Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is an untreatable, neurodegenerative disease of motor neurons characterized by progressive muscle atrophy, limb paralysis, dysarthria, dysphagia, dyspnae and finally death. Large motor neurons in ventral horns of spinal cord and motor nuclei in brainstem, large pyramidal neurons of motor cortex and/or large myelinated axons of corticospinal tracts are affecte...

Low energy X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and soft X-ray absorption (XAS) microspectroscopies at high space-resolution are employed for the investigation of the coelectrodeposition of composites consisting of a polypyrrole(PPy)-matrix and Mn-based ternary dispersoids, that have been proposed as promising electrocatalysts for oxygen-reduction electrodes. Specifically, we studied Mn–Co–Cu/PP, Mn–Co–Mg/...

Bisphosphonates (BPs) have been widely, efficiently, and safely used for the treatment of various bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis. However, concerns about jaw osteonecrosis associated with oral treatment (medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw [MRONJ]) have been increasing. Although many risk factors for MRONJ have been elucidated, its precise etiology and methods of prevention ...

The purposes of this study are: (1) to determine whether proficiency analytical test (PAT) materials from the American Industrial Hygiene Association can be used to provide quality data for portable X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) of lead in dust wipe surface samples; (2) to provide data to determine whether the on-site analysis of field dust wipe samples by XRF and the laboratory method of i...

Measurements of the refractive index (RI) and elemental analysis using synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (SR-XRF) were applied to the forensic discrimination of sheet-glass samples from different origins. The refractive index was calculated from the matching temperature at which the glass fragments became invisible in silicone oil. Fragments smaller than 1 mm in maximum diam...

Micro X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) possesses a powerful analytical technique able to detect macro- and micro-elements. Each plant variety has unique elemental composition important role in the germination process. The aims of this study were (1) map elements quantities soybean seed coat endosperm, (2) investigate how various might mediate inter-relationship or correlation between within genotypes...