Simple and rapid quantification of chromium, arsenic, and selenium in bituminous coal samples using a desktop energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analyzer.

In this study, the simple and rapid quantification of Cr, As, and Se in bituminous coal was achieved by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry using pressed and powdered samples. The accuracy of the EDXRF method was improved by spectral processing optimization so the net intensity of the analytical X-ray line reflected the actual value. The EDXRF method provides results that are comparable to those obtained using traditional chemical analysis methods with two types of samples and it reduces the analysis time by 66% for pellet samples and 90% for powder samples.

Third-order spherical aberration correction using multistage self-aligned quadrupole correction-lens systems.

New multistage self-aligned quadrupole correction-lens systems are proposed for correcting the spherical aberration of a rotationally symmetrical lens in a probe-forming system such as electron beam lithography and focused ion beam. These multistage correction-lens systems consist of six- or eight-stage electrostatic quadrupole and aperture electrodes placed between the quadrupoles. An octupole field for the correction of aperture aberration is automatically created and aligned with a quadrupole field by supplying a voltage to the aperture electrode.

Properties of cellulose-degrading enzymes from Aspergillus oryzae and their contribution to material utilization and alcohol yield in sake mash fermentation.

Four cellulose-degrading enzymes were identified in a solid-state culture of Aspergillus oryzae. The three major enzymes were purified and named Cel-1, Cel-2, and Cel-3, respectively. The molecular weights were determined to be 62, 120, and 34 kDa, respectively.

Production of cellulose- and xylan-degrading enzymes by a koji mold, aspergillus oryzae, and their contribution to the maceration of rice endosperm cell wall.

The production of cellulose- (CEL), xylan- (XYL), and pectin-degrading enzymes (PEC) by a koji mold, Aspergillus oryzae, was studied, and their contributions to the maceration of the rice endosperm cell wall were investigated with regard to the utilization of available rice in the sake mash. The sake koji mold showed higher CEL and XYL productivities, whereas the miso and soy sauce koji molds showed higher PEC productivity. Statistical analyses indicated that CEL and XYL contribute predominantly and synergistically to the maceration of the rice endosperm cell wall.

Development of Electron Probe Instrumentation during Those Early Days When Professor Castaing Visited Japan.

The development of the electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) in Japan in the early 1960s, when Prof. R. Castaing visited Japan, is briefly outlined.

Application of pixel truncation to reduce intensity artifacts in myocardial SPECT imaging with Tc-99m tetrofosmin.

Background: Technetium 99m-labeled radiopharmaceuticals accumulate in the liver and gallbladder, where they generate intensity artifacts that can result in misdiagnosis of myocardial single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images. This study identifies and eliminates factors affecting the magnitude and appearance of intensity artifacts in a gallbladder-heart phantom.

Methods And Results: The myocardium and background compartments of a phantom were filled with Tc-99m at concentrations of 320 and 26.