Application of total X-Ray fluorescence to gunshot residue determination.

Currently the great majority of the criminal acts have involved the use of firearms, for these reasons the evidences generate from these are one of the fundamental pillars of a forensic investigation. The firearm leaves evidence known as gunshot residue (GSR), which is principally composed of burnt and unburnt particles from the detonation, as well as fragments of the bullet, cartridge case, and the firearm. Gunshot residue (GSR) is produced when a firearm is discharged and large quantities of it can be transferred to an individual who has fired.

Exploiting electron storage in TiO2 nanoparticles for dark reduction of As(V) by accumulated electrons.

UV irradiation of an ethanolic sol of TiO2 nanoparticles produces a trapped Ti(III) centre and a noticeable Burstein shift. Direct evidence that the accumulated charges can drive the otherwise forbidden reduction of As(V) by conduction band electrons is presented.

[Cervical cerclage and evidence-based medicine: if, how and when].

Cervical cerclage has always been the main treatment option in cases of so-called cervical insufficiency, a condition that is notoriously associated with a high risk of second trimester abortion and/or preterm delivery. We can distinguish between a prophylactic cerclage, to be performed electively, usually at 13-16 weeks gestation, only when the woman has a history extremely suggestive for cervical incompetence (3 or more mid-trimester abortions or preterm deliveries) and a therapeutic cerclage. This last cerclage is recommended either for women who have ultrasonographic changes consistent with a short cervix or the presence of funneling after the 16-20 weeks gestation (urgent cerclage) and for women who present the asymptomatic dilation of the uterine cervix of at least 2 cm and/or a prolapse of the amniochorial membranes (emergent cerclage).

Elucidating a particulate matter deposition episode by combining scanning electron microscopy and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.

Multielemental composition and morphology of particulate matter samples were examined to detect the presence of two potential responsible pollutant emitters at four sites impacted during a pollution episode in the City of Campana, Argentina. Coke and smoke black are the main constituents associated to the industrial plants that were considered, a priori, as responsible pollutant emitters. Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) was employed for the analysis of metals in samples coming from both, suspected sources and four sites.