bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapport (1966–1976) sun les Eléments en Traces Dans Trois Roches Standards Géochimiques Du CRPG . Basalte BR et Granites, GA et GH
Authors: GOVINOARAJU K. , DE LA ROCHE H.
Published: May 2007

Cinquième de la serie des rapports d'étude coopérative sur les standards géochimiques du CRPG, ce rapport est consacré exclusivement aux éeléments en traces dans trois éahantillons en circulation depuis 1963: les Granites GA et GH et le Basalte BR. La pré‐sentation de plus de 2000 données analytiques réporties sur 50 éléments est accompagnée d'une évaluation statistique et critique, échantillon par éahmtillon et élément par élément. La discussion est menée dans le sens d'un dialogue direct avec I'utilisateur en nuançant et en hiérarchieant les valeurs que nous veoamnandons ou proposons. Quant à I'analyste practician, il trouvera une table des valeurs “utilisables” pour une trentaine d'éléments dans les trois échantillons de référence (Table 4). Rappelons que ces échantillons sont déjà bien caractérises en ce qui concerne leurs constituants majeurs et mineurs, grâce aux quatre rapports d'étude coopérative dont le dernier est paru en 1370.
Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis Of 37 Geochemical Reference Samples
Authors: van der SLOOT H.A. , ZONDERHUIS J.
Published: May 2007

37 geochemical reference samples, issued mostly by the U.S. Geological Survey and the “Centre de Recherches Pétrographiques et Géochi‐miques”, have been analysed for more than twenty trace elements using instrumental neutron activation technique. The results are compared with published data; in most oases, the agreement is good.
Determination of Total Carbon and Sulfur in Forty‐Two Geochemical Reference Samples By Combustion and Infrared Spectrometry
Authors: TERASHIMA S.
Published: May 2007

Total carbon and sulfur were determined on a variety of geochemical reference samples such as rocks, sediments, minerals and ores by a method of infrared absorption following combustion in a high‐frequency induction furnace. The sample was burned with an accelerator of iron powder and tungsten chips, and the carbon and sulfur dioxide in the evolved gases have been determined directly by a simultaneous infrared analyzer. The agreement between present results and other data is generally good.
Elemental Concentrations in Eight New United States Geological Survey Rock Standards: A Review*
Authors: GLADNEY E. S. , GOODE W. E.
Published: May 2007

Elemental composition data on BHVO‐1, MAG‐1, QLO‐1, RGM‐1, SCo‐1, SDC‐1, SGR‐1 and STM‐1 have been compiled from 80 journal papers and reports. Mean values with standard deviations are provided for 76 elements.
Additional Analytical Data for Gabbro, GOG‐1
Authors: HARRIS Joseph L. , SCHWARZ Louis J. , D'ANGELO William M. , FLANAGAN Francis J.
Published: May 2007

Additional data for gabbro, GOG‐1, were determined by instrumental‐neutron‐activation analysis, atomic‐absorption spectrometry, and semi‐quantitative spectrographic analysis. F ratios calculated in the analysis of variance for 26 sets of data for elements determined by the three methods were not significant, and hence the elements are distributed homogeneously among the bottles. The agreement between our data and the averages previously published ranges from very good to poor. More analytical data are necessary to establish reliable estimates of the concentrations of elements in GOG‐1 and in two other gabbros so that three gabbros may be available to geochemists for use as standards.
Two New Carbonate Stable‐Isotope Standards
Authors: FRIEDMAN Irving , O'NEIL James , CEBULA Gerald
Published: May 2007

Two new carbonate isotope standards have been prepared for distribution by the IAEA and NBS. The first, TS limestone, NBS #19, will substitute for PDB, while the second carbonate, NBS #18 is depleted in 18O and 13C compared to the first.
Mercury in Geologic Reference Samples
Authors: FLANAGAN Francis J. , MOORE Roosevelt , ARUSCAVAGE Philip J.
Published: May 2007

The mercury contents of 109 reference samples of 12 organizations have been determined by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. The homogeneity of mercury in the six USGS samples issued in 1964 was tested twice, a year apart, using unopened bottles of samples. The analysis of variance of these data in the form of a design with a single variable of classification showed that the mercury contents of the 12 sets can be considered homogeneous at F0.95 and that 10 of these sets can be considered homogeneous at F0.90, a more stringent test.

Data for other reference samples were generally obtained using Youden Squares. This experimental design was used so that we could determine the significance of the variation attributable to some cause on the days on which mercury was determined, to the order in which the determinations were made on the several days, and to the mercury contents of the samples in each design. For the latter, one may assume that the mercury contents of samples will differ and that a significant F ratio may be obtained. For the principal variable of classification, the variation attributable to some cause on the days on which mercury was determined was significant for only 1 of 9 analyses of variance of sets of data but we have not been able to explain the cause of the significance.

The mercury contents of the several types of samples, except for micas, dunites, and perhaps the granodiorites, depend on the origin of the samples. The mercury contents of ande‐sites and basalts of continental origin are higher than those for similar samples originating in island arcs or the circum‐Pacific belt. We conclude that the high and extremely variable mercury content of W‐1 is probably due to mercury resulting from the use of mercury fulminate detonators in the quarry prior to the collection of the sample.
Estimation of Material Variation In Powdered Materials
Authors: ELLIS P.J. , VENTER J.H. , STEELE T.W.
Published: May 2007

Measures of material variation (state of homogeneity) for reference materials of powdered rocks, minerals, and ores are examined critically.

It is shown that the customary analysis of variance concluding with the F‐test is not a satisfactory method for the analysis of the analytical data obtained in a homogeneity experiment. It is argued that an estimation approach is more appropriate.

Examples are given of values calculated from reference‐material data, together with an explanation of how the results can be interpreted.
Determination of Platinum in USGS Manganese Nodule Reference Samples by a Fire Assay‐Spectrographic Method
Authors: CHOWDHURY A.N. , PAL J.C.
Published: May 2007

Data on platinum in manganese nodules by a combined fire assay‐spectrographic procedure agree reasonably well with data obtained by a fire‐assay flameless atomic‐absorption spectroscopic method. A plea is made for the contribution of much more data on Pt in these samples for arriving at valid conclusions and for showing their geochemical and economical interest.
Determination of Boron in 35 International Geochemical Reference Materials by Thermal Neutron Capture Prompt Gamma‐ray Spectrometry
Authors: GLADNEY Ernest S. , CURTIS David B. , PERRIN Daniel R.
Published: May 2007

Concentrations of boron in 35 silicate reference materials are measured by thermal neutron capture gamma‐ray spectrometry. Results are compared for NBS, USGS, and CCRMP reference materials with values from the literature. The use of two prompt gamma facilities at Los Alamos are discussed.
Analyse Instrumental de L'Etain par Activation Neutronique et Spectrometrie de Coincidence
Authors: MEYER G. , JAFFREZIC H. , TREUIL M.
Published: May 2007

Flous décrivons ici une méthode non destructive de dosage de l'Ptain dans l es roches par activdtion neutronique et spectrometrie de coincidence multiparametrique. Nosrgsultatssonten bun sccord avec ceux obtenus par plusieurs methoties destructives etvont treutilises pour de noivhreuses apDl ications geochimiques. En particulierles standards GSP‐1 et surtout BX‐N seront utilisés cornme talons de reference.
Determination of Carbonate Carbon in 41 International Geochemical Reference Samples by Coulometric Method
Authors: CHAN Chris C.Y.
Published: May 2007

The carbonate‐carbon (CO2) content of forty‐one geochemical reference samples has been determined by coulometric method following acid treatment of the sample for releasing CO2. The method is superior to the conventional methods in speed, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and the coverage of CO2 range. The results on NBS limestone samples agree well with the certified values. The precision of the method is 0.5 % r.s.d., and the practical detection limit is 10 ppm C.
A Study of Robust Estimators
Authors: ABBEY Sydney
Published: May 2007

Using the compiled analytical data for the constituents of four Canadian iron‐formation reference samples, a comparison is made among nine different “robust” estimators of “true” value, including the median, median, Gastwirth median, trimean, quarter‐trimmed and sixthtrimmed means and the three Hampel estimators. Individual estimators and combinations of them are compared by means of the summation and “iron‐oxide compatibility” tests. Comparisons are also made with values derived by the “select laboratories” method.
Evaluation of Interlaboratory Geochemical Data: Some Considerations on the Abbey‐Rousseau Debate, the Meaningfulness of the Median and Other Topics
Authors: COLOMBO A.
Published: May 2007

This paper discusses the methods most commonly used to evaluate interlaboratory geochemical data for a search of “best” values. It suggests that the Select‐Laboratories, Dybczyński, median and mode methods integrated by the visual inspection of the plot of the ordered data can be regarded as general, complementary approaches to data handling. Because of the elusive nature of the problem, a multiple method approach to be accepted and standardized by the geoscientist community is suggested. The importance of ascribing realistic confidence intervals to any derived value is also pointed out.
DETERMINATION OF WATER IN NINETEEN USGS GEOCHEMICAL REFERENCE STANDARDS USING COULOMETRY AND NEUTRON‐CAPTURE PROMPT GAMMA‐RAY SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: Bower Nathan W. , Kim David K. , Gladney Ernest S.
Published: May 2007

Nineteen USGS GRSs were analyzed with a Dupont 903‐H Moisture Analyzer at 110°C and 1000°C to obtain H2O‐and H2O+, and by thermal neutron induced gamma‐ray spectrometry to obtain total H2O. The values are compared with the current literature and the two techniques evaluated. Except for QLO‐1 by coulometry, no significant differences were obtained when the results were compared to the the literature.
DETERMINATION OF NINE RARE EARTH ELEMENTS IN EIGHT USGS REFERENCE SAMPLES AND IN THE ANRT GLAUCONITE, GL‐O, BY SEQUENTIAL INDUCTIVELY COUPLED ARGON PLASMA SPECTROMETRY
Authors: Roelandts Iwan
Published: May 2007

Nine rare earth elements have been determined by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP) in eight USGS reference samples, MAG‐1, SCo‐1, SDC‐1, BIR‐1, DNC‐1, W‐2, BCR‐1 and BHVO‐1 and in the ANRT Glauconite, GL‐O. Along with these new data, updated compilations are presented for these samples. Good agreement is observed between the present work and the compiled values.
Certification of four North‐American Gypsum Rock Samples Type: Calcium Sulphate Dihydrate, CaSO4.2H2O, GYP‐A, GYP‐B, GYP‐C and GYP‐D
Authors: KOCMAN Vladimir , FOLEY Linda M.
Published: May 2007

Four natural gypsum rock samples were prepared and certified for major elements and some trace elements by the Analytical Group of Domtar Inc., Research Centre in Senneville (Montréal), Québec, Canada with the cooperation of Domtar Gypsum Products Laboratory in Caledonia, Ontario, Canada. The analytical round‐robin results received from 29 participating laboratories were statistically evaluated, summarized, and form the basis of this paper. These certified reference materials are primarily intended as calibration standards for the determination of major and minor elements in gypsums and gypsum related minerals and products. As certified gypsum rock samples were not available on the North‐American or world markets, these may be particularly important not only to the gypsum and cement industries, but also to geochemists, geologists and analysts of minerals and ores.
Rock Analysis Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry: a Review
Authors: RIDDLE Chris , VOET Anthony VANDER , DOHERTY William
Published: May 2007

The applications of inductively coupled plasma ‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) to geoanalysis are reviewed. This technique offers the ability to determine elemental abundances and isotope ratios; it has proven to be sensitive, precise and accurate, and represents a significant advance in instrumentation suitable for rock analysis. This review deals principally with the application of ICP‐MS to elemental analysis. Literature citations are complete as of December 31, 1987; particular attention has been paid to data reported for certified reference materials. Although most current ICP‐MS analysis employs conventional nebulization of solution samples, there is considerable effort being made to develop viable alternative sample introduction schemes that can be applied to rock analysis. The lack of adequately defined certified reference rock materials is apparent for ICP‐MS and other techniques that are capable of routine determinations in the ng/g (ppb) range.
Elemental Concentrations In Japanese Silicate Rock Standards: A Comparison With The Literature
Authors: SIMS K. W. , GLADNEY E. S. , LUNDSTROM C. , BOWER N. W.
Published: May 2007

Data on seventeen Japanese geochemical reference samples are presented. Ten major and twenty‐three trace element concentrations as well as the H2O + and H2O‐ were determined using x‐ray fluorescence, colorimetry, coulometry and instrumental thermal neutron activation analysis. Error bars for the methods as well as information on some elements not previously published are presented. Good agreement was generally obtained with the recently published values of Ando.

Dix éléments majeurs et vingt éléments en traces ainsi que H2O+ et H2O‐ ont été dosés dans 17 échantillons de référence du Service Géologique du Japon. Les méthodes employées sont la spectrométrie de fluorescence‐X, la coulométrie, la colorimétrie et l'activation neutronique thermique. En générale, un accord favorable est obtenu avec les valeurs publiées.
RAPID NON‐DESTRUCTIVE DETERMINATION OF FLUORINE IN SEVENTY‐ONE GEOLOGICAL AND OTHER REFERENCE SAMPLES USING FAST‐NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS
Authors: RANDLE Keith , CROUDACE Ian W.
Published: May 2007

The fluorine concentration in seventy‐one reference samples of geological interest has been determined using fast‐neutron activation analysis. The reaction involved [19F(n, α) 16N] uses accelerator‐derived neutrons produced by bombarding a Be target with 3 MeV deuterons. The gamma radiation associated with the decay of 16N (t1/2 = 7.13 s) is counted and for the irradiation conditions used there are no serious interferences. The advantages of this technique over other schemes of fluorine determination are its simple procedure for sample preparation, speed, high sensitivity and non‐destructiveness. A comparison of the data obtained with those in the literature is highly favourable.
INSTRUMENTAL DETERMINATION OF INDIUM IN GEOCHEMICAL REFERENCE SAMPLES BY EPICADMIUM NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS AND KO ‐STANDARDIZATION
Authors: MEYER G. , PICCOT D.
Published: May 2007

The determination of indium in geological materials is difficult by usual analytical techniques because of their lack of sensitivity. Neutron activation analysis with special irradiation and counting conditions allows to determine indium ultra‐traces with a quantitative detection limit about a few parts per billion. The method developed is fast and very sensitive and has been tested successfully for several American and French geochemical standards.
GEOCHEMICAL STANDARD REFERENCE SAMPLES GSD 9–12, GSS 1–8 AND GSR 1–6
Authors: XIE Xuejing , YAN Mingcai , WANG Chunshu , LI Lianzhong , SHEN Huijun
Published: May 2007

The 18 Chinese geochemical standard reference samples GSD 9‐12 (stream sediments), GSS 1‐8 (soils) and GSR 1‐6 (rocks) were prepared after GSD 1‐8 (stream sediments) for even wider and increasing needs of geology, exploration geochemistry and geochemical analysis. Usable values of 41 trace, minor and major elements of the 18 samples were published in 1984. In the following two years, efforts were concentrated on the determination of other elements, most of which are more difficult to determine accurately and hence not many data were available in the literature. At the same time, additional data on the 41 elements already evaluated were also submitted. In all, 155 234 results were available along with the 35 284 analytical data submitted. The processing of samples, the examination of sample homogeneity, the plan of collaborative analysis of the samples, and the criteria for defining the recommended values are described. The recommended or reference values of the 72 constituents, to‐gether with the 35 284 analytical data of the 18 samples are published in this paper.
1989 COMPILATION OF WORKING VALUES AND SAMPLE DESCRIPTION FOR 272 GEOSTANDARDS
Authors: GOVINDARAJU K.
Published: May 2007

In this special issue, working values are reported for 272 international geostandards along with sample description. For many geostandards, the number of compiled data were not adequate enough for assigning working values. Users of geostandards are solicited to contribute more and more data particularly on trace elements. Think Geostan is a slogan that we wish to launch to set this problem in the limelight.
Determination of Major and Trace Element Abundances in Selected Canmet Ore Standards by X‐ray Fluorescence Spectrometry
Authors: Atkin Brian P. , Harvey Peter K.
Published: May 2007

Data for the major element oxides and seventeen trace elements (Ba, Co, Cu, Ga, La, Mo, Nb, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sn, Sr, U, Y, Zn and Zr) have been determined by X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry for the CANMET ore standards MA‐1, TLG‐1, BH‐1, CT‐1, OKA‐1, PR‐1, HV‐1, MP‐2 and TAN‐1.
Determination of Rare‐Earth Elements, Scandium, Yttrium And Hafnium in 32 Geochemical Reference Materials Using Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Atomic Emission Spectrometry
Authors: WATKINS P.J. , NOLAN J.
Published: May 2007

The determination of twelve rare‐earth elements (REE), scandium, yttrium and hafnium in 32 geochemical reference materials by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES) is reported. Results obtained show good agreement with previously published values and compilations. The method is based on a lithium metaborate fusion of the sample followed by a cation exchange separation. A small amount of oxalic acid added to the 6N HNO3 eluant ensures the complete elution of hafnium with the other 14 elements.
Analysis of Standard Reference Materials for Zr, Nb, Hf and Ta by ICP‐MS after Lithium Metaborate Fusion and Cupferron Separation*
Authors: HALL Gwendy E.M. , PELCHAT J‐C.
Published: May 2007

Results are presented of the determination of Zr, Nb, Hf and Ta in 74 standard reference materials by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). Samples are decomposed by fusion with lithium metaborate and the analytes are separated prior to analysis by precipitation of their cupferrates. Calibration is made using synthetic solutions and internal standardization with Ru (for Zr and Nb) and Re (for Hf and Ta). Accuracy is assessed by comparison with recommended values and precision is evaluated by replicate analyses of five SRMs.
Étude de la Représentativité des Teneurs en Platine et En Iridium d'un Echantillon de Sédiment de Ruisseau Prélevé a Proximité d'un Gîte de Cr‐EGP‐Ni
Authors: BERGERON Mario , BEAUMIER Marc
Published: May 2007

Une étude de représentativité a été effectuée sur un échantillon de sédiment de ruisseau (SRH‐1) prélevéà proximité d'un gîte de Cr‐EGP‐Ni contenu dans la ceinture ophiolitique des Appalaches du Québec (Canada). Notre étude avait pour but de démontrer que l'analyse de quelques grammes de SRH‐1 assurait une représentativité adéquate à l'utilisation des teneurs en EGP d'échantillons de sédiment de ruisseau comme outil d'exploration pour les gîtes de Cr‐EGP‐Ni associés aux séquences ophiolitiques. Pour ce faire, les teneurs en EGP de SRH‐1 ont d'abord été caractérisées par pyroanalyse au sulfure de nickel (29 parties aliquotes de 50 g) et par pyroanalyse plombeuse (50 parties aliquotes de 25 g). Dans ce dernier cas, seulement Pt, Pd et Rh ont été mesurés. Ensuite, les EGP ont été mesurés dans des quantités de plus en plus petites de SRH‐1 par pyroanalyse au sulfure de nickel (8 parties aliquotes de 15 g, 8 de 8 g et 8 de 5 g). Les résultats démontrent que des prises de 5 g de SRH‐1 assurent une représentativité adéquate à l'analyse de Pt et de Ir soit des résultats analytiques similaires (moyennes et écarts types) à ceux découlant de l'analyse d'une prise de 50 g. Il nous a été impossible de juger de la représentativité d'une prise de 5 g en ce qui concerne les déterminations de Pd, Rh, Os, Ru, ces éléments se trouvant sous ou près des seuils de détection dans les prises de 15, 8, et de 5 g.
Multi‐Element Analysis of 15 International Standard Rocks by Isotope‐Dilution Spark Source Mass Spectrometry
Authors: JOCHUM K.P. , SEUFERT H.M. , THIRLWALL M.F.
Published: May 2007

The concentrations of 25 trace elements have been determined in 15 international standard rock samples by isotope‐dilution spark source mass spectrometry (ID‐SSMS). This technique yields reliable data down to the ppb concentration range. The agreement between most of our data and recommended values is within 10%. However, for reference samples with low trace element contents (BIR‐1, NIM‐N, PCC‐1, DTS‐1), differences between our data and the literature can be as large as a factor of 80.
Determination of Trace Elements in Selected Geological Reference Materials by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis
Authors: POTTS Philip J. , ROGERS Nicholas W.
Published: May 2007

Data are presented for eight rare earth elements and ten other elements in 22 reference samples recently distributed by the University of Liege (Belgian sedimentary rock reference samples), the Geological and Mining Service (Suriname), the Geological Survey of Japan and the Venezuelan laterite. Determinations were made using a well characterised, high precision, neutron activation analysis technique.
Rare‐Earth Element Reference Samples for Electron Microprobe Analysis
Authors: Jarosewich Eugene , Boatner L.A.
Published: May 2007

Fourteen rare‐earth (plus scandium and yttrium) orthophosphates have been synthesized and characterized for use as electron microprobe reference samples. These reference samples are single‐element phosphates that are homogeneous, stable under the electron beam, and free of interfering elements. They have a stoichiometric composition (RPO4) with the element of interest (R) ranging from 32 to 64 weight percent.
GOLD IN TWENTY‐SIX JAPANESE GEOCHEMICAL REFERENCE SAMPLES
Authors: TERASHIMA Shigeru , ITOH Shiro , ANDO Atsushi
Published: May 2007

Gold has been determined in 26 geochemical reference samples with graphite furnace AAS after digesting the samples with aqua regia and hydrofluoric acid and extracting gold by methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). This method yields clearly higher values than those by the partial attack using aqua regia digestion.
AN ION PROBE CONTRIBUTION TO RARE EARTH ELEMENT INVESTIGATION OF GABBRO GOG‐1 USING SECONDARY ION MASS SPECTROMETRY
Authors: OTTOLINI Luisa , BOTTAZZI Piero , VANNUCCI Riccardo , ODDONE Massimo
Published: May 2007

An updated REE measurement of Gabbro GOG‐1 was carried out by means of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The availability of high amount of rock powder allowed the sample to be well ground and homogenized before analysis. Fused glass pellets were employed for SIMS investigations. REE data were compared with new ICP‐AES and NAA analyses. REE results from all employed analytical techniques show good agreement and are consistent with in‐situ SIMS measurements of REE in major mineral phases forming GOG‐1. Extensive homogeneity tests seem to confirm the possibility to using this rock as a reference material for earth sciences.
GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION REFERENCE SAMPLES GXR‐1 TO GXR‐4 AND GXR‐6: EVALUATION OF HOMOGENEITY BASED ON HIGH PRECISION ANALYSES
Authors: KANE Jean S. , SIEMS D.F. , ARBOGAST B.F.
Published: May 2007

Homogeneity studies on the geochemical exploration reference samples GXR‐1 through GXR‐6 were initially based on analyses by methods of 10–30 percent relative standard deviations (rsds). Use of the materials for high‐precision method validation requires that homogeneity be established using methods having rsds less than 1.0 percent, if possible. The current homogeneity study shows distinct in homogeneities in all GXR materials for some major, minor, and trace constituents.
PREPARATION, HOMOGENEITY EVALUATION AND COOPERATIVE STUDY OF TWO NEW CHROMITITE REFERENCE SAMPLES CHR‐PT+ AND CHR‐BKG
Authors: POTTS Philip J. , GOWING Charles J.B. , GOVINDARAJU K.
Published: May 2007

Two chromitite samples from the Isles of Shetland (North Scotland) have been processed, each in 200 kg quantities, as reference samples for the determination of gold and the platinum‐group elements (PGE). One of these samples, Chromitite CHR‐Pt+ is enriched in the PGE and the other, Chromitite CHR‐Bkg has much lower concentrations. A detailed assessment of sample homogeneity is presented, together with the results of a cooperative study by thirty‐five international geochemical laboratories, private and public. Contributed data together with derived working values are presented for Au and the PGE as well as for major, minor and a few trace elements. It is hoped that this first compilation report will encourage additional laboratories to participate in further studies of the PGE in these two CHR samples.
DETERMINATION OF THE FORMS OF CARBON IN GEOLOGIC MATERIALS
Authors: JACKSON Lany L. , ROOF Steven R.
Published: May 2007

Total carbon was determined in 30 geological reference materials by combustion/IR and combustion/coulometry methods. The combustion/coulometric method does not require empirical calibration and was found to be more precise than the combustion/IR method despite the use of smaller sample sizes. Carbonate carbon was determined by coulometric titration of acid‐evolved CO2. Non‐carbonate carbon was calculated as the difference between the total and carbonate carbon contents.
THREE NEW GSJ ROCK REFERENCE SAMPLES: RHYOLITE JR‐3, GABBRO JGB‐2 AND HORNBLENDITE JH‐1
Authors: TERASHIMA Shigeru , ITOH Shiro , UJIIE Masumi , KAMIOKA Hikari , TANAKA Tsuyoshi , HATTORI Hitoshi
Published: May 2007

Three new rock reference samples, Rhyolite JR‐3, Gabbro JGb‐2 and Hornblendite JH‐1 have been prepared by the Geological Survey of Japan for collaborative studies on their chemical composition. Twenty‐eight major, minor and trace elements were determined and presented. The results of homogeneity tests showed that all elements are considered to be distributed homogeneously in each reference sample. Geological and mineralogical characteristics are also described.
LA, CE, SM, EU, TB, YB AND LU CONTENT OF FIFTEEN FRENCH GEOCHEMICAL REFERENCE SAMPLES DETERMINED BY NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS
Authors: REDDY G.R. , PANT D.R.
Published: May 2007

La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb and Lu content of fifteen silicate reference standards were determined using neutron activation analysis. For samples poor in rare‐earth elements, radiochemical neutron activation analysis was applied. In most cases, the comparison of these results with those published is satisfactory.
ANORTHOCLASE, A SECOND MICROPROBE STANDARD FROM KAKANUI, NEW ZEALAND
Authors: REAY A. , JOHNSTONE R.D. , KAWACHI Y.
Published: May 2007

A second mineral from the Kakanui Mineral Breccia, an anorthoclase, has been prepared as an international microprobe standard. The K2O content may be variable. Major and trace element contents are tabulated. Relatively high Sr (2260 ppm) and Ba (622 ppm) may make this mineral a useful trace element standard.
ICP‐MS ANALYSIS OF BASALT BIR‐1 FOR TRACE ELEMENTS
Authors: XIE Q. , JAIN J. , SUN M. , KERRICH R. , FAN J.
Published: May 2007

The concentrations of 27 trace elements in the basalt BIR‐1, as well as in other mafic rock reference materials, have been determined by ICP‐MS, using pure elemental solutions for external calibration and standard additions. Concentrations of rare earth elements in BIR‐1 for the new ICP‐MS data, agree with compiled values, and previous ID‐SSMS results, whereas ICP‐MS data on HFSE's are systematically higher by about 40% to 70% than ID‐SSMS, but are consistent with data generated at other ICP‐MS laboratories.
GRAPHICAL COMPARISON OF GEOCHEMICAL RESULTS
Authors: BEDARD L. Paul
Published: May 2007

Comparison of analytical results obtained for geochemical reference samples with accepted results is tedious and error prone. Graphical representation facilitates comparison. Nevertheless, currently used diagrams lack representativeness when a wide range of concentrations are studied. A newly designed graph representing normalized results against concentrations is proposed. It allows comparison of a wide range of concentrations and helps detect analytical problems for particular ranges of concentrations.
1993 COMPILATION OF DATA ON FIVE BELGIAN SEDIMENTARY ROCK REFERENCE MATERIALS: AWI‐1, SBO‐1, PRI‐1, CCH‐1 AND DWA‐1
Authors: ROELANDTS I. , DUCHESNE J.C.
Published: May 2007

Five Belgian sedimentary rock reference materials have been prepared and distributed by the Geology, Petrology and Geochemistry Laboratory (Liège University, Belgium). Thirty‐six laboratories participated in the international co‐operative study. The individual data received from the participating laboratories are listed. Tables of compiled results are presented for major, minor and trace elements. These updated values are summarized into means, associated standard deviations, medians, and concentration ranges. “Recommended” (or proposed) values are presented.
CANADIAN DIORITE GNEISS SY‐4: PREPARATION AND CERTIFICATION BY EIGHTY‐NINE INTERNATIONAL LABORATORIES
Authors: BOWMAN W.S.
Published: May 2007

This report describes the location, collection, preparation, mineralogy, homogeneity testing, and interlaboratory certification program of a diorite gneiss reference material, SY‐4. This work was an undertaking of the Canadian Certified Reference Materials Project (CCRMP). SY‐4 has been certified for 49 whole‐rock, minor, and trace elements. Eight additional constituents have been provisionally certified and information ranges are reported for another 14 elements.
1994 COMPILATION OF ANALYTICAL DATA FOR MINOR AND TRACE ELEMENTS IN SEVENTEEN GSJ GEOCHEMICAL REFERENCE SAMPLES, “IGNEOUS ROCK SERIES”
Authors: IMAI Noboru , TERASHIMA Shigeru , ITOH Shiro , ANDO Atsushi
Published: May 2007

Analytical data for minor and trace elements published or communicated to us, on seventeen GSJ (Geological Survey of Japan) reference samples, “Igneous rock series” received up to April 1994 are compiled. The data were evaluated statistically in consideration of analytical methods. Based on the selected available data, 1994 recommended and proposed values for 65 minor and trace elements are presented.
1995 WORKING VALUES WITH CONFIDENCE LIMITS FOR TWENTY‐SIX CRPG, ANRT AND IWG‐GIT GEOSTANDARDS
Authors: GOVINDARAJU K.
Published: May 2007

Working values for the twenty‐six CRPG, ANRT and IWG‐GIT geostandards are presented, with 95% confidence limits. In addition, the hundreds of geoanalysts who have contributed data on these reference samples are presented, with their country of origin.
A SELF‐CONSISTENT COMPILATION OF ELEMENTAL CONCENTRATION DATA FOR 93 GEOCHEMICAL REFERENCE SAMPLES
Authors: KOROTEV Randy L.
Published: May 2007

Concentration data obtained by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) are presented for up to 36 chemical elements in 93 geochemical reference samples, including some for which there are little previous data. Because all data are based on at least three independent analyses, and for many of the data the uncertainty associated with counting is an insignificant source of error, the values presented here are considered of higher precision than generally reported by INAA. Information on subsampling error (sample heterogeneity) is also presented.
Real-Time Collaborative Design With Heterogeneous CAD Systems Based on Neutral Modeling Commands
Authors: Li Min , Gao Shuming , Wang Charlie C. L.
Published: May 2007

This paper presents an integration-based solution for developing a real-time collaborative design (co-design) platform on heterogeneous computer-aided design (CAD) systems. Different from the visualization-based approaches, the product models are allowed to be constructed and modified from various sites together in the proposed collaborative design platform. Our approach is based on a mechanism for the translation between system modeling operations (SMOs) and neutral modeling commands (NMCs). Every operation given by a user on one site is translated into a NMC and transmitted to all the other sites through the network, and then the received NMC is converted into corresponding SMOs on every other site, instantaneously. Since only the commands but not the product data are transferred, the data size under transmission is greatly reduced, so that a real-time synchronization can be achieved with a standard network bandwidth. In addition, by developing system-dependent SMO↔NMC translators on different client CAD systems, users on different sites could join the collaboration by using their familiar CAD systems; this is the benefit that cannot be offered by the homogeneous co-design systems. The prototype implementation proves that our approach works well for integrating various current popular commercial CAD systems into a real-time collaborative design platform.
Anisotropic Violation of the Wiedemann-Franz Law at a Quantum Critical Point
Authors: Tanatar Makariy A. , Paglione Johnpierre , Petrovic Cedomir , Taillefer Louis
Published: May 2007

A quantum critical point transforms the behavior of electrons so strongly that new phases of matter can emerge. The interactions at play are known to fall outside the scope of the standard model of metals, but a fundamental question remains: Is the basic concept of a quasiparticle—a fermion with renormalized mass—still valid in such systems? The Wiedemann-Franz law, which states that the ratio of heat and charge conductivities in a metal is a universal constant in the limit of zero temperature, is a robust consequence of Fermi-Dirac statistics. We report a violation of this law in the heavy-fermion metal CeCoIn
5
when tuned to its quantum critical point, depending on the direction of electron motion relative to the crystal lattice, which points to an anisotropic destruction of the Fermi surface.
Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) Detection: Comparison of Two Molecular Methods (IDI-MRSA PCR Assay and GenoType MRSA Direct PCR Assay) with Three Selective MRSA Agars (MRSA ID, MRSA
Select
, and CHROMagar MRSA) for Use with Infection-Control Swabs
Authors: van Hal S. J. , Stark D. , Lockwood B. , Marriott D. , Harkness J.
Published: May 2007

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is an increasing problem. Rapid detection of MRSA-colonized patients has the potential to limit spread of the organism. We evaluated the sensitivities and specificities of MRSA detection by two molecular methods (IDI-MRSA PCR assay and GenoType MRSA Direct PCR assay) and three selective MRSA agars (MRSA ID, MRSA
Select
, and CHROMagar MRSA), using 205 (101 nasal, 52 groin, and 52 axillary samples) samples from consecutive known MRSA-infected and/or -colonized patients. All detection methods had higher MRSA detection rates for nasal swabs than for axillary and groin swabs. Detection of MRSA by IDI-MRSA was the most sensitive method, independent of the site (94% for nasal samples, 80% for nonnasal samples, and 90% overall). The sensitivities of the GenoType MRSA Direct assay and the MRSA ID, MRSA
Select
, and CHROMagar MRSA agars with nasal swabs were 70%, 72%, 68%, and 75%, respectively. All detection methods had high specificities (95 to 99%), independent of the swab site. Extended incubation for a further 24 h with selective MRSA agars increased the detection of MRSA, with a corresponding decline in specificity secondary to a significant increase in false-positive results. There was a noticeable difference in test performance of the GenoType MRSA Direct assay in detection of MRSA (28/38 samples [74%]) compared with detection of nonmultiresistant MRSA (17/31 samples [55%]) (susceptible to two or more non-β-lactam antibiotics). This was not observed with selective MRSA agar plates or IDI-MRSA. Although it is more expensive, in addition to rapid turnaround times of 2 to 4 h, IDI-MRSA offers greater detection of MRSA colonization, independent of the swab site, than do conventional selective agars and GenoType MRSA Direct.
Development and Evaluation of a Test for Tuberculosis in Live European Badgers (Meles meles) Based on Measurement of Gamma Interferon mRNA by Real-Time PCR
Authors: Sawyer J. , Mealing D. , Dalley D. , Davé D. , Lesellier S. , Palmer S. , Bowen-Davies J. , Crawshaw T. R. , Chambers M. A.
Published: May 2007

A real-time PCR assay for the measurement of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) mRNA in European badger (Meles meles) blood cultures was developed. The levels of IFN-γ mRNA in blood cultures stimulated with either bovine or avian tuberculin or specific mycobacterial antigens were compared with those in a nonstimulated control blood culture as the basis for determining the tuberculosis (TB) status of live badgers. The assay was validated by testing 247 animals for which there were matching data from postmortem examination and culture of tissues. Relative changes in the levels of IFN-γ mRNA in response to bovine tuberculin and specific antigens were found to be greater among badgers with tissues positive for TB on culture. The test was at its most accurate (87% of test results were correct) by using blood cultures containing bovine tuberculin as the antigen and when the response to avian tuberculin was taken into account by subtracting the avian tuberculin response from the bovine tuberculin response. At a specificity of 90.7%, the test was 70.6% sensitive. At the same specificity, the current serological enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for TB in badgers was only 53% sensitive. This work demonstrates that measurement of IFN-γ mRNA by real-time PCR is a valid method for the detection of TB in live badgers and may provide an alternative to the current serological methods of diagnosis, the Brock test. The testing procedure can be completed within 5 h of receipt of the blood culture samples. In addition, the use of a molecular biology-based test offers the potential to fully automate the testing procedure through the use of robotics.
New Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Markers for TypingMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisandM. aviumStrains: Comparison with IS900and IS1245Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Typing
Authors: Thibault Virginie C. , Grayon Maggy , Boschiroli Maria Laura , Hubbans Christine , Overduin Pieter , Stevenson Karen , Gutierrez Maria Cristina , Supply Philip , Biet Franck
Published: May 2007

Mycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis, the etiological agent of paratuberculosis, affects a wide range of domestic ruminants and has been suggested to be involved in Crohn's disease in humans. Most available methods for identifying and differentiating strains of this difficult species are technically demanding and have limited discriminatory power. Here, we report the identification of novel PCR-based typing markers consisting of variable-number tandem repeats (VNTRs) of genetic elements called mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units (MIRUs). Eight markers were applied to 183M. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisisolates from bovine, caprine, ovine, cervine, leporine, and human origins from 10 different countries and to 82 human isolates of the closely related speciesM. aviumfrom France. Among theM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisisolates, 21 patterns were found by MIRU-VNTR typing, with a discriminatory index of 0.751. The predominant R01 IS900restriction fragment length polymorphism type, comprising 131 isolates, was divided into 15 MIRU-VNTR types. Among the 82M. aviumisolates, the eight MIRU-VNTR loci distinguished 30 types, none of which was shared byM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisisolates, resulting in a discriminatory index of 0.889. Our results suggest that MIRU-VNTR typing is a fast typing method that, in combination with other methods, might prove to be optimal for PCR-based molecular epidemiological studies ofM. avium/M. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosispathogens. In addition, presumably identicalM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis316F vaccine strains originating from the Weybridge laboratory and from different commercial batches from Mérial actually differed by one or both typing methods. These results indicate a substantial degree of genetic drift among different vaccine preparations, which has important implications for prophylactic approaches.
Monitoring the Antiviral Effect of Alpha Interferon on Individual Cells
Authors: Kim Chon Saeng , Jung Jong Ha , Wakita Takaji , Yoon Seung Kew , Jang Sung Key
Published: May 2007

An infectious hepatitis C virus (HCV) cDNA clone (JFH1) was generated recently. However, quantitative analysis of HCV infection and observation of infected cells have proved to be difficult because the yield of HCV in cell cultures is fairly low. We generated infectious HCV clones containing the convenient reporters green fluorescent protein (GFP) and
Renilla
luciferase in the NS5a-coding sequence. The new viruses responded to antiviral agents in a dose-dependent manner. Responses of individual cells containing HCV to alpha interferon (IFN-α) were monitored using GFP-tagged HCV and time-lapse confocal microscopy. Marked variations in the response to IFN-α were observed among HCV-containing cells.
Brain tumours and exposure to pesticides: a case–control study in southwestern France
Authors: Provost Dorothée , Cantagrel Anne , Lebailly Pierre , Jaffré Anne , Loyant Véronique , Loiseau Hugues , Vital Anne , Brochard Patrick , Baldi Isabelle
Published: May 2007

Background:Brain tumours are often disabling and rapidly lethal; their aetiology is largely unknown. Among potential risk factors, pesticides are suspected.

Objective:To examine the relationship between exposure to pesticides and brain tumours in adults in a population-based case–control study in southwestern France.

Methods:Between May 1999 and April 2001, 221 incident cases of brain tumours and 442 individually matched controls selected from the general population were enrolled. Histories of occupational and environmental exposures, medical and lifestyle information were collected. A cumulative index of occupational exposure to pesticides was created, based on expert review of lifelong jobs and tasks. Separate analyses were performed for gliomas and meningiomas.

Results:A non-statistically significant increase in risk was found for brain tumours when all types of occupational exposure to pesticides were considered (OR = 1.29, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.91) and slightly higher but still non-statistically significant when gliomas were considered separately (OR = 1.47, 95% CI 0.81 to 2.66). In the highest quartile of the cumulative index, a significant association was found for brain tumours (OR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.10 to 4.23) and for gliomas (OR = 3.21, 95% CI 1.13 to 9.11), but not for meningiomas. A significant increase in risk was also seen for the treatment of home plants (OR = 2.24, 95% CI 1.16 to 4.30) owing to environmental exposure to pesticides.

Conclusions:These data suggest that a high level of occupational exposure to pesticides might be associated with an excess risk of brain tumours, and especially of gliomas.
The mitochondrial genome structure of the clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)
Authors: Wu Xiaobing , Zheng Tao , Jiang Zhigang , Wei Lei
Published: May 2007

The complete 16 844 bp mitochondrial genome of Neofelis nebulosa has been sequenced and compared with the complete mitochondrial genomes of Felis catus and the Acinonyx jubatus . The base composition of the mitochondrial genome of N. nebulosa is as follows: A, 5343 bp (31.7%); C, 4441 bp (26.4%); G, 2491 bp (14.8%); T, 4569 bp (27.1%). The genome complement and the gene order of this mitochondrial genome was found to be typical of those reported for other mammals. Several unusual features of this genome, however, were found. First, in protein-coding regions, AT bias in the genome was not prevalent in the third position of codons, as it is in most other mammals, but was found in the second position of codons. Second, in tRNA regions, tRNASer (AGY), which lacked the “DHU” arm, could not be folded into the typical cloverleaf-shaped structure. Third, in the control region, no repetitive sequences (RS)-2 were found. However, RS-2 repetitive motifs usually occurr in the control regions of most great cats. In addition, 4 variable sites were found in CSB-3 of the control region. Fourth, AT content in the control region of the mtDNA from the clouded leopard was lower than it is in other regions.
Amphipod genome sizes: first estimates for Arctic species reveal genomic giants
Authors: Rees David J. , Dufresne France , Glémet Hélène , Belzile Claude
Published: May 2007

The genome sizes of 8 species of amphipods collected from the Canadian Arctic were estimated by flow cytometry. Haploid genome sizes ranged from 2.94 ± 0.04 pg DNA in Acanthostepheia malmgreni (Oedicerotidae) to 64.62 ± 2.85 pg in Ampelisca macrocephala (Ampeliscidae). The value for Ampelisca macrocephala represents the largest crustacean genome size recorded to date (and also the largest within the Arthropoda) and indicates a 400-fold variation in genome size among crustaceans. The presence of such large genomes within a relatively small sample of Arctic amphipods is striking and highlights the need to further explore the relationships between genome size, development rates, and body size in both Arctic and temperate amphipods.
Substitution of methionine 435 with leucine, isoleucine, and serine in tumor necrosis factor alpha converting enzyme inactivates ectodomain shedding activity
Authors: Pérez Liliana , Kerrigan John E. , Li Xiaojin , Fan Huizhou
Published: May 2007

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) converting enzyme (TACE) is a zinc metalloprotease that has emerged as a general sheddase, which is responsible for ectodomain release of numerous membrane proteins, including the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α, the leukocyte adhesin l-selectin and epidermal growth factor receptor ligand-transforming growth factor α (TGF-α), and related family members. Structurally, TACE belongs to a large clan of proteases, designated the metzincins, because TACE possesses a conserved methionine (Met435), frequently referred to as the met-turn residue, in its active site. A vital role of this residue in the function of TACE is supported by the fact that cells expressing the M435I TACE variant are defective in ectodomain shedding. However, the importance of Met435 in TACE appears to be uncertain, since another metzincin, matrix metalloprotease-2, has been found to be enzymatically fully active with either leucine or serine in place of its met-turn residue. We constructed TACE mutants with leucine or serine in place of Met435 to further examine the role of the met-turn residue in TACE-mediated ectodomain cleavage. Similar to the M435I TACE mutant, both the M435L and M435S constructs are defective in cleaving transmembrane TNF-α, TGF-α, and l-selectin. Comparative modeling and dynamic computation detected structural perturbations, which resulted in higher energy, in the catalytic zinc complexes of the Met435 TACE mutants compared with that in the wild-type enzyme. Thus, Met435 serves to maintain the stability of the catalytic center of TACE for the hydrolysis of peptide bonds in substrates.