| 1. |
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| 2. |
- Heywood, I., et al.
(author)
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Inflation of 430-parsec bipolar radio bubbles in the Galactic Centre by an energetic event
- 2019
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In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 573:7773, s. 235-237
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Galactic Centre contains a supermassive black hole with a mass of four million Suns1 within an environment that differs markedly from that of the Galactic disk. Although the black hole is essentially quiescent in the broader context of active galactic nuclei, X-ray observations have provided evidence for energetic outbursts from its surroundings2. Also, although the levels of star formation in the Galactic Centre have been approximately constant over the past few hundred million years, there is evidence of increased short-duration bursts3, strongly influenced by the interaction of the black hole with the enhanced gas density present within the ring-like central molecular zone4 at Galactic longitude |l| < 0.7 degrees and latitude |b| < 0.2 degrees. The inner 200-parsec region is characterized by large amounts of warm molecular gas5, a high cosmic-ray ionization rate6, unusual gas chemistry, enhanced synchrotron emission7,8, and a multitude of radio-emitting magnetized filaments9, the origin of which has not been established. Here we report radio imaging that reveals a bipolar bubble structure, with an overall span of 1 degree by 3 degrees (140 parsecs × 430 parsecs), extending above and below the Galactic plane and apparently associated with the Galactic Centre. The structure is edge-brightened and bounded, with symmetry implying creation by an energetic event in the Galactic Centre. We estimate the age of the bubbles to be a few million years, with a total energy of 7 × 1052 ergs. We postulate that the progenitor event was a major contributor to the increased cosmic-ray density in the Galactic Centre, and is in turn the principal source of the relativistic particles required to power the synchrotron emission of the radio filaments within and in the vicinity of the bubble cavities.
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| 3. |
- Camilo, F., et al.
(author)
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Revival of the Magnetar PSR J1622-4950: Observations with MeerKAT, Parkes, XMM-Newton, Swift, Chandra, and NuSTAR
- 2018
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In: Astrophysical Journal. - : American Astronomical Society. - 1538-4357 .- 0004-637X. ; 856:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- New radio (MeerKAT and Parkes) and X-ray (XMM-Newton, Swift, Chandra, and NuSTAR) observations of PSR J1622-4950 indicate that the magnetar, in a quiescent state since at least early 2015, reactivated between 2017 March 19 and April 5. The radio flux density, while variable, is approximately 100 larger than during its dormant state. The X-ray flux one month after reactivation was at least 800 larger than during quiescence, and has been decaying exponentially on a 111 19 day timescale. This high-flux state, together with a radio-derived rotational ephemeris, enabled for the first time the detection of X-ray pulsations for this magnetar. At 5%, the 0.3-6 keV pulsed fraction is comparable to the smallest observed for magnetars. The overall pulsar geometry inferred from polarized radio emission appears to be broadly consistent with that determined 6-8 years earlier. However, rotating vector model fits suggest that we are now seeing radio emission from a different location in the magnetosphere than previously. This indicates a novel way in which radio emission from magnetars can differ from that of ordinary pulsars. The torque on the neutron star is varying rapidly and unsteadily, as is common for magnetars following outburst, having changed by a factor of 7 within six months of reactivation.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Burger, Pieter B., et al.
(author)
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A novel inhibitor of Plasmodium falciparum spermidine synthase: a twist in the tail
- 2015
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In: Malaria Journal. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1475-2875. ; 14
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Plasmodium falciparum is the most pathogenic of the human malaria parasite species and a major cause of death in Africa. It's resistance to most of the current drugs accentuates the pressing need for new chemotherapies. Polyamine metabolism of the parasite is distinct from the human pathway making it an attractive target for chemotherapeutic development. Plasmodium falciparum spermidine synthase (PfSpdS) catalyzes the synthesis of spermidine and spermine. It is a major polyamine flux-determining enzyme and spermidine is a prerequisite for the post-translational activation of P. falciparum eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (elF5A). The most potent inhibitors of eukaryotic SpdS's are not specific for PfSpdS. Methods: 'Dynamic' receptor-based pharmacophore models were generated from published crystal structures of SpdS with different ligands. This approach takes into account the inherent flexibility of the active site, which reduces the entropic penalties associated with ligand binding. Four dynamic pharmacophore models were developed and two inhibitors, (1R, 4R)-(N1-(3-aminopropyl)-trans-cyclohexane-1,4-diamine (compound 8) and an analogue, N-(3-aminopropyl)-cyclohexylamine (compound 9), were identified. Results: A crystal structure containing compound 8 was solved and confirmed the in silico prediction that its aminopropyl chain traverses the catalytic centre in the presence of the byproduct of catalysis, 5'-methylthioadenosine. The IC50 value of compound 9 is in the same range as that of the most potent inhibitors of PfSpdS, S-adenosyl-1,8-diamino-3-thio-octane (AdoDATO) and 4MCHA and 100-fold lower than that of compound 8. Compound 9 was originally identified as a mammalian spermine synthase inhibitor and does not inhibit mammalian SpdS. This implied that these two compounds bind in an orientation where their aminopropyl chains face the putrescine binding site in the presence of the substrate, decarboxylated S-adenosylmethionine. The higher binding affinity and lower receptor strain energy of compound 9 compared to compound 8 in the reversed orientation explained their different IC50 values. Conclusion: The specific inhibition of PfSpdS by compound 9 is enabled by its binding in the additional cavity normally occupied by spermidine when spermine is synthesized. This is the first time that a spermine synthase inhibitor is shown to inhibit PfSpdS, which provides new avenues to explore for the development of novel inhibitors of PfSpdS.
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| 7. |
- Echelmeier, A., et al.
(author)
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Segmented flow generator for serial crystallography at the European X-ray free electron laser
- 2020
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In: Nature Communications. - : Nature Research. - 2041-1723. ; 11:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) with X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) allows structure determination of membrane proteins and time-resolved crystallography. Common liquid sample delivery continuously jets the protein crystal suspension into the path of the XFEL, wasting a vast amount of sample due to the pulsed nature of all current XFEL sources. The European XFEL (EuXFEL) delivers femtosecond (fs) X-ray pulses in trains spaced 100 ms apart whereas pulses within trains are currently separated by 889 ns. Therefore, continuous sample delivery via fast jets wastes >99% of sample. Here, we introduce a microfluidic device delivering crystal laden droplets segmented with an immiscible oil reducing sample waste and demonstrate droplet injection at the EuXFEL compatible with high pressure liquid delivery of an SFX experiment. While achieving ~60% reduction in sample waste, we determine the structure of the enzyme 3-deoxy-D-manno-octulosonate-8-phosphate synthase from microcrystals delivered in droplets revealing distinct structural features not previously reported.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Bagula, Antoine B., et al.
(author)
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On achieving LSP/λSP multiplexing/separation in converged data/optical networks
- 2006
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In: Journal of Optical Networking. - 1536-5379. ; 5:4, s. 280-292
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We revisit the concept of path multiplexing/separation and its impact on the recovery performance in converged data/optical networks. We formulate the rerouting of failed tunnels as a path set finding problem subject to quality of service (QoS) and network control constraints. We solve this problem using a heuristic solution that is based on a cost metric that (1) uses congestion in the optical layer to guide routing decisions and (2) engineers converged multiprotocol label switching networks and multiprotocol lambda switching (MPLS/MPλ S) networks to achieve path multiplexing/separation when rerouting the label switched paths (LSPs) and the lambda switched paths (λ SPs). We apply this solution to achieve multilayer resilience using a mixed scheme where protection switching is complemented by path restoration. We evaluate the performance of this scheme when rerouting the tunnels carrying the traffic offered to 15- and 23-node networks. Simulation reveals performance improvements of the proposed scheme when compared with classical recovery schemes that use several other existing algorithms such as minimum hop algorithm (MHA), open shortest path first (OSPF), and widest shortest path (WSP) in terms of the rerouting efficiency and bandwidth usage optimization.
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| 10. |
- Crous, P.W., et al.
(author)
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Fungal Planet description sheets: 1112–1181
- 2020
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In: Persoonia. - : Naturalis Biodiversity Center. - 0031-5850. ; 45, s. 251-409
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Australia, Austroboletus asper on soil, Cylindromonium alloxyli on leaves of Alloxylon pinnatum, Davidhawksworthia quintiniae on leaves of Quintinia sieberi, Exophiala prostantherae on leaves of Prostanthera sp., Lactifluus lactiglaucus on soil, Linteromyces quintiniae (incl. Linteromyces gen. nov.) on leaves of Quintinia sieberi, Lophotrichus medusoides from stem tissue of Citrus garrawayi, Mycena pulchra on soil, Neocalonectria tristaniopsidis (incl. Neocalonectria gen. nov.) and Xyladictyochaeta tristaniopsidis on leaves of Tristaniopsis collina, Parasarocladium tasmanniae on leaves of Tasmannia insipida, Phytophthora aquae-cooljarloo from pond water, Serendipita whamiae as endophyte from roots of Eriochilus cucullatus, Veloboletus limbatus (incl. Veloboletus gen. nov.) on soil. Austria, Cortinarius glaucoelotus on soil. Bulgaria, Suhomyces rilaensis from the gut of Bolitophagus interruptus found on a Polyporus sp. Canada, Cantharellus betularum among leaf litter of Betula, Penicillium saanichii from house dust. Chile, Circinella lampensis on soil, Exophiala embothrii from rhizosphere of Embothrium coccineum. China, Colletotrichum cycadis on leaves of Cycas revoluta. Croatia, Phialocephala melitaea on fallen branch of Pinus halepensis. Czech Republic, Geoglossum jirinae on soil, Pyrenochaetopsis rajhradensis from dead wood of Buxus sempervirens. Dominican Republic, Amanita domingensis on litter of deciduous wood, Melanoleuca dominicana on forest litter. France, Crin- ipellis nigrolamellata (Martinique) on leaves of Pisonia fragrans, Talaromyces pulveris from bore dust of Xestobium rufovillosum infesting floorboards. French Guiana, Hypoxylon hepaticolor on dead corticated branch. Great Britain, Inocybe ionolepis on soil. India, Cortinarius indopurpurascens among leaf litter of Quercus leucotrichophora. Iran, Pseudopyricularia javanii on infected leaves of Cyperus sp., Xenomonodictys iranica (incl. Xenomonodictys gen. nov.) on wood of Fagus orientalis. Italy, Penicillium vallebormidaense from compost. Namibia, Alternaria mira- bibensis on plant litter, Curvularia moringae and Moringomyces phantasmae (incl. Moringomyces gen. nov.) on leaves and flowers of Moringa ovalifolia, Gobabebomyces vachelliae (incl. Gobabebomyces gen. nov.) on leaves of Vachellia erioloba, Preussia procaviae on dung of Procavia capensis. Pakistan, Russula shawarensis from soil on forest floor. Russia, Cyberlindnera dauci from Daucus carota. South Africa, Acremonium behniae on leaves of Behnia reticulata, Dothiora aloidendri and Hantamomyces aloidendri (incl. Hantamomyces gen. nov.) on leaves of Aloidendron dichotomum, Endoconidioma euphorbiae on leaves of Euphorbia mauritanica, Eucasphaeria pro- teae on leaves of Protea neriifolia, Exophiala mali from inner fruit tissue of Malus sp., Graminopassalora geisso- rhizae on leaves of Geissorhiza splendidissima, Neocamarosporium leipoldtiae on leaves of Leipoldtia schultzii,Neocladosporium osteospermi on leaf spots of Osteospermum moniliferum, Neometulocladosporiella seifertii on leaves of Combretum caffrum, Paramyrothecium pituitipietianum on stems of Grielum humifusum, Phytopythium paucipapillatum from roots of Vitis sp., Stemphylium carpobroti and Verrucocladosporium carpobroti on leaves of Carpobrotus quadrifolius, Suttonomyces cephalophylli on leaves of Cephalophyllum pilansii. Sweden, Coprinopsis rubra on cow dung, Elaphomyces nemoreus from deciduous woodlands. Spain, Polyscytalum pini-canariensis on needles of Pinus canariensis, Pseudosubramaniomyces septatus from stream sediment, Tuber lusitanicum on soil under Quercus suber. Thailand, Tolypocladium flavonigrum on Elaphomyces sp. USA, Chaetothyrina spondiadis on fruits of Spondias mombin, Gymnascella minnisii from bat guano, Juncomyces patwiniorum on culms of Juncus effusus, Moelleriella puertoricoensis on scale insect, Neodothiora populina (incl. Neodothiora gen. nov.) on stem cankers of Populus tremuloides, Pseudogymnoascus palmeri from cave sediment. Vietnam, Cyphellophora viet- namensis on leaf litter, Tylopilus subotsuensis on soil in montane evergreen broadleaf forest. Morphological and culture characteristics are supported by DNA barcodes.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Engelbrecht, J. A. A., et al.
(author)
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Comparison of experimental results with theoretical models for the temperature dependence of the band gap of AlxGa1-xN epilayers
- 2022
-
In: Journal of materials science. Materials in electronics. - : SPRINGER. - 0957-4522 .- 1573-482X. ; 33, s. 22492-22498
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The band gap energies AlxGa1-xN epilayers prepared on two different substrates were assessed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) and scanning electron microscopy electron dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The results were compared to various theoretical formulae to calculate the band gap, and deviations elucidated.
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Ludick, D. J., et al.
(author)
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Accelerating the CBFM-enhanced jacobi method
- 2017
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In: 19th International Conference on Electromagnetics in Advanced Applications, ICEAA 2017; Verona; Italy; 11 September 2017 through 15 September 2017. - 9781509044511 ; , s. 346-349
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Characteristic Basis Function Method (CBFM)-enhanced Jacobi method has been introduced as an improvement to the standard iterative Jacobi method for finite array analysis. This technique is a domain decomposition approach based on the Method of Moments (MoM) formulation. In some cases, e.g. array environments with a low degree of mutual coupling, the runtime benefit of the CBFM-enhanced Jacobi method is not as significant when compared to that of the Jacobi technique. The reason for this is that additional computational overhead is introduced during each iteration, i.e. setting up and solving the CBFM reduced matrix equation. In this work the adaptive cross approximation (ACA) algorithm is used to accelerate this step in the CBFM-enhanced Jacobi method.
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| 15. |
- Ludick, D. J., et al.
(author)
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Comparison of the iterative jacobi method and the iterative Domain Green'S Function Method for finite array analysis
- 2016
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In: 10th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation, EuCAP 2016, Davos, Switzerland, 10-15 April 2016. - 2164-3342. - 9788890701863
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The purpose of this work is to compare two iterative techniques that may be used for the analysis of large, disjoint finite antenna arrays, viz. the iterative Jacobi method and the iterative Domain Green's Function Method. These methods are conceptually similar, in that they offer alternative ways to improve non-local current distributions during the iterative process. The error convergence of each method will be studied at the hand of an example.
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| 16. |
- Ludick, D. J., et al.
(author)
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Enhancing the Jacobi Method with the CBFM for array antenna analysis
- 2017
-
In: IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium. - 1522-3965. - 9781538632840 ; , s. 727-728
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The analysis of sparse, disjoint finite antenna array structures is considered in this work. The Method-of-Moments (MoM) based CBFM-enhanced Jacobi technique is presented, and offers an improvement over the standard iterative Jacobi method in terms of convergence and accuracy. By applying the Characteristic Basis Function Method (CBFM) during each iteration the effect of mutual coupling between the array elements can be accounted for more accurately than in the standard Jacobi method. The convergence rate of the method is found to be better than that of the Jacobi technique.
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| 17. |
- Ludick, Danie J., et al.
(author)
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The CBFM-Enhanced Jacobi Method for Efficient Finite Antenna Array Analysis
- 2017
-
In: IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters. - 1548-5757 .- 1536-1225. ; 16, s. 2700-2703
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- An enhancement to the iterative Jacobi technique with the characteristic basis function method is presented. The resulting method is intended for efficient method of moments (MoM)-based analysis of large, disjoint finite antenna arrays. The enhancement improves the convergence rate of the Jacobi method by better accounting for mutual coupling between array elements. This involves solving a small, global problem at each iterative step, using macrobasis functions that are iteratively generated. Results are presented, and it is found that the proposed method can recover fast convergence in cases where the Jacobi method diverges or converges slowly. The proposed method also converges significantly faster than a conventional, preconditioned, iterative solution of the MoM matrix equation.
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| 18. |
- Martin, DP, et al.
(author)
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RDP5: a computer program for analyzing recombination in, and removing signals of recombination from, nucleotide sequence datasets
- 2021
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In: Virus evolution. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 2057-1577. ; 7:1, s. veaa087-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- For the past 20 years, the recombination detection program (RDP) project has focused on the development of a fast, flexible, and easy to use Windows-based recombination analysis tool. Whereas previous versions of this tool have relied on considerable user-mediated verification of detected recombination events, the latest iteration, RDP5, is automated enough that it can be integrated within analysis pipelines and run without any user input. The main innovation enabling this degree of automation is the implementation of statistical tests to identify recombination signals that could be attributable to evolutionary processes other than recombination. The additional analysis time required for these tests has been offset by algorithmic improvements throughout the program such that, relative to RDP4, RDP5 will still run up to five times faster and be capable of analyzing alignments containing twice as many sequences (up to 5000) that are five times longer (up to 50 million sites). For users wanting to remove signals of recombination from their datasets before using them for downstream phylogenetics-based molecular evolution analyses, RDP5 can disassemble detected recombinant sequences into their constituent parts and output a variety of different recombination-free datasets in an array of different alignment formats. For users that are interested in exploring the recombination history of their datasets, all the manual verification, data management and data visualization components of RDP5 have been extensively updated to minimize the amount of time needed by users to individually verify and refine the program’s interpretation of each of the individual recombination events that it detects.
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| 19. |
- Martin, DP, et al.
(author)
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RDP5: a computer program for analyzing recombination in, and removing signals of recombination from, nucleotide sequence datasets
- 2021
-
In: Virus evolution. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 2057-1577. ; 7:1, s. veaa087-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- For the past 20 years, the recombination detection program (RDP) project has focused on the development of a fast, flexible, and easy to use Windows-based recombination analysis tool. Whereas previous versions of this tool have relied on considerable user-mediated verification of detected recombination events, the latest iteration, RDP5, is automated enough that it can be integrated within analysis pipelines and run without any user input. The main innovation enabling this degree of automation is the implementation of statistical tests to identify recombination signals that could be attributable to evolutionary processes other than recombination. The additional analysis time required for these tests has been offset by algorithmic improvements throughout the program such that, relative to RDP4, RDP5 will still run up to five times faster and be capable of analyzing alignments containing twice as many sequences (up to 5000) that are five times longer (up to 50 million sites). For users wanting to remove signals of recombination from their datasets before using them for downstream phylogenetics-based molecular evolution analyses, RDP5 can disassemble detected recombinant sequences into their constituent parts and output a variety of different recombination-free datasets in an array of different alignment formats. For users that are interested in exploring the recombination history of their datasets, all the manual verification, data management and data visualization components of RDP5 have been extensively updated to minimize the amount of time needed by users to individually verify and refine the program’s interpretation of each of the individual recombination events that it detects.
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| 20. |
- Vermeulen, Bram D., et al.
(author)
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Early diagnosis is associated with improved clinical outcomes in benign esophageal perforation : an individual patient data meta-analysis
- 2021
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In: Surgical Endoscopy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0930-2794 .- 1432-2218. ; 35:7, s. 3492-3505
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Time of diagnosis (TOD) of benign esophageal perforation is regarded as an important risk factor for clinical outcome, although convincing evidence is lacking. The aim of this study is to assess whether time between onset of perforation and diagnosis is associated with clinical outcome in patients with iatrogenic esophageal perforation (IEP) and Boerhaave’s syndrome (BS). Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane library through June 2018 to identify studies. Authors were invited to share individual patient data and a meta-analysis was performed (PROSPERO: CRD42018093473). Patients were subdivided in early (≤ 24 h) and late (> 24 h) TOD and compared with mixed effects multivariable analysis while adjusting age, gender, location of perforation, initial treatment and center. Primary outcome was overall mortality. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay, re-interventions and ICU admission. Results: Our meta-analysis included IPD of 25 studies including 576 patients with IEP and 384 with BS. In IEP, early TOD was not associated with overall mortality (8% vs. 13%, OR 2.1, 95% CI 0.8–5.1), but was associated with a 23% decrease in ICU admissions (46% vs. 69%, OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.2–7.2), a 22% decrease in re-interventions (23% vs. 45%, OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.2–6.7) and a 36% decrease in length of hospital stay (14 vs. 22 days, p < 0.001), compared with late TOD. In BS, no associations between TOD and outcomes were found. When combining IEP and BS, early TOD was associated with a 6% decrease in overall mortality (10% vs. 16%, OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–3.9), a 19% decrease in re-interventions (26% vs. 45%, OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.2) and a 35% decrease in mean length of hospital stay (16 vs. 22 days, p = 0.001), compared with late TOD. Conclusions: This individual patient data meta-analysis confirms the general opinion that an early (≤ 24 h) compared to a late diagnosis (> 24 h) in benign esophageal perforations, particularly in IEP, is associated with improved clinical outcome.
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| 21. |
- Vogel, Jacob W., et al.
(author)
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Connectome-based modelling of neurodegenerative diseases: towards precision medicine and mechanistic insight
- 2023
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In: Nature Reviews Neuroscience. - 1471-003X .- 1471-0048. ; 24:10, s. 620-639
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Neurodegenerative diseases are the most common cause of dementia. Although their underlying molecular pathologies have been identified, there is substantial heterogeneity in the patterns of progressive brain alterations across and within these diseases. Recent advances in neuroimaging methods have revealed that pathological proteins accumulate along specific macroscale brain networks, implicating the network architecture of the brain in the system-level pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the extent to which 'network-based neurodegeneration' applies across the wide range of neurodegenerative disorders remains unclear. Here, we discuss the state-of-the-art of neuroimaging-based connectomics for the mapping and prediction of neurodegenerative processes. We review findings supporting brain networks as passive conduits through which pathological proteins spread. As an alternative view, we also discuss complementary work suggesting that network alterations actively modulate the spreading of pathological proteins between connected brain regions. We conclude this Perspective by proposing an integrative framework in which connectome-based models can be advanced along three dimensions of innovation: incorporating parameters that modulate propagation behaviour on the basis of measurable biological features; building patient-tailored models that use individual-level information and allowing model parameters to interact dynamically over time. We discuss promises and pitfalls of these strategies for improving disease insights and moving towards precision medicine. Neurodegenerative diseases show idiosyncratic spatial patterns of progressive protein malformations in the brain. In this Perspective, Vogel et al. discuss the role of inter-regional connectivity in constraining and modulating the spread of pathological proteins and provide a framework for patient-tailored prognostics.
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| 22. |
- Wang, J., et al.
(author)
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Final report of the CCQM-K145 : Toxic and essential elements in bovine liver
- 2020
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In: Metrologia. - : IOP Publishing Ltd. - 0026-1394 .- 1681-7575. ; 57:1 A
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Liver plays a major role in metabolism and acts as a source of energy for the body by storing glycogen. With the growing interest and investigation in the biological effects in recent years, it is important and necessary to develop accurate and comparable analytical methods for elements in bio-samples. It has, however, been 10 years since the tissue sample (bovine liver) of CCQM-K49 key comparison. The purpose of CCQM-K145 is to ensure the comparable and traceable measurement results for essential and toxic elements such as P, S, Zn, Mn, Ni, Mo, Sr, Cr, Co, Pb, As and Hg in bovine liver among NMIs and other designated measurement bodies worldwide. The comparison was agreed by IAWG as 6th IAWG Benchmarking Exercise with Zn and Ni as exemplary elements at the meeting in Korea in the early October 2016. The results of CCQM-K145 are expected to cover the measurement capability and support CMCs claiming for inorganic elements in the similar biological tissue materials and food samples. 30 NMIs and DIs registered in CCQM-K145. With respect to the methodology, a variety of techniques such as IDMS, ICP-OES, ICP-MS(non-ID), AAS and NAA were adopted by the participants. For Zn, Ni, Sr, Pb and Hg measurements, most participants chose ID-ICP-MS method, which showed the better performance in terms of consistency and reliability of the measurement results. In aspect of the traceability for the measurement results in CCQM-K145, most participants used their own (in house) CRMs or other NMI's CRMs to guarantee trace to SI unit. Most participants used similar matrix CRMs for quality control or method validation. Base on different statistic way to calculate the reference mass fraction values and associated uncertainties for each measurand, removal of the suspected extreme values, and discussion at the IAWG meetings, the median values are proposed as the KCRV for Zn, Ni, Mn, Mo, Cr, Pb and Hg; the arithmetic mean values are proposed as the KCRV for P, S, Sr, Co and As. In general, the performances of the majority of CCQM-K145 participants are very good, illustrating their measurement capabilities for Zn, Ni, P, S, Mn, Mo, Sr, Cr, As, Co, Pb and Hg in a complex biological tissue matrix. Bovine liver contains many kinds of nutrients and microelements, it can be regarded as a typical representative material of biological tissue and food. In CCQM-K145, the analytes involved alkali metals and transition elements, metalloids/semi-metals and non metals with a range of mass fraction from mg/g to μg/kg. CCQM-K145 also tested the ability of NMIs/DIs to determine elements that were easy to be lost and polluted, and interfered significantly. The chemical pretreatment methods of samples used in the comparison is suitable for general food and biological matrix samples. A variety of measurement methods used in the comparison represent the main instrumental technology for elemental analysis. Therefore, for supporting CMC claim, CCQM-K145 is readily applicable to measurement of more elements in a wide range of biological materials (including liquids and solids) and meat products. Main text To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
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