Beyond Death: Forensic Investigations of pre-Columbian Mummies from the Tarapacá Valley, Chile, Using Variable Pressure SEM and Raman Spectroscopy

2007 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 6-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.V. Prikhodko ◽  
C. Fischer ◽  
R. Boytner ◽  
M. C. Lozada ◽  
M. Uribe ◽  
...  

Variable pressure scanning electron microscopy (VPSEM) coupled with other non-destructive analytical methods, such as energy dispersive (EDS) and Raman spectroscopy (RS) offers new capabilities for non-invasive imaging and chemical characterization of archaeological materials. This article underlines the application of VPSEM-EDS-RS on bioarchaeological specimens of pre-Columbian mummies from the Tarapacá Valley in northern Chile. The aim of the scientific investigations is to identify nonanatomical features and to provide qualitative and quantitative information at molecular levels, complementing the morphological record from studies in physical anthropology, in an effort to understand mortuary practices in the Tarapacá Valley and the effects of the burial environment in the preservation of mummified human remains.

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 879
Author(s):  
Kevin Cheng ◽  
Andrew Lin ◽  
Jeremy Yuvaraj ◽  
Stephen J. Nicholls ◽  
Dennis T.L. Wong

Radiomics, via the extraction of quantitative information from conventional radiologic images, can identify imperceptible imaging biomarkers that can advance the characterization of coronary plaques and the surrounding adipose tissue. Such an approach can unravel the underlying pathophysiology of atherosclerosis which has the potential to aid diagnostic, prognostic and, therapeutic decision making. Several studies have demonstrated that radiomic analysis can characterize coronary atherosclerotic plaques with a level of accuracy comparable, if not superior, to current conventional qualitative and quantitative image analysis. While there are many milestones still to be reached before radiomics can be integrated into current clinical practice, such techniques hold great promise for improving the imaging phenotyping of coronary artery disease.


Author(s):  
Elisabeth Holmqvist

Handheld portable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry is used for non-destructive chemical characterization of archaeological ceramics. Portable XRF can provide adequate analytical sensitivity to discriminate geochemically distinct ceramic pastes, and to identify compositional clusters that correlate with data patterns acquired by NAA or other high sensitivity techniques. However, successful non-destructive analysis of unprepared inhomogeneous ceramic samples requires matrix-defined scientific protocols to control matrix effects which reduce the sensitivity and precision of the instrumentation. Quantification of the measured fluorescence intensities into absolute concentration values and detection of light elements is encumbered by the lack of matrix matched calibration and proper vacuum facilities. Nevertheless, semi-quantitative values for a limited range of high Z elements can be generated. Unstandardized results are difficult to validate by others, and decreased analytical resolution of non-destructive surface analysis may disadvantage site-specific sourcing, jeopardize correct group assignments, and lead to under-interpretation of ceramic craft and production systems.


2018 ◽  
Vol 138 ◽  
pp. 246-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haizea Portillo ◽  
Maria Cruz Zuluaga ◽  
Luis Angel Ortega ◽  
Ainhoa Alonso-Olazabal ◽  
Xabier Murelaga ◽  
...  

1999 ◽  
Vol 591 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. S. Lee ◽  
D. Mangelinck ◽  
K. L. Pey ◽  
J. Ding ◽  
T. Osipowicz ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTThe formation and thermal stability of Ni- and Ni(Pt) silicide on narrow polycrystalline Si (poly-Si) lines have been investigated using the non-destructive micro-Raman technique. The presence of Ni or Ni(Pt)Si on poly-Si lines with linewidths ranging from 0.5 gtm to 0.25 μm has been monitored by a distinct Raman peak at around 215 cm−1. Ni(Pt)Si was clearly identified to be present up to a RTA temperature of 900°C on narrow poly-Si lines as compared to pure NiSi which was found only up to 750°C. Raman scattering from the 100×100 μm2 poly-Si pads showed the formation of NiSi2 at 750°C for pure Ni-salicidation and 900°C for Ni(Pt)-salicidation respectively. The difference in the stability of NiSi on the poly-Si pads and lines is discussed in terms of agglomeration, inversion and/or nucleation of NiSi2that could be due to difference in nucleation sites and/or stress. In addition, a correlation between the line sheet resistance and the presence of Ni silicide was found using micro-Raman mapping along single poly-Si lines.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Pires de Almeida Ribeiro

<p>The mechanical behavior of a natural stone ventilated facade is inevitably based on the correct execution of both anchoring elements, stone cladding and enclosure support, either with brick masonry walls or reinforced concrete walls. In the case studied in the present work, the origin of the damages on the facade of a building located in Lisbon has been analyzed, where stone detachments were starting to occur. This enclosure is a ventilated facade cladded with Portuguese limestone Lioz slabs. Non-destructive borescope analysis of the metallic anchoring system employed was performed, as well as X-Ray fluorescence laboratory analysis (FRX) for chemical characterization of the anchoring material. Results obtained demonstrated the problem cause on the stone facade due to incorrect metallic anchoring selection and poor execution combined with stress corrosion effect, especially for slabs with larger dimensions.</p>


The Analyst ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 140 (15) ◽  
pp. 4967-4980 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dmitry Kurouski ◽  
Richard P. Van Duyne ◽  
Igor K. Lednev

Applications of Raman spectroscopy, a label-free non-destructive technique, for the structural characterization of amyloidogenic proteins, prefibrilar oligomers, and mature fibrils.


2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (30) ◽  
pp. 344
Author(s):  
Dalva Lucia Araujo Faria

As últimas décadas tem presenciado um crescente aumento no uso de métodos físico-químicos de análise de bens culturais. Algumas dessas técnicas tem se mostrado particularmente úteis pelo caráter não invasivo e não destrutivo que apresentam e, dentre elas, a espectroscopia Raman apresenta posição de destaque. Neste artigo, essas características da técnica são detalhadas, bem como são apresentados os fundamentos teóricos do espalhamento inelástico de luz e discutidos alguns aspectos práticos de sua utilização. Finalmente, é apresentado um levantamento detalhado dos grupos de pesquisa da América do Sul, voltados ao estudo de bens culturais, que tem se utilizado dessa ferramenta analítica e em qual tipo de questionamentos vem sendo aplicada. Abstract: The last decades have witnessed an ever growing increase in the usage of physico-chemical methods to investigate cultural heritage problems. Some of these techniques are proving to be particularly useful in such a context, due to their non-invasive and non-destructive nature; among them, Raman spectroscopy occupies a prominent position. In this paper, such characteristics of the technique are detailed and the physical basis of inelastic light scattering are presented, together with some practical aspects of its applications. Finally, it is here offered a detailed survey in the literature on the South American research groups devoted to the investigation of cultural heritage issues who are using Raman spectroscopy, and the type of interrogation carried on. 


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