTS ON THE ABSORPTION OF THE TRACE ELEMENTS FROM DIGESTIVE ORGANS

The present study examined the index of absorption of trace element ( Fe , Cu , and Zn ) in different semi-solid nourishment medicines. Various mineral compositions were administered to 7-week-old male rats and semi-solid nourishment medicine from three companies, each using a different gelling agent, were orally administered for two weeks (5 per group). Five rats that were that were fed the standard diet were used as a control group. The rats' excrement excreted after the administration the nutritional supplement was gathered, and the density of trace elements was measured by the PIXE method. The trace element value of each semi-solid nourishment medicine and the standard diet were measured before the experiment, and the intake of trace elements was calculated based on these values. The amount of gut absorption was subtracted from the amount excreted. The groups were compared by the index of absorption.

PIXE ANALYSIS OF DYES USED IN TRADITIONAL JAPANESE CARPETS (NABESHIMA-DANTSU)

NABESHIMA-DANTSU is the name of the first Japanese-made carpets which have been produced in the Nabeshima domain (Saga Prefecture) since the later Edo period. The NABESHIMA-DANTSU carpets have been woven from one kind of cotton, and have been dyed with various dyes and color fixatives. We analyzed pieces of the NABESHIMA-DANTSU carpets stored in the Saga Prefectural Museum and the Saga Prefectural Art Museum, by using PIXE method in order to detect dyeing methods used in them. We also analyzed dyes, color fixatives and cotton used in the traditional Japanese dyeing method. From the NABESHIMA-DANTSU carpets, small amounts of dyed and non-dyed samples were picked up and were analyzed by in-air PIXE system at Tohoku University. It was found that Fe and Cu are related to the parts dyed orange, and Al is related to the parts dyed green. The analysis of cotton dyed by the traditional Japanese method shows the similar results. It means that both colors in the NABESHIMA-DANTSU carpets were dyed by the traditional Japanese method which uses natural dyes. From literature documentation, it is considered that synthetic dyes were mainly used during the Taisho era. The present result shows that natural dyes might have been used in the Taisho era. In this research the PIXE method has proved to be very effective for the analysis of dyeing methods.

ESTIMATION OF HAIR ARSENIC AND STATISTICAL NATURE OF ARSENICOSIS IN HIGHLY ARSENIC EXPOSED BANGLISH VILLAGE IN COMILLA DISTRICT OF BANGLADESH

This study was carried out to investigate biological and statistical nature of arsenicosis risks on a severely arsenic ( As ) affected population in the Banglish village in Comilla district of Bangladesh. Subject's hair As and vegetables As levels were estimated by PIXE method, and arsenicosis status of the subject was examined by a physician. Arsenicosis was found in 45% female and 61% male subjects. Arsenic levels > 0.50 ppm showed greater arsenicosis risks that significantly varied with subject's sex and age. Unlike children, young (≥10 years) to middle aged (~49 years) population were significantly affected by arsenicosis. Logistic regression model analysis showed that arsenicosis risks are not only the devastating toxicity of As accumulation in human body through ingestion of contaminated drinking water, but the summation of all sources of As accumulation. Human hair As levels were found as the biomarker ranging from 0.03-8.3 μg/g in stage I arsenicosis patients, and from 1.1-56.9 ppm in the stage II patients up to 49 age. Hair As level was declined to 2.2-25.5 ppm at > 49 aged population. The findings inferred that groundwater As affecting the public health through contaminating total environment, that in turn posing an alarming situation in the study area.

Influence of the application method of release agents on thickness of mould oils

The parameters likely to influence the appearance of the concrete facings are in particular the casting process of the concrete in the formwork, characteristics of the wall and the nature of the release agent. This study looks at the influence of the thickness of vegetable or mineral-based oils on the aesthetic quality of facings. The thickness of the oil films has been measured with a variant of the PIXE method specially developed for this study. Moreover, to create the conditions of a concrete poured into a formwork, a tribometer for fluid material developed in our laboratory was used. With the help of these devices, the thickness of the oil film before and after the pouring of a concrete in a metallic mould was studied. The vegetable oil film has a good resistance with the concrete friction and a film from 1 to 2 μm is enough to obtain a high quality facing.

PIXE analysis of chromium phytoaccumulation by the aquatic macrophytes Eicchornia crassipes

The uptake of hexavalent chromium in free living floating aquatic macrophytes Eicchornia crassipes cultivated in non-toxic chromium-doped hydroponic solutions is presented. A Cr-uptake bioaccumulation experiment was carried out using healthy macrophytes grown in a temperature controlled greenhouse. Six samples of nutrient media and plants were collected during the 23 day experiment. Roots and leaves were acid digested with the addition of an internal Gallium standard, for thin film sample preparation and quantitative Cr analysis by PIXE method. The Cr 6+ mass uptake by the macrophytes reached up to 70% of the initial concentration, comparable to former results and literature data. The Cr-uptake data were described using a non-structural first order kinetic model. Due to low cost and high removal efficiency, living aquatic macrophytes E. crassipes are a viable biosorbent in an artificial wetland of a water effluent treatment plant.

Micro-crystalline inclusions analysis by PIXE and RBS

A characteristic feature of the nuclear microprobe using a 3MeV proton beam is the long range of particles (around 70μm in light matrices). The PIXE method, with EDS analysis and using the multilayer approach for treating the X-ray spectrum allows the chemistry of an intra-crystalline inclusion to be measured, provided the inclusion roof and thickness at the impact point of the beam (Z and e, respectively) are known (the depth of the inclusion floor is Z+e). The parameter Z of an inclusion in a mineral can be measured with a precision of around 1μm using a motorized microscope. However, this value may significantly depart from Z if the analyzed inclusion has a complex shape. The parameter e can hardly be measured optically. By using combined RBS and PIXE measurements, it is possible to obtain the geometrical information needed for quantitative elemental analysis. This paper will present measurements on synthetic samples to investigate the advantages of the technique, and also on natural solid and fluid inclusions in quartz. The influence of the geometrical parameters will be discussed with regard to the concentration determination by PIXE. In particular, accuracy of monazite micro-inclusion dating by coupled PIXE–RBS will be presented.

Plating of archaeological metallic objects – studies by differential PIXE

The differential PIXE method using an external proton beam up to 3MeV energy was applied to examine plated layers of tin, silver and gold on bronze, brass, iron and silver objects from Roman and Early Medieval period. The concentration profiles were deduced from the measurements by the method of virtual slicing the target into layers, and minimizing the differences between the measured and calculated X-ray yields. The tinned layers were usually thin (about 1μm), but the thickness of silver and gold layers was in several cases thicker and exceeded the proton range. The plating techniques were identified as application of the molten metal for tinning, and as fire gilding for the gilded objects.

Study of Elemental Mass Size Distributions of Aerosol in Lijiang, a Background Site in Southwest China

Elemental mass size distributions of atmospheric aerosols over Mount Yulongxue, Lijiang, Yunnan Province, China were monitored by an 8-stage cascade sampler and analyzed using PIXE method. The results show that crustal elements such as Mg, Al, Ca, Si, K, and Fe are the main compositions of atmospheric aerosols over the Mount Yulongxue Region and account for more than 82% of a total of 20 elements determined. The concentration of soil dust in Lijiang is very low with a value of 3.22 μg/m 3 . Concentration of Pb, Se, and Br in atmospheric aerosol in Lijiang is much higher than that over Mount Qomolangma Region. High enrichment factors of S, As, Se, Br, and Pb in atmospheric aerosol in Lijiang were observed. These results indicate that the impact of human activity in Lijiang can’t be ignored.

DATA MINING ANALYSIS OF SERUM TRACE ELEMENTS IN HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS SUPPORTED BY NUTRITION SUPPORT TEAM

Recently, Nutrition Support Teams (NSTs) has been spreading throughout Japan. Nutritional assessment is important as an initial step among NST activities, since the patients can be identified based on this assessment whether they needs supports by NST or not. Serum trace element is one of the most useful and convenient nutritional indices. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationships between serum trace element values and clinical backgrounds in NST patients by data mining. The subjects of this study consisted of 29 NST patients who were admitted to our hospital between January 2005 and October 2006. Serum trace elements in patients were analyzed by PIXE method. The data were analyzed by a data mining software, i.e. "ICONS Miner" (Koden Industry Co., Ltd.). The significant "if-then rules" were extracted from the decision trees. The target variable of the decision trees is whether nutritional conditions of the patients are improved or not (Yes/No). The explanatory variables of the decision trees are the values in serum trace elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Mn) and TTR (transthyretin). The analyses demonstrated that the first node of the decision tree was Zn. Therefore, serum Zn value might be the most significant factor among these trace elements in estimating the improvement of nutritional conditions of the patients. In the decision, the second branch was the Fe value, and the Cu the third. The following significant "If-then rules" were extracted from the decision trees. If-then rule 1: If serum Zn value >758.6 µg/l, then improvement of nutritional condition = Y. (1.00 = 9/9) If-then rule 2: If serum Zn value ≤758.6 µg/l and Fe ≤653.2 µg/l and Cu ≤682.5 µg/l, then improvement of nutritional condition = Y. (1.00 = 5/5) If-then rule 3: If serum Zn value ≤758.6 µg/l and Fe ≤653.2 µg/l and Cu >682.5 µg/l and Se >119.8 µg/l, then improvement of nutritional condition = Y. (1.00 = 3/3) In conclusion, data mining analysis of serum trace elements was found to be an effective method in assessing the nutritional conditions in NST patients.

SERUM TRACE ELEMENTS AS NUTRITIONAL MARKERS IN A CASE WITH ACUTE AORTIC DISSECTION

Serum trace elements were analyzed by PIXE method in a patient with acute aortic dissection during the supportive process by a Nutrition support team (NST). The patient was a 53-year old male who suffered from acute aortic dissection on March 1, 2007. He received emergent Bentall operation and bow pars total displacement. Since he suffered from diarrhea as a result of hypoalbuminemia and bowel dysfunction, enteral nutrition was not sufficient to maintain adequate intake. Therefore, we also used parenteral nutrition until the 97th disease day. Afterwards, the patient managed only with enteral nutrition. We measured serum trace elements during these periods. Serum trace elements such as Fe , Zn and Se were preserved within normal ranges. On the other hand, Cu gradually decreased until the 54th disease day (44 μg/l) and stayed in the lower levels around the detection limit until the 109th disease day. Thereafter, Cu slightly increased and reached 117 μg/l on the 131st disease day (reference range of serum Cu in adult males: 700~1,300 μ g/l ). It was suggested that the serum levels of these trace elements might reflect the nutritional stages of the patient and could be useful as clinical markers for nutritional therapies.

Special section on volcanic glass] PIXE PROVENANCING OF OBSIDIAN ARTEFACTS FROM PALEOLITHIC SITES IN KOREA

The trace element composition (based on Fe, Rb, Sr, Zr) of 50 obsidian artefacts from the Hopyung, Samri and Shinbuk Paleolithic sites were measured by the external beam PIXE method using the 3 MV Tandetron Accelerator Facility at the Seoul National University AMS Laboratory. About 85% of these obsidians originated from the Paektusan volcano (Korea); obsidian of Japanese origin was found only at Shinbuk. INAA analyses on 6 obsidian samples from the Hahwageri and Junghnugri sites are in good agreement with our PIXE results and those of the previous report by Popov et al. (2005).

ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF ATMOSPHERIC PARTICLES COLLECTED ON POLYTETRAFLUOROETYLENE (PTFE) FILTER USING IN-AIR HELIUM ION INDUCED X-RAY EMISSION METHOD

In order to confirm the availability of an in-air Helium ion induced X-ray emission method for multi-elemental analysis of polytetrafluoroetylene (PTFE) filter sample containing atmospheric particles, NIST urban particulate matter (SRM 1648) collected on PTFE filter using a special small chamber was analyzed by an in-air PIXE method with Helium ions and a proton beam. In addition, we analyzed 10 elements, mixing a standard solution with different concentrations to confirm detection sensitivity of characteristic X-ray peaks. As a result, it is suggested that 1) elements that are lighter than Zn and Pb can be satisfactorily measured using the in-air Helium ion induced X-ray emission method if the amount contained in the filter sample is at least 0.1 mg/L, i.e., 15 ng/cm2, 2) the in-air Helium ion induced X-ray emission method is useful as a method for quantitatively analyzing the light elements such as Mg , Al , Si , S and Cl that are important for identifying the behavior and characteristics of atmospheric particles from the PTFE filter sample containing atmospheric particles, and 3) in the case of the PTFE filter sample containing atmospheric particles, it is possible to measure elements from Mg to Pb by means of analysis using Helium ions and protons.

Zinc-induced DNA damage and the distribution of metals in the brain of grasshoppers by the comet assay and micro-PIXE

The distribution and concentration of selected elements by PIXE method and DNA damage using comet assay in brains of 1st instars of grasshoppers Chorthippus brunneus from unpolluted (Pilica) and polluted (Olkusz) site, additionally exposed to various doses of zinc during diapause or after hatching, were measured. We tried to assess the degree of possible pre-adaptation of the insects to heavy metals and evaluate the utility of these parameters in estimation of insect exposure to industrial pollutants. Additionally, the mechanism of zinc toxicity for grasshopper brains was discussed. We observed the correlation between experimental zinc dose, zinc contents in the brain and DNA damage in neuroblasts, but only in groups exposed to lower zinc concentration. For higher zinc concentration the amount of the metal in brain and DNA damage remained at the control level. Some site-related differences in DNA damage between grasshoppers from Pilica and Olkusz were observed during short-term exposure (after hatching). Significant increase in the calcium contents in the brain, proportional to zinc concentration in sand, was also observed, especially in the offsprings from Olkusz. The results may be the basis for further searching for molecular mechanisms of defense against heavy metals in insects living in polluted habitats.

Elemental analysis of aerosols using PIXE method

In the present work we have analyzed aerosols deposits on filters from ten Romanian towns: Pitesti, Giurgiu, Resita, Ramnicu-Valcea, Baia-Mare, Craiova, Timisoara, Calarasi, Braila and Arad with different kinds and levels of industrial development by PIXE method using Yttrium like internal standard because it is a very rare element in the environmental items. We have identified 15 elements: S, K, Ca, Cr, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Hg and Pb. The measured elemental concentrations are given with respect to the concentration of the Ca for all analyzed samples. The obtained results can put in evidence a high ratio of Ti/Ca, Cr/Ca, Fe/Ca, Co/Ca, Zn/Ca, As/Ca, Pb/Ca in Craiova, a high ratio of Mn/Ca in Calarasi and a high ratio of Hg/Ca in Braila. Certainly the level of pollution of a region can not determine by a single filter and is need of a good statistic to draw conclusions.

PIXE analysis of gallstones from Turkish patients

The trace element analysis of gallstone samples removed by cholecystectomy from 100 Turkish patients has been done by using protons at 23.5 MeV and the PIXE method. Ca, Fe, Mn, K, Cl, Br, Cu and Zn elements were observed in the samples in varying concentrations related to the types of the gallstone. Elemental concentrations of the gall stones for these elements were determined. Rb was used as the internal reference. Ca concentration is the highest and it is followed by Fe, Mn.