Extensive evaluation via blinded testing of an UHPLC-MS/MS method for quantitation of ten ergot alkaloids in rye and wheat grains

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andriy Tkachenko ◽  
Kelly Benson ◽  
Michelle Mostrom ◽  
Jake Guag ◽  
Renate Reimschuessel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ergot Alkaloids ◽  
Method Performance ◽  
Laboratory Methods ◽  
Routine Testing ◽  
Wheat Grains ◽  
Independent Laboratory ◽  
Extensive Evaluation ◽  
Unbiased Manner ◽  
Degree Of Confidence ◽  
High Degree

Abstract Background Ergot alkaloids are mycotoxins produced by the fungus Claviceps, which can contaminate grains and pose a health risk to humans and animals. Validation of an ergot alkaloid method in collaborative projects can be challenging due to instability of analytes, and lack of reliable reference materials and a fully validated reference methods. Objective To extensively evaluate performance of a quantitative UHPLC-MS/MS method to detect ten ergot alkaloids at concentrations between 16–500 ng/g in grains. Method The method performance was evaluated in the Blinded Method Test (BMT) exercise, which allowed organizers to successfully address the challenges. Forty completely blinded test samples were prepared in an independent laboratory and shipped to participating laboratory to analyze on two separate days Results Precision, accuracy and HorRatr values met or exceeded the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendations. The design of the BMT exercise provided a high degree of confidence in data and conclusions drawn. Conclusions The method performed in a manner as expected and the method can be used by the laboratory for routine testing of wheat and rye grains. Highlights Blinded method tests of laboratory methods facilitate validation of tests by evaluating performance in an unbiased manner.

Determination of Sample Size in Service Inspection

1997 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-60
Author(s):  
S. Qin ◽  
G. E. O. Widera
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Large Volume ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Degree Of Confidence ◽  
Impossible Task ◽  
The Mean ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Service Inspection ◽  
False Rejection

When performing inservice inspection on a large volume of identical components, it becomes an almost impossible task to inspect all those in which defects may exist, even if their failure probabilities are known. As a result, an appropriate sample size needs to be determined when setting up an inspection program. In this paper, a probabilistic analysis method is employed to solve this problem. It is assumed that the characteristic data of components has a certain distribution which can be taken as known when the mean and standard deviations of serviceable and defective sets of components are estimated. The sample size can then be determined within an acceptable assigned error range. In this way, both false rejection and acceptance can be avoided with a high degree of confidence.

scholarly journals A crystallographic study of crystalline casts and pseudomorphs from the 3.5 Ga Dresser Formation, Pilbara Craton (Australia)

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 1050-1058 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fermin Otálora ◽  
A. Mazurier ◽  
J. M. Garcia-Ruiz ◽  
M. J. Van Kranendonk ◽  
E. Kotopoulou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Temperature ◽  
Geological History ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Mineral Phase ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Crystallographic Study ◽  
History Of ◽  
Degree Of Confidence ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Pilbara Craton

Crystallography has a long history of providing knowledge and methods for applications in other disciplines. The identification of minerals using X-ray diffraction is one of the most important contributions of crystallography to earth sciences. However, when the crystal itself has been dissolved, replaced or deeply modified during the geological history of the rocks, diffraction information is not available. Instead, the morphology of the crystal cast provides the only crystallographic information on the original mineral phase and the environment of crystal growth. This article reports an investigation of crystal pseudomorphs and crystal casts found in a carbonate-chert facies from the 3.48 Ga-old Dresser Formation (Pilbara Craton, Australia), considered to host some of the oldest remnants of life. A combination of X-ray microtomography, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and crystallographic methods has been used to reveal the original phases of these Archean pseudomorphs. It is found with a high degree of confidence that the original crystals forming in Archean times were hollow aragonite, the high-temperature polymorphs of calcium carbonate, rather than other possible alternatives such as gypsum (CaSO4·2H20) and nahcolite (NaHCO3). The methodology used is described in detail.

Methodology Used to Calculate Naval Compensated Gross Tonnage Factors

2003 ◽  
Vol 19 (01) ◽  
pp. 22-28
Author(s):  
John Craggs ◽  
Damien Bloor ◽  
Brian Tanner ◽  
Hamish Bullen
Keyword(s):  
Performance Improvement ◽  
Acquisition Strategies ◽  
Degree Of Confidence ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Two Sectors

Internationally accepted compensation factors exist for the main commercial ship types, but as yet there are no reliable factors for some unusual ship types or naval vessels. There have been at least two attempts to develop factors for U.S. naval vessels, but at present there is no agreement regarding the validity of the proposed factors. The aim of this paper is to outline the methodology developed to determine compensated gross tonnage (CGT) factors for U.K. naval vessels. This ongoing area of work, instigated and funded by the U.K. Ministry of Defence (MoD) and carried out by First Marine International, has been undertaken in partnership with leading U.K. and European shipbuilders. Three different methods have been used to calculate factors for a Type 23 frigate and an auxiliary oiler replenishment vessel. There was a good correlation between the factors derived by each method, giving the researchers a high degree of confidence in the principal weight-based methodology. The derivation of naval CGT factors and the subsequent analysis will assist MoD to estimate construction budgets, improve acquisition strategies, and quickly assess the implications of changes on unit procurement costs. U.K. naval shipbuilders will benefit from the ability to benchmark themselves against other naval and commercial shipbuilders and assess opportunities for performance improvement. The paper also discusses disparities in productivity between naval and commercial shipbuilders. It puts forward the view that fundamental differences between the two sectors will mean naval shipbuilders will inherently exhibit a lower level of productivity than commercial yards of similar technology.

Evaluation of a benchtop capillary gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer for clinical toxicology.

1985 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 741-746 ◽  
Author(s):  
D G Deutsch ◽  
R J Bergert
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometer ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Ion Source ◽  
Clinical Toxicology ◽  
Gas Chromatograph ◽  
Degree Of Confidence ◽  
Routine Clinical Laboratory ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Drug Reference

Abstract We evaluated the Hewlett-Packard 5995B benchtop capillary gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) for its ability to identify drugs commonly detected and (or) measured in the clinical toxicology laboratory. Initial experiments indicated that the instrument as originally configured, with an isolation valve between the gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer, was unsatisfactory for the identification of hypnotics-sedatives. However, with the capillary inserted directly into the ion source, we could detect 10 ng of these drugs on a total-ion chromatogram. The software programs cause the instrument to be highly automated. In terms of ease of operation and speed it was found suitable for use in a routine clinical laboratory. Chromatography of urine extracts on the capillary gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer yielded excellent resolution of parent compounds and metabolites (e.g., diphenhydramine together with approximately four metabolites and propoxyphene with four metabolites). However, the manufacturer's computer program used to evaluate the quality of the match between the experimental mass spectra and the 375 drug reference spectra was only moderately successful in identifying unknown compounds. The ability of this capillary GC-MS to identify most compounds with a high degree of confidence will be increased by enlarging the library to include more drugs and metabolites and by using a more reliable computerized matching program.

scholarly journals Interlaboratory Testing to Assess Repeatability and Reproducibility of the Double Loop Electrochemical Potentiokinetic Reactivation (DL-EPR) Tests for Type 304H Stainless Steels

CORROSION ◽  
10.5006/3559 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (8) ◽  
pp. 742-749
Author(s):  
Raul B. Rebak ◽  
Sheldon W. Dean
Keyword(s):  
Stainless Steels ◽  
Industrial Applications ◽  
Double Loop ◽  
Degree Of Sensitization ◽  
Electrochemical Potentiokinetic Reactivation ◽  
Degree Of Confidence ◽  
Repeatability And Reproducibility ◽  
Epr Test ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Interlaboratory Testing

The sensitization of stainless steels may decrease their corrosion resistance in industrial applications. Traditional immersion tests exist to determine the degree of sensitization (DOS) of the stainless steels. However, electrochemical methods may be preferred because they are less expensive and faster to perform. The fast and robust double loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (DL-EPR) test has been introduced to the corrosion community some decades ago but an interlaboratory testing study was necessary to assess the repeatability and reproducibility of the DOS results. This work reports on a recent study where 11 laboratories returned results that show a high degree of confidence in the data obtained by DL-EPR.

Analytical evaluation of i-STAT Portable Clinical Analyzer and use by nonlaboratory health-care professionals

1993 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 1069-1074 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Jacobs ◽  
E Vadasdi ◽  
L Sarkozi ◽  
N Colman
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Whole Blood ◽  
Operator Technique ◽  
Analytical Evaluation ◽  
Sample Analysis ◽  
Urea Nitrogen ◽  
Split Sample ◽  
Hematology Analyzer ◽  
Degree Of Confidence ◽  
High Degree

Abstract We evaluated the performance of the i-STAT Portable Clinical Analyzer, a hand-held instrument that, with its current cartridge, analyzes for electrolytes, urea nitrogen, glucose, and hematocrit in approximately 60 microL of whole blood in approximately 90 s. Accuracy, imprecision, and linearity studies were performed with aqueous controls and standards and by split-sample analysis. Intrarun imprecision (CV) ranged from 0.34% to 3.97%. Total imprecision over a 2-month period ranged from 0.42% to 4.83%, with urea nitrogen and glucose analyses generating the higher values. Patients' results from the Portable Clinical Analyzer correlated well with those obtained for whole blood or plasma by the Nova Stat Profile 5, the Beckman Synchron CX3, or the Technicon H1 Hematology Analyzer, with Sylx values < 0.2 mmol/L for potassium; < 1.5 mmol/L for sodium, glucose, and urea nitrogen; < 2.4 mmol/L for chloride, and < 2.4% for hematocrit. We also ascertained imprecision and accuracy of the system placed in a cardiothoracic intensive-care unit and operated by nurses. There were no significant differences in either the imprecision or accuracy of the system in this setting. We conclude that operator technique is not a factor in the analytical performance of the system and that it can be used by nonlaboratorians with a high degree of confidence that reliable results will be obtained.

Belief Revision in Schizophrenia

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
M. Kaliuzhna ◽  
J.-B. Van der Henst ◽  
V. Chambon
Keyword(s):  
Hypothesis Testing ◽  
Belief Revision ◽  
Human Ability ◽  
Initial Hypothesis ◽  
Schizophrenic Patients ◽  
Degree Of Confidence ◽  
Contradictory Evidence ◽  
Myside Bias ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Deficit Theory

A critical human ability is to revise one's own beliefs in light of contradictory evidence. Many argue that it is precisely this ability that is missing among schizophrenic patients and that such a deficit could be the source of delusions. However, no study, as far as we know, has ever directly investigated belief revision ability in schizophrenia. Thus we introduced several tasks requiring patients to revise their beliefs. First, the Wason's hypothesis testing task (the 2-4-6 task) was used. Subjects have to discover a simple rule known by the experimenter concerning a series of three numbers. A belief revision deficit would suggest that patients are incapable of abandoning their initial hypothesis and finding such a rule, since this requires flexible evaluation and hypothesis testing. Second, the way patients treat advice was explored in a task involving encyclopaedic knowledge. According to the belief revision deficit theory, patients should exhibit no change in their answers when they encounter advice that differs from their own view; they should also have a high degree of confidence in their responses. Finally, a Myside bias task was used to see whether patients exhibit closed-mindedness concerning everyday topics. A belief revision deficit would predict that patients would show an important Myside bias, thus being incapable of envisaging arguments against their beliefs. Surprisingly, our findings suggest that deluded schizophrenics are in fact able to revise their beliefs in the light of evidence and alternatives. Further research is needed to establish the causes of delusions.

scholarly journals Proxima’s orbit around α Centauri

2017 ◽  
Vol 598 ◽  
pp. L7 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Kervella ◽  
F. Thévenin ◽  
C. Lovis
Keyword(s):  
Radial Velocity ◽  
High Precision ◽  
Orbital Period ◽  
Triple System ◽  
Orbital Motion ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Proper Motions ◽  
Velocity Measurements ◽  
Degree Of Confidence ◽  
High Degree

Proxima and α Centauri AB have almost identical distances and proper motions with respect to the Sun. Although the probability of such similar parameters is, in principle, very low, the question as to whether they actually form a single gravitationally bound triple system has been open since the discovery of Proxima one century ago. Owing to HARPS high-precision absolute radial velocity measurements and the recent revision of the parameters of the α Cen pair, we show that Proxima and α Cen are gravitationally bound with a high degree of confidence. The orbital period of Proxima is ≈ 550 000 yr. With an eccentricity of 0.50+0.08-0.09, Proxima comes within 4.3+1.1-0.9 kau of α Cen at periastron, and is currently close to apastron (13.0+0.3-0.1 kau). This orbital motion may have influenced the formation or evolution of the recently discovered planet orbiting Proxima, as well as circumbinary planet formation around α Cen.

scholarly journals Surface-velocity field of the northern Larsen Ice Shelf, Antarctica

1994 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 319-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. Bindschadler ◽  
M. A. Fahnestock ◽  
P. Skvarca ◽  
T. A. Scambos
Keyword(s):  
Satellite Images ◽  
Surface Velocity ◽  
Ice Shelf ◽  
Limited Region ◽  
Surface Survey ◽  
Degree Of Confidence ◽  
High Degree ◽  
The Antarctic ◽  
Larsen Ice Shelf ◽  
Measurement Period

Three satellite images of the northern Larsen Ice Shelf arc used to derive velocity fields for the periods 1975–86 and 1986 89. Substantial increases in the speed of the ice between these periods are detected to a high degree of confidence. Ice which entered the ice shelf between Fothergill Point and Cape Worsley and ice from Drygalski Glacier has accelerated by approximately 15% over the measurement period. Ice from Bombardier and Dinsmoor Glaciers also exhibits acceleration but by a lesser amount. These accelerations may be the result of either significant retreat experienced by the ice shelf during this period or warming in the Antarctic Peninsula region. Velocities measured by surface survey over a 15 d period in 1991 indicate a slower velocity than the image-derived velocities in the limited region of overlap. These differences appear to be systematic and may be the result of uncontrolled errors in the surface survey. Limited control of one image could also contribute to some of these differences.

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