Source identification of individual PM_(2.5) particles in Shanghai air in the winter of 2007 with synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microprobe

In order to further understand the sources of PM2.5 in Shanghai air, the synchrotron X-ray fluores- cence microprobe at the BL-4A Beamline of Photon Factory of High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, Japan, was applied to analyze the individual PM2.5 particles collected from Shanghai air in the winter of 2007. Eight categories of emission sources were recognized in these individual particles. The source identification shows that most of the analyzed PM2.5 particles are derived from vehicle exhaust and metallurgical emissions. This suggests that the important emission sources of PM2.5 in Shanghai air would be vehicle exhaust and metallurgical activities.

L-shell x-ray fluorescence relative intensities for elements with 62≤Z≤83 at 18 keV and 23 keV by synchrotron radiation

The relative intensities of L-subshell x-ray fluorescence(XRF)for elements with atomic numbers 62≤Z≤83 were measured at two excitation energies,18 keV and 23 keV,using a synchrotron radiation source at a beamline of the Synchrotron Light Center for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East(SESAME),Jordan.The experimentally measured results of the relative intensities were compared with the calculated results using the subshell fluorescence yield and the Coster-Kronig transition probabilities recommended by Campbell and the values based on the Dirac-Hartree-Slater model by Puri.The experimental and theoretical results are in agreement.In this work,L XRF relative intensities for the elements Sm,Gd,Tb,Er,Ta,W,Re,Hg,Pb and Bi at energies of 18 keV and 23 keV were measured.

Characterization of metal element distributions in the rat brain following ischemic stroke by synchrotron radiation microfluorescence analysis

Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide,and effective treatment strategies in the chronic phase of this disease remain insufficient.Homeostasis of metals in the brain plays an important role in maintaining normal brain function.However,the dynamic spatial distributions of iron,zinc,calcium,potassium,and copper in a rat brain following ischemic stroke and the association between structural distribution and function remain to be elucidated.In this study,we used a synchrotron radiation-based micro-X-ray fluorescence technique to image element mapping changes in special rat brain regions after ischemic stroke,showing the distribution characteristics of iron,zinc,calcium,potassium,and copper.We demonstrated,for the first time,the consistent dynamic spatial distributions of metal elements at a series of time points(3 h,4.5 h,6 h,12 h,1 d,3 d,5 d,7 d,10 d,14 d,28 d)after brain ischemia,which revealed that the homeostasis of iron,zinc,calcium,potassium,and copper in the brain was disturbed with distinctive change trends,providing clear insights in understanding the underlying pathogenesis of stroke from a novel perspective,thus laying the foundation of further developing new drug targets for stroke treatment.

The Study Internal Structure of the Annual Layers in Lake Sediments Using Synchrotron Radiation with X-ray Focusing Optics

1 Introduction Annually laminated(varve)sedimentary deposits are considered as one of the most important archives,since they offer precise temporal information(years)in combination with high time resolutions.Bottom sediments of the lakes contain detailed geochemical information on

Analysis of nickel distribution by synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence in nickel-induced early- and late-phase allergic contact dermatitis in Hartley guinea pigs

Background: Nickel-induced allergic contact dermatitis (Ni-ACD) is a global health problem. More detailed knowledge on the skin uptake of haptens is required. This study aimed to investigate the penetration process and distribution of nickel in skin tissues with late phase and early phase of Ni-ACD to understand the mechanisms of metal allergy. Methods: Forty Hartley guinea pigs were divided into four groups according to the NiSO4 sensitizing concentration and the NiSO4 challenged concentration: the 5% NiSO4-group, 5% to 10%(sensitization-challenge;late phase group);10% NiSO4-group, 10% to 10%(sensitization-challenge;early-phase group);and the positive and negative controls. Pathological biopsies were performed on each group. The depth profile of nickel element concentration in the skin of guinea pigs was detected by synchrotron radiation micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (SR-μ-XRF) and micro X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (μ-XANES). Results: In each section, the nickel element concentration in both the 5% NiSO4-group and 10% NiSO4-group was significantly higher than that in the negative control group. In the upper 300-μm section of skin for the early phase group, the nickel element concentration was significantly higher than that in the lower section of skin. In deeper sections (>200 μm) of skin, the concentration of nickel in the early phase group was approximately equal to that in the late phase group. The curve of the late phase group was flat, which means that the nickel element concentration was distributed uniformly by SR-μ-XRF. According to the XANES data for the 10% NiSO4 metal salt solution, structural changes occurred in the skin model sample, indicating that nickel was not present in the Ni^2+ aqueous ionic state but in the nickel-binding protein. Conclusions: This study showed that the distribution of the nickel element concentration in ACD skin tissue was different between the early phase and late phase groups. The nickel element was not present in the Ni^2+ aqueous ionic state but bound with certain proteins to form a complex in the stratum corneum in ACD model tissue.

Influence of crystal materials on the synchrotron X-ray fluorescence analysis:a study of crystal and amorphous clinopyroxene

Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence analyses of crystal and amorphous clinopyroxene were compared. The results showed that using the synchrotron X-ray as a source of energy, the diffraction X-ray of crystal materials will seriously affect the X-ray fluorescence analysis. In order to avoid the influence of diffraction, the best way to solve it is to use the monochromatic source, or to have a collimating slit between sample and Si(Li) detector.

Scan system for arbitrary-shaped samples at the synchrotron radiation facility

X-ray fluorescence(XRF) scan methodology is important for elemental mapping of samples at a synchrotron radiation facility. To save the experiment time and improve the experiment efficiency, one should develop an efficient XRF scan method. In this paper, a new scan mode is presented. It can map arbitrary-shaped areas withou stopping the motors. The control and data acquisition system integrates motor controlling, detector triggering, and data acquisition and storage. The system realizes the arbitrary-shaped 2D-mapping and fluorescence data acquisition synchronously. SR-XRF mapping has been performed with a standard gold mask to verify the validity of this method a beamline BL15U1 of the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility. The results show that this method reduces the tota scan time and improves the experiment efficiency.

In situ analysis of trace elements in metalloproteins of human liver by synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence

A method using synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence analysis toin situ determine trace elements during protein electrophoretically separating process was established. The distribution of elements in protein bands for human liver cytosolic sample separated by SDS-PAGE was analyzed along polyacrylamide gel. The results showed that the protein fraction of peak III in cytosol was mainly composed of metal ion Zn-associated proteins, being in agreement with that given by atomic absorption spectrometry. Thus, it demonstrated the feasibility of this novel technique forin situ analysis of trace elements in protein bands.

Synchrotron radiation XRF microprobe investigation of elemental distribution in femoral head slice with osteoporosis

This note deals with the scanning of femoral head slices from both normal and osteoporosis subjects using synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (SRXRF) microprobe technique. The sample preparation and experimental apparatus are described in detail. The quantitative computerized tomography (QCT) of elemental distribution, such as Ca, P, K, Fe, Zn, Sr and Pb in bone slice tissue including cartilage, substantial compact and substantial spongy, is investigated. Combined with the correlation between P, K, Zn, Sr and Ca, the loss way of minerals and the physiological functions of some metal elements in bone are also discussed.

First X-ray fluorescence CT experimental results at the SSRF X-ray imaging beamline

X-ray fluorescence CT is a non-destructive technique for detecting elemental composition and distribution inside a specimen. In this paper, the first experimental results of X-ray fluorescence CT obtained at the SSRF X-ray imaging beamline （BL13W1） are described. The test samples were investigated and the 2D elemental image was reconstructed using a filtered back-projection algorithm. In the sample the element Cd was observed. Up to now, the X-ray fluorescence CT could be carried out at the SSRF X-ray imaging beamline.

同步辐射X荧光分析用于苔藓植物监视大气污染的初步研究

为探讨苔藓植物监视大气污染的机理,我们将苔藓活体样本同时置于受工业污染的上海钢铁研究所和作为对照的上海应用物理研究所暴露一个月,在日本高能物理所(KEK)的同步辐射X荧光实验站上对它们的植株作常规的元素分析,对叶片、茎横切面作微区扫描测定,获取其Pb、Cu、Fe、Ni、Mn、Zn、Ca、K等金属元素分布。结果表明,苔藓植物的叶片和茎干吸附金属离子后不是均匀分布的,尤其是叶尖和中肋部位富集了K、Ni、Fe、Pb等元素。受污染苔藓的叶表吸附、富集了过量的Pb等金属离子,污染环境导致植物微结构和生长发育受到严重损伤,同时抑制了植物对K、Ca等微量营养元素的正常吸收。

基于SRXRF的单个流体包裹体无损分析及其在石油地质中的应用

本文叙述了同步辐射X射线荧光微探针用于单个流体包裹体无损分析研究的实验装置和方法。通过测定NIST6 12标样 ,计算了目前实验条件下部分元素的检出限 ,对取自我国西部含油气盆地的典型有机包裹体作无损成分分析 ,给出了K ,Ti,V ,Cr ,Mn ,Fe ,Co ,Ni,Cu ,Zn ,Rb ,Sr,Y ,Zr,Ba ,Pb等元素的半定量测试结果 。

磷灰石单晶体同步辐射X射线荧光探针成分分析

采用同步辐射X荧光(SRXRF)探针技术对河北峪耳崖和甘肃大水两地花岗岩中单颗粒磷灰石的化学成分进行了分析。结果显示,磷灰石含有P、Cl、S、K、Ca、Mn、Fe、La、Ce、Nd、Sm、Gd、Yb、Sr、Y、Zr、U、Th等多种元素,峪耳崖磷灰石富含Mn、Fe,大水磷灰石则富含As。峪耳崖花岗岩为S型,大水花岗岩为I型,两地磷灰石在稀土元素(REE)含量上具有明显差别:大水磷灰石呈右倾的REE配分模式和明显的轻稀土(LREE)富集;而峪耳崖呈现上凸的REE配分模式和LREE亏损。依据磷灰石的REE配分模式可有效地区分不同类型的花岗岩,以此作为花岗岩岩浆演化的指示。

SRXRF研究苔藓植物对Pb/Fe/Cr污染的生物监视和累积特征

为研究苔藓植物对环境污染的累积特性和生物监视机理,用加入不同浓度的Pb、Fe、Cr培养基对二代扩繁后的小立碗藓进行胁迫试验,用同步辐射X射线荧光分析技术(SRXRF)测定藓体内金属元素含量,用微束荧光扫描技术(μ-SRXRF)分析了Cr、K等元素在苔藓叶和茎中的精细分布特征。结果表明,在单一重金属或复合重金属元素的胁迫下,藓体内污染金属元素的含量与培养基中相应元素的浓度呈现正相关,小立碗藓的受伤害程度随重金属元素浓度的增加而加重。重金属的胁迫导致小立碗藓吸收K、S等营养元素的能力急剧下降,且小立碗藓茎中K的吸收浓度由于受到过量Cr的拮抗作用而逐步降低。

一种基于实时数字图像处理的同步辐射微探针自动化扫描新方法

在上海光源硬X微聚焦及应用光束线站(BL15U1)上实现了一种基于实时数字图像处理的同步辐射微探针自动化扫描方法。该方法采用高灵敏度、高帧率的数字电荷耦合器件(Charge Coupled Device,CCD)显微镜实时成像,通过对显微镜系统和X光微米探针系统的坐标转换,使用户在图像空间直接点击到感兴趣的位置后,样品台就自动将该点移入光路。在设定好扫描时间、扫描步长等必要的实验参数后,只需要用鼠标在图像空间圈出需要扫描的区域,系统将自动生成XPS运动控制器的运动配置文件,并驱动电机运动,对该区域进行微束荧光扫描成像。结果表明,该方法不仅可以提高同步辐射机时的使用效率,而且可以满足微区研究人员快捷、方便的自动化操作需求。

蜈蚣草孢子囊元素组成的X射线光谱分析

砷超富集植物蜈蚣草具有超强的砷吸收和富集能力,生物量大,被认为是修复砷污染土壤的理想植物材料。基于砷超富集植物蜈蚣草的植物修复技术已经推广应用到了我国20多个污染区的土壤修复实践中。目前所报道的所有蜈蚣草均具有砷超富集能力,并且该特性能够得到稳定遗传。蜈蚣草是如何通过仅仅几十个微米的孢子将这种砷超富集能力传递给下一代?与其他微区分析手段相比,基于同步辐射X射线的荧光光谱和吸收光谱分析灵敏度高、操作简便,近年来被广泛应用到超富集植物的研究中,它也使得研究几十个微米的孢子中砷及其他元素的分布成为可能。为了揭示砷超富集植物蜈蚣草孢子的化学元素组成,该研究采用同步辐射X射线荧光探针分析技术首次揭示了蜈蚣草的生殖细胞——孢子中砷、铜、锌等微量元素的浓度分布,以及钾、钙等大量元素的浓度分布;并将砷的分布趋势与大量营养元素钾、钙、铁、硫,以及微量元素铜、锌的分布趋势进行对比。蜈蚣草的微区元素分布研究表明,孢子囊中砷和钙、砷和硫的分布特征具有相似性,砷和硫、钙更有可能同时聚集在孢子中。这表明,在孢子产生和萌发过程中,砷、硫和钙可能发挥着重要作用。为了揭示变价元素砷在孢子中的存在形式,采用同步辐射X射线吸收光谱首次揭示了蜈蚣草孢子中砷的微区形态,结果表明,蜈蚣草孢子中砷的存在形态与羽叶一致,以低价态的AsⅢ为主。AsⅢ是活性和毒性都相对较强的一种砷存在形式。这表明蜈蚣草孢子对于高毒性高活性的三价砷具有较强耐性。通过采用高分辨率低检测限的X射线荧光探针和X射线吸收光谱技术,揭示砷超富集植物蜈蚣草孢子中砷的分布和存在形式,研究结果为了解蜈蚣草砷富集能力的遗传特性提供基础信息。

同步辐射X射线荧光微探针测定岩石中的元素分布

同步辐射X射线(白光)荧光微探针在大气环境下,光斑尺寸为(50×50)μm^2,位移为1mm/步,计数时间30s,扫描测量了含石榴石紫苏花岗岩中多元素(K、Ca、Ti、Cr、Mn、Fe、Cu、Zn、Rb和Sr)的分布并绘制成图。检测限达x×10ppm,绝对量为10^(-10)—10^(-11)g范围。

同步辐射X射线荧光微探针技术中地质标样的研究

将国家级标样GSR-1至GSR-7研磨至颗粒度<2μm,在大气光路中以光斑尺寸为100μm×l00μm的同步辐射X射线(白光)激发,si(Li)半导体探测器采集荧光信号。研究了这些岩石标样中元素(K、Ca、Ti、Mn、Fe、Zn、Rb、sr、Zr)的X射线荧光强度平均值的相对标准偏差与取样量(点数或面积)的关系,测算了使用这套国家岩石标准样的取样量(点数或面积),并确定了实用的测量方法。为同步辐射X射线荧光微探针扫描技术提供一套(7个)适用的岩石标准样。

Compositional Distribution and Growth Mode of Garnet Porphyroblasts during Deformation and Metamorphism

Although porphyroblast microstructures play an important role in structural and metamorphic studies, there are still controversies in the interpretation. The focus is how porphyroblasts grow during deformation and metamorphism. In this paper, we introduce a new approach, the Synchrotron Radiation X-Ray Fluorescence, to a hemi-quantitative interpretation of the growth mode of porphyroblasts. The analysis was done at the Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility. The specimens were sampled from metapelite of the Baoyintu Group, northern Urad Middle Banner, Inner Mongolia. The new method is successful for determining the microscopic distribution of trace elements in porphybroblasts. The results support the theory of deformation partition, which has been brought forth by Bell and his colleagues, and demonstrate the existence of porphyroblast growth phases and the growth mode of porphyroblasts by hemi-quantitative mineral chemical analysis. The porphyroblast grows stage by stage in the manner of the distribution of a roseleaf and is controlled by deformation. We call the growth stage of porphyroblast a growth phase.

Intracellular in situ labeling of Ti02 nanoparticles for fluorescence microscopy detection

Titanium dioxide （TiO2） nanoparticles are produced for many different purposes, including development of therapeutic and diagnostic nanoparticles for cancer detection and treatment, drug delivery, induction of DNA double-strand breaks, and imaging of specific cells and subcellular structures. Currently, the use of optical microscopy, an imaging technique most accessible to biology and medical patholog36 to detect TiO2 nanoparticles in cells and tissues ex vivo is limited with low detection limits, while more sensitive imaging methods （transmission electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence microscop~ etc.） have low throughput and technical and operational complications. Herein, we describe two in situ post- treatment labeling approaches to stain TiO2 nanoparticles taken up by the cells. The first approach utilizes fluorescent biotin and fluorescent streptavidin to label the nanoparticles before and after cellular uptake; the second approach is based on the copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition, the so-called Click chemistry, for labeling and detection of azide-conjugated TiO2 nanoparticles with alkyne- conjugated fluorescent dyes such as Alexa Fluor 488. To confirm that optical fluorescence signals of these nanoparticles match the distribution of the Ti element, we used synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy （XFM） at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory. Titanium-specific XFM showed excellent overlap with the location of optical fluorescence detected by confocal microscopy. Therefore, future experiments with TiO2 nanoparticles may safely rely on confocal microscopy after in situ nanoparticle labeling using approaches described here.