Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andre Waehlisch, Rainer Unterumsberger, Philipp Honicke, Janin Lubeck, Yves Kayser, Jan Weser, Gaoliang Dai, Kai Hahm, Thomas Weimann, Christian Seim, Stefan Rehbein, Burkhard Beckhoff
Summary: A reliable and quantitative material analysis is important for understanding advanced material properties at the nanoscale. X-ray fluorescence microscopy can provide an element-sensitive and non-destructive tool for investigating nanotechnological materials. However, the quantification capabilities of these approaches are often limited. This study demonstrates that a traceable quantification of individual nanoobjects can be achieved using an X-ray fluorescence microscope with well-calibrated instrumentation instead of reference materials.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Loredana Brinza, Imad Ahmed, Carmen-Madalina Cismasiu, Ioan Ardelean, Iuliana Gabriela Breaban, Florica Doroftei, Konstantin Ignatyev, Cristina Moisescu, Mariana Neamtu
Summary: Auriferous sulphide ores containing micro-fine gold and silver particles pose extraction challenges, with bioleaching as an environmentally friendly alternative. Experimental findings suggest that iron-oxidizing bacteria can facilitate the release of gold and silver. Utilizing synchrotron-based micro-analysis offers insights into the sequestration and speciation of noble metals.
Article
Polymer Science
Collin W. Foster, Sreevishnu Oruganti, Francesco Panerai
Summary: This study quantitatively analyzed the microstructural evolution and porous network development of Room Temperature Vulcanized (RTV) silicone pyrolysis at high temperatures using in situ high-temperature X-ray computed micro-tomography. The results showed that the microstructure evolution and porous network development were dependent on the heating rate, and the bulk sample volume change, porosity, pore network size, and densification were evaluated using X-ray attenuation. The findings of this study are important for the development of multi-physics models for thermal response.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Colin Banyon, Matthew J. Montgomery, Hyunguk Kwon, Alan L. Kastengren, Lisa D. Pfefferle, Travis Sikes, Yuan Xuan, Charles S. McEnally, Robert S. Tranter
Summary: This study presents high-fidelity temperature field measurements of heavily-sooting ethylene/air flames using x-ray fluorescence (XRF) measurements. The challenges faced by conventional optical diagnostics have been overcome by implementing the XRF method with a fluorescent agent. The results demonstrate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of this method in accurately interpreting the experimental signals.
COMBUSTION AND FLAME
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
S. Porcinai, A. Cagnini, M. Galeotti, M. Ferretti
Summary: The investigation of alloy composition is crucial for studying archaeological and historical metal artifacts. Portable X-ray fluorescence is commonly used for non-invasive alloy analysis, but its quantitative results are not reliable when the metal surface is covered by corrosion or patination layers. In such cases, micro samples representative of the bulk alloy need to be taken. This study evaluates and compares the accuracy and precision of X-ray fluorescence quantitative data obtained from surface and shavings samples, and suggests that a suitable calibration model using certified reference materials should be applied. Repeatability tests show consistent results within 5%, with slightly higher uncertainties for shavings compared to surface measurements. Two case studies of archaeological and Renaissance bronze artifacts are also discussed.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART B-ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Y. Konyuba, H. Onodera, T. Yahagi
Summary: A new nanoimprint film method has been developed for preparing dried residues in X-ray fluorescence analysis, which results in uniform and thin residues. The thin film fundamental parameter method was used for quantitative analysis of the residues, showing values close to authentication and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectromy analysis values.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART B-ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Paleontology
Christopher S. Rogers, Samuel M. Webb, Maria E. McNamara
Summary: The high binding affinity of melanin for trace metal ions and the differences in trace metal chemistry between fossil and modern melanosomes pose challenges in using melanosome composition to test paleobiological hypotheses. Maturation experiments reveal that thermal maturation can alter melanosome trace element chemistry, highlighting the susceptibility of fossil melanosome chemistry to alteration due to local chemical conditions during diagenesis.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lorella Pascolo, Maria Pachetti, Anna Camillo, Alice Cernogoraz, Clara Rizzardi, Katarina Vogel Mikus, Fabrizio Zanconati, Murielle Salome, Vanessa Tardillo Suarez, Federico Romano, Gabriella Zito, Alessandra Gianoncelli, Giuseppe Ricci
Summary: This study reveals the abnormal accumulation of iron and co-localization of environmental metals in ovarian endometriomas of endometriosis patients, suggesting a potential role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The findings provide insights into the relationship between iron dysmetabolism, accumulation of environmental metals, and the development of endometriosis.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
A. Rakotondrajoa, M. Radtke
Summary: This study utilized artificial neural networks (ANNs) for quantifying x-ray fluorescence measurements, using Monte Carlo simulation to generate training data and demonstrating the ability to generate additional data through ANN. Emphasis was placed on comparing simulated and experimental data comparability and reducing the influence of deviations, while also describing the search for optimal hyperparameters.
MACHINE LEARNING-SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Soraya Aidene, Valentin Semenov, Denis Kirsanov, Dmitry Kirsanov, Vitaly Panchuk
Summary: X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy is a powerful tool for elemental analysis, but it traditionally cannot quantify light elements. The use of scattering X-ray radiation is becoming popular in X-ray studies, with the trend being towards standard XRF instrumentation. This study explores the use of monochromatic radiation and varying incident angles to obtain physical and chemical information on plastic samples, utilizing machine learning techniques for regression modeling.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xueying L. Quinn, Rishi E. Kumar, Moses Kodur, Deniz N. Cakan, Zhonghou Cai, Tao Zhou, Martin V. Holt, David P. Fenning
Summary: Europium as a B-site additive in CsPbBr3 perovskite crystals reduces microstrain, improves photoluminescence yield, and enhances X-ray hardness. Despite variations in the degree of europium incorporation locally, the findings show promise for europium as an additive in perovskite optoelectronic devices.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Spectroscopy
Tsugufumi Matsuyama, Masanori Nakae, Masashi Murakami, Yukihiko Yoshida, Masahiko Machida, Kouichi Tsuji
Summary: Reducing measurement time is crucial in XRF analysis. The Bayesian theorem was applied to estimate XRF intensity, resulting in more than 85% reduction in measurement time for accurate intensity measurement.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART B-ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Bo Gao, Brecht Laforce, Laszlo Vincze, Luc Van Hoorebeke, Matthieu N. Boone
Summary: XFCT is a method capable of mapping elemental distribution within an object without destructive sectioning, but it faces challenges due to self-absorption effects. A novel reconstruction method has been proposed in this manuscript to address the issue of accurately reconstructing trace and low Z elements. The method has shown promising results in retrieving the density distribution of relatively low Z elements.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Y. Xiang, P. J. Lam, J. M. Lee
Summary: The study found that the oxidation state of particulate manganese in the surface Arctic Ocean is related to the sampling time, with AOS <2.4 during the day and >3.0 at night. It is hypothesized that a light-dependent redox cycle between dissolved and particulate manganese exists in the surface Arctic Ocean.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bura Sindhupakorn, Pinit Kidkhunthod
Summary: This study examined structural changes in subchondral bone samples from osteoarthritic knee patients compared to controlled patients, using Synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence and X-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques. The results revealed lower phosphorus content in older OA patients, leading to lower Ca-P proportions associated with osteoporosis. The majority of bone samples exhibited an amorphous structure of calcium-phosphate.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Alessandro Franco, Sara Buoso, Laura Zanin, Roberto Pinton, Nicola Tomasi
Summary: The wide use of copper-based fungicide has led to the accumulation of copper in the environment, causing phytotoxicity in crops. The sensitivity of maize to copper depends on the form of copper supplied and the chelate-exchange processes. The use of chelating agents can help plants tolerate high copper levels, but this ability depends on the iron nutritional status.
JOURNAL OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ida Rascio, Concetta Eliana Gattullo, Carlo Porfido, Ignazio Allegretta, Matteo Spagnuolo, Raphael Tiziani, Silvia Celletti, Stefano Cesco, Tanja Mimmo, Roberto Terzano
Summary: Fire events can modify the distribution and speciation of potentially toxic elements in soil. The high temperatures during fire events can increase the mobility and bioavailability of certain toxic elements, potentially leading to pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ignazio Allegretta, Giacomo Squeo, Concetta Eliana Gattullo, Carlo Porfido, Antonio Cicchetti, Francesco Caponio, Stefano Cesco, Carlo Nicoletto, Roberto Terzano
Summary: The increased demand for safe and high-quality food products from customers has made food traceability a priority for identifying frauds and certifying quality. Elemental profiling, particularly using TXRF spectroscopy, is a widely used strategy for food traceability, although its full potential has not been fully explored. In this study, a new method using directly TXRF spectra coupled with multivariate analyses was tested for food traceability. The study focused on 24 different genotypes of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown in two different locations. After developing the method for bean analysis, the TXRF spectra were collected and processed using PCA combined with SNV and GLSW filters, resulting in a perfect clustering of the beans based on their geographical origin. Finally, using PLS-DA, the beans were correctly classified, demonstrating that TXRF spectra can be successfully used as a fingerprint for food and seed traceability and that elemental quantification is not necessary for this purpose.
Article
Plant Sciences
Sebastian B. Feil, Monica Yorlady Alzate Zuluaga, Stefano Cesco, Youry Pii
Summary: The use of copper-based fungicides in crop protection plans has resulted in high accumulation of copper in soils, especially in vineyards. While copper is an essential micronutrient for plants, high concentrations in soil can lead to toxicity and interfere with the plant's growth and nutrient acquisition.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Agronomy
Ignazio Allegretta, Fabjola Bilo, Eva Margui, Galina Pashkova, Roberto Terzano
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eleonora Coppa, Silvia Celletti, Francesco Sestili, Tanja Mimmo, Maria Dolores Garcia Molina, Stefano Cesco, Stefania Astolfi
Summary: This study found that limiting the sulfate level can enhance the plant's uptake of selenium, and different wheat genotypes express different genes during selenium uptake.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Monica Yorlady Alzate Zuluaga, Mariateresa Cardarelli, Youssef Rouphael, Stefano Cesco, Youry Pii, Giuseppe Colla
Summary: Iron is an essential micronutrient for plant growth, but its bioavailability can be limited in calcareous soils, leading to iron deficiency in plants. Currently, iron fertilization is commonly used in agriculture to prevent or treat iron deficiency chlorosis. Fe-fertilizers based on synthetic ligands effectively maintain iron in the soil solution and increase its bioavailability for plant uptake. However, these complexes have limitations such as pH-dependent effectiveness and environmental persistence. Plant-derived protein hydrolysates have the potential to be used as biochelating ligands in innovative iron fertilizers. Experimental trials on horticultural crops have shown that Fe-biochelate is as efficient as traditional synthetic chelates, even under alkaline conditions. This finding suggests that Fe-biochelates could be promising alternatives for iron nutrition management in crops.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Clement de Mecquenem, Myriam Eveno, Matthias Alfeld, Ruven Pillay, Eric Laval, Elisabeth Ravaud, Ina Reiche
Summary: The study examines the alteration and reconstitution of the blue pigment smalt in a painting from the sixteenth century. Noninvasive imaging techniques provide an overview of the artist's palette and its distribution, while detailed analysis of samples reveals the deterioration of smalt and provides structural information on other adjacent pigments.
EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL PLUS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Monica Yorlady Alzate Zuluaga, Sonia Monterisi, Youssef Rouphael, Giuseppe Colla, Luigi Lucini, Stefano Cesco, Youry Pii
Summary: Plants have evolved various tolerance mechanisms to cope with salt stress, but these strategies are often not efficient in mitigating the stress caused by increasing salinity. Plant-based biostimulants have gained popularity for their ability to alleviate the harmful effects of salinity. This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of tomato and lettuce plants to high salt conditions and the potential protective effects of four biostimulants based on vegetal protein hydrolysates.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sonia Monterisi, Monica Yorlady Alzate Zuluaga, Andrea Porceddu, Stefano Cesco, Youry Pii
Summary: Food authenticity is crucial in today's society due to increased consumer awareness. This study aimed to detect potential adulterations in apple juice using DNA barcoding and HRMA. The results showed that HRMA combined with trnL (UAA) intron can discriminate between the four fruit species, but provided incomplete results for juices.
Article
Plant Sciences
Fabio Trevisan, Raphael Tiziani, Robert D. Hall, Stefano Cesco, Tanja Mimmo
Summary: Many studies have suggested using stable carbon isotope ratio (delta C-13) to predict abiotic stresses in plants, specifically drought and nitrogen deficiency. However, the impact of other nutrient deficiencies, such as phosphorus and/or iron deficiencies, has not been thoroughly examined. This study assessed the delta C-13 of four plant species suffering from different nutrient deficiencies and found contrasting variations in time, treatment, species, and tissue-specific responses. The results also showed limited correlation between physiological parameters and delta C-13 shifts, indicating that delta C-13 cannot solely be relied upon as a predictor for nutrient stresses, especially when combined stresses are present.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raphael Tiziani, Marion Pranter, Fabio Valentinuzzi, Youry Pii, Borruso Luigimaria, Stefano Cesco, Tanja Mimmo
Summary: Nutrient deficiencies have a significant impact on agricultural production globally. However, combined deficiencies of iron (Fe) and phosphorus (P) have been poorly studied. This study investigated the effects of single and combined deficiencies of Fe and P in barley and tomato plants. The results showed that tomato plants exhibited reduced root morphology and ionome in all deficiency treatments, while barley plants displayed enhanced root growth under double deficiency. Multivariate statistics highlighted significant differences in all treatments in tomato plants, while only Fe deficiency was statistically different in barley plants.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Philippe Martinez, Matthias Alfeld, Catherine Defeyt, Hishaam Elleithy, Helen Glanville, Melinda Hartwig, Francois-Philippe Hocquet, Maguy Jaber, Pauline Martinetto, David Strivay, Philippe Walter
Summary: The study of ancient Egyptian paintings started in the 19th century with the development of Egyptology. By the 1930s, extensive research had been conducted on the materials and techniques used. However, most of these studies were done in museums, with limited understanding of the actual painted surfaces. To address this gap, an interdisciplinary project employed portable analysis tools to study the physical composition of the paintings on-site, providing a stronger foundation for scientific hypotheses and a deeper understanding of ancient Egyptian art.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Carlo Porfido, Kira Koepke, Ignazio Allegretta, Martina Bandte, Susanne von Bargen, Malgorzata Rybak, Gerald Falkenberg, Tanja Mimmo, Stefano Cesco, Carmen Buettner, Roberto Terzano
Summary: Plant viruses can cause imbalances in nutrient concentrations in woody plants, resulting in uneven distribution of elements in leaves. A study conducted in Hamburg, Germany found that leaves infected with ash shoestring associated virus (ASaV+) exhibited severe depletions of P, S, and Ca, while K was more concentrated. By analyzing K and Ca concentrations in leaflets from infected and healthy ash trees over a three-year period, it was discovered that the K:Ca concentration ratio was consistently higher in ASaV+ samples. This suggests that the K:Ca ratio could be used as an indicator for rapid, non-destructive, on-site detection of ASaV.
Article
Horticulture
Giuseppe Ferrara, Carlo Porfido, Roberto Terzano, Ali Sarkhosh, Andrea Mazzeo
Summary: This research found that there are different types of buds in pomegranate plants and the flowers vary among cultivars. These observations suggest that pomegranate is more suitable for warm sub-tropical and tropical areas.
