Article
Oncology
Si Chen, Ruben Omar Lastra, Tatjana Paunesku, Olga Antipova, Luxi Li, Junjing Deng, Yanqi Luo, Michael Beau Wanzer, Jelena Popovic, Ya Li, Alexander D. Glasco, Chris Jacobsen, Stefan Vogt, Gayle E. Woloschak
Summary: Metal-oxide nanomaterials can enter cells and interact with cellular structures and molecules due to their physical-chemical properties. Imaging techniques like X-ray fluorescence microscopy help study these interactions, leading to the development of safer and more predictable nanoparticle-based therapies.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mingjing Cao, Kai Zhang, Shuhan Zhang, Yaling Wang, Chunying Chen
Summary: The interaction between nanomaterials and biology plays a crucial role in the biological behavior and fate of nanoparticles. However, it has been challenging to analyze the transport and transformation of nanomedicines in real-time and label-free. The advancements in advanced light source (ALS) technologies offer new opportunities for studying the behavior and fate of nanomedicines in vivo.
ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mingjing Cao, Kai Zhang, Shuhan Zhang, Yaling Wang, Chunying Chen
Summary: Understanding the biological behavior and fate of nanomedicines is crucial for their design and clinical translation, and advanced light source (ALS) analytical technologies, with higher spatial and temporal resolution, multimodal data fusion, and intelligent prediction abilities, have the potential to unlock this knowledge. However, current approaches face challenges and limitations.
ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Francis Anna C. R. A. Sanches, Raysa C. Nardes, Ramon S. Santos, Hamilton S. Gama Filho, Alessandra S. Machado, Roberta G. Leitao, Catarine C. G. Leitao, Teresa E. Calgam, Regina Bueno, Joaquim T. Assis, Davi F. Oliveira, Ricardo T. Lopes, Marcelino J. Anjos
Summary: X-ray fluorescence and microCT techniques were used to characterize the pigments, ground layer, and structure of an 18th-century polychrome wooden Piet`a sculpture. Various elements and pigments were detected, and details of restoration, joining, and attachment were revealed.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Claire Mayer-Laigle, Laurence Foulon, Clement Denoual, Miguel Pernes, Eric Rondet, Anthony Magueresse, Cecile Barron, Anouck Habrant, Alain Bourmaud, Gabriel Paes
Summary: The study successfully prepared reinforced filaments containing fluorescent flax particles through extrusion and 3D printing. Microstructural characterization showed that the fluorescent flax particles were homogeneously distributed in the 3D printed material. Despite the low content, a strong fluorescent emission could still be measured.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alexandra Maria Kratz, Stefanie Maier, Jens Weber, Minsu Kim, Giacomo Mele, Laura Gargiulo, Anna Lena Leifke, Maria Prass, Raeid M. M. Abed, Yafang Cheng, Hang Su, Ulrich Poeschl, Bettina Weber
Summary: Biocrusts in drylands play a crucial role in biological nitrogen fixation and release of gaseous reactive nitrogen. This study reveals the simultaneous occurrence of aerobic and anaerobic nitrogen transformations in small-scale gradients within biocrusts. These processes are critical for nitrogen emissions and may be influenced by future global change and land management.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
A. J. Cresswell-Boyes, G. R. Davis, M. Krishnamoorthy, D. Mills, A. H. Barber
Summary: Human teeth can be mechanically replicated using 3D printing to create biomimetic typodont teeth. The mechanical performance of the biomimetic teeth depends on the ratio of material mechanical properties rather than the absolute material properties.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Frank Foerste, Leona Bauer, Korbinian Heimler, Bastian Hansel, Carla Vogt, Birgit Kanngiesser, Ioanna Mantouvalou
Summary: Confocal micro-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy is a technique that can be used for elemental imaging with 3D resolution using laboratory spectrometers. Quantification techniques are important for interpreting data and reconstructing sample composition and geometry. This article presents an analytical routine for the quantitative investigation of 3D data sets obtained with laboratory spectrometers.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL ATOMIC SPECTROMETRY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tai-Jan Huang, Sridhar Niverty, Arun Sundar, Nikhilesh Chawla
Summary: Meteorite samples that land on earth provide important information about asteroids and meteors in space. This study used 3D x-ray tomography, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy to analyze the microstructure, elemental composition, and mechanical properties of the Aba Panu meteorite. The results contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the formation history and characteristics of the meteorite.
MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
A. Graefenstein, D. Brueckner, C. Rumancev, J. Garrevoet, V. Galbierz, W. H. Schroeder, C. G. Schroer, G. Falkenberg, A. Rosenhahn
Summary: 3D and 2D-cross-sectional X-ray fluorescence analysis is a powerful tool for imaging element distribution in biological material and quantifying metal homeostasis. This study presents a method using peak fitting and self-absorption correction to reconstruct the cross-sectional distribution of elements in cryogenically prepared leaves. Additionally, the authors introduce an atomographic MCA hyperspectral reconstruction method that improves quantitative analysis of light elements compared to conventional methods.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alessandra Gianoncelli, Valentina Bonanni, Gianluca Gariani, Francesco Guzzi, Lorella Pascolo, Roberto Borghes, Fulvio Bille, George Kourousias
Summary: Progress in nanotechnology requires high sensitivity and resolution material probing techniques, with soft X-ray microscopy being one of the most powerful tools in medicine and the life sciences for studying complex biological processes at micrometric and sub-micrometric length scales. The TwinMic soft X-ray microscopy end-station at the Elettra synchrotron demonstrates capabilities in medical and biological imaging, along with novel uses and developments.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentina Bonanni, Alessandra Gianoncelli
Summary: Scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) allows imaging of biological specimens and collection of localized spectroscopic information through X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and/or X-ray Absorption Near Edge Spectroscopy (XANES). Recent publications in synchrotrons have utilized soft X-ray spectro-microscopy in life science and environmental research to explore complex metabolic mechanisms by tracing chemical elements involved in metabolic pathways.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Nolwenn Le Gall, Fabio Arzilli, Giuseppe La Spina, Margherita Polacci, Biao Cai, Margaret E. Hartley, Nghia T. Vo, Robert C. Atwood, Danilo Di Genova, Sara Nonni, Edward W. Llewellin, Mike R. Burton, Peter D. Lee
Summary: The study investigated the impact of crystallisation kinetics on lava flow behavior by using real-time synchrotron X-ray microtomography to observe the nucleation and growth of clinopyroxene and plagioclase in oxidised, nominally anhydrous basaltic magma. It was found that under continuous cooling, the onset of key transitions in lava hardening occurred within a shorter timeframe, demonstrating the potential of real-time synchrotron X-ray tomography in analyzing the solidification history of basaltic lavas.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Haruto Sugawara, Toshihiro Furuta, Akira Sumiyoshi, Megumi Iiyama, Masaru Kamitani, Aiko Suzuki, Arao Murakami, Osamu Abe, Ichio Aoki, Hiroyuki Akai
Summary: In this study, a CT lymphangiography method was established in mice via direct lymph node puncture. The results showed that the contrast ratios and visual assessment scores of lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels were significantly better in the direct puncture group compared to the CT or MR interstitial injection method.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Gaku Okuma, Satoshi Tanaka, Fumihiro Wakai
Summary: X-ray microtomography was used to study the microstructure evolution in 3D, revealing the relationship between the topology of pore networks and characteristic length with densification. The increase in characteristic length with decreasing genus in the intermediate stage results in domain coarsening. This coarsening is a natural consequence of pore evolution in viscous sintering, leading to a decrease in total surface area due to topological transformations.
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Zi-Wen Ren, Peter M. Kopittke, Fang-Jie Zhao, Peng Wang
Summary: Rice is a vital source of calories and mineral nutrients, but the accumulation of essential and toxic elements in rice grain remains poorly understood. This study analyzed the temporal changes in dry matter, elemental concentrations, and gene expression during grain development. Three distinct patterns of element accumulation were observed, which can be attributed to differences in soil behavior, nutrient redistribution, gene expression, and sink-source relationship.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Soren Husted, Francesco Minutello, Andrea Pinna, Stine Le Tougaard, Pauline Mos, Peter M. Kopittke
Summary: An urgent challenge in agriculture is to improve fertilizer efficiency to reduce the environmental impact of increased crop production. Standard soil fertilization strategies are often inefficient due to soil immobilization and nutrient losses. Foliar fertilization offers an attractive alternative, but is hindered by leaf barriers and limited nutrient translocation. Recent advances in bionanotechnology provide emerging possibilities to overcome these challenges. This review discusses how nanoparticles can be tailored with smart properties to enhance nutrient delivery to plant tissues.
TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Zi-Wen Ren, Meng Yang, Brigid A. McKenna, Xing-Ming Lian, Fang-Jie Zhao, Peter M. Kopittke, Enzo Lombi, Peng Wang
Summary: The concentration, chemical speciation, and spatial distribution of essential and toxic mineral elements in cereal seeds have significant implications for human health. X-ray fluorescence microscopy (mu-XRF) is used to identify genes responsible for element uptake, translocation, and storage, and an ImageJ-based pipeline is developed for spatial distribution analysis. This method is applied in rice seeds and diverse rice accessions, identifying loci and mutants associated with the spatial distribution of elements and providing a basis for investigating the genetics and molecular mechanisms controlling mineral elements in plant seeds.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
William W. Bennett, Enzo Lombi, Kirk G. Scheckel, Ryo Sekine, Scott G. Johnston, Edward D. Burton, Daryl L. Howard, Peter Kappen, Donald E. Canfield
Summary: This study demonstrates the utility of synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopic techniques in investigating the geochemistry of vanadium in ancient marine sediments. The results show that vanadium is primarily hosted by phyllosilicate-III and is strongly associated with potassium-rich clay minerals. The findings suggest that differentiating authigenic and detrital vanadium in ancient marine sediments may not be possible, which has implications for vanadium isotope system studies.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mahmoud Khedher, John Awad, Erica Donner, Barbara Drigo, Rolando Fabris, Martin Harris, Kalan Braun, Christopher W. K. Chow
Summary: This study investigated the feasibility of using the Flocculation Index (FI) as a control parameter to optimize turbidity removal. The results indicate that the FI can be used as an alternative parameter for optimizing the coagulation process.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xingshu Wang, Zikang Guo, Xiaoli Hui, Runze Wang, Sen Wang, Peter M. Kopittke, Zhaohui Wang, Mei Shi
Summary: Addition of N fertilizer improves the concentration and bioavailability of Zn in wheat grains by coordinating the relationships among Zn, P, and S.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhengdong Han, Alan Levett, Mansour Edraki, Michael W. M. Jones, Daryl Howard, Gordon Southam
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the biogeochemical influences on tungsten mobilization in wolframite tailings through a high-resolution depth profile analysis. It was found that several indigenous bacteria associated with iron and sulfur were highly correlated with tungsten, arsenic, and rare earth elements in the tailings. The weathering of wolframite was accelerated by the biooxidation of metal sulfides, which resulted in the mobilization of tungsten species. The study also highlighted the potential economic value of reprocessing tungsten waste for valuable metal recovery.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jowenna X. F. Sim, Barbara Drigo, Casey L. Doolette, Sotirios Vasileiadis, Erica Donner, Dimitrios G. Karpouzas, Enzo Lombi
Summary: Pesticides, such as fipronil, propyzamide, and flutriafol, have long lasting effects on non-target microorganisms. These pesticides affect soil microbial community structure, enzymatic activities, and abundance of key functional genes. Although the microbial community can recover from the pesticide effects, the persistent inhibitory effects on soil enzymatic activities indicate the lack of functional recovery.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Yunyun Zheng, Jian Jin, Xiaojuan Wang, Peter M. Kopittke, James B. O'Sullivan, Caixian Tang
Summary: This review synthesizes the key factors driving the responses of the priming effect (PE) to nitrogen (N) addition. It discusses the factors such as C-substrate quantity and quality, N addition rates and forms, and soil properties. It also examines the temporal change in the N effect on the PE.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Peter M. M. Kopittke, Budiman Minasny, Elise Pendall, Cornelia Rumpel, Brigid A. A. McKenna
Summary: Soil plays a crucial role in both planetary and human health, contributing to biomass production, regulating carbon, supporting biodiversity, cycling nutrients, and water cycling. However, the narrow focus on soil for intensive agriculture has led to rapid degradation, harming both planetary and human health. A healthy soil should be multifunctional, and a broader conceptual framework is needed to quantify soil health and ensure ongoing well-being.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Felicia J. Haase, Colton J. Vessey, Ryo Sekine, David Welsh, Jessica Hamilton, Yun Wang, Jessica White, Donald E. Canfield, Enzo Lombi, William W. Bennett
Summary: This article presents the geochemistry of vanadium (V) in low-oxygen marine environments and its interactions with reduced iron minerals such as green rust. The study finds that carbonate green rust can efficiently remove V from seawater under anoxic conditions, and V-rich green rust oxidizes to lepidocrocite in the presence of aerated seawater. The work provides further insights into V cycling and removal mechanisms in both modern and ancient marine systems.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhengdong Han, Alan Levett, Mansour Edraki, Michael W. M. Jones, Daryl Howard, Gordon Southam
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of using biogeochemical reprocessing for the decontamination of tungsten tailings and the recovery of valuable metals. It was found that while early-stage dissolution of tungsten minerals can occur, the formation of secondary tungsten minerals limits tungsten dissolution.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Sara Niaz, J. Bernhard Wehr, Ram C. Dalal, Peter M. Kopittke, Neal W. Menzies
Summary: Wetting and drying cycles significantly influence soil structure and stability, and organic amendments combined with these cycles can improve the aggregate stability of sodic soils. The addition of gypsum further enhances the stability of aggregates when applied together with organic amendments, reducing dispersion of particles.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
William W. Bennett, Enzo Lombi, Kirk G. Scheckel, Ryo Sekine, Scott G. Johnston, Edward D. Burton, Daryl L. Howard, Peter Kappen, Donald E. Canfield
Summary: This paper presents the use of synchrotron-based X-ray techniques to investigate the vanadium host phases in ancient marine sediments. The results show that vanadium is mainly present as vanadium (III) hosted by phyllosilicate. Strong associations between vanadium and potassium suggest that vanadium is hosted by potassium-rich clay minerals. Differentiating authigenic and detrital vanadium in ancient marine sediments is unlikely due to similar chemical speciation for both fractions.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2023)