The SPECTRA program library: A PC based system for gamma-ray spectra analysis and INAA data reduction

A PC based system has been developed for the analysis of gamma-ray spectra and for the complete reduction of data from INAA experiments, including software to average the results from multiple lines and multiple countings and to produce a final report of analysis. Graphics algorithms may be called for the analysis of complex spectral features, to compare the data from alternate photopeaks and to evaluate detector performance during a given counting cycle. A database of results for control samples can be used to prepare quality control charts to evaluate long term precision and to search for systematic variations in data on reference samples as a function of time. The entire software library can be accessed through a user-friendly menu interface with internal help.     

Microcomputer-Assisted Acquisition and Reduction Of TLC Scanning Densitometric Data

Abstract

The rapid microcomputer processing of quantitative TLC scanning data is described. The microcomputer, using BASIC language, is based on the Intel 8080A microprocessor IC and has 64K bytes of RAM. Data is acquired via a 16-bit integrating ADC. A TLC plate with up to 18 samples may be analyzed in as little as 5 minutes. Graphics capabilities include automatic analysis and depiction of peak heights and peak areas. Display of normal or log-normal plots of data for reference compounds and samples with least-squares linear regression is available. Graphics are directly accessible to permit independent plotting of data.     

Evaluation and discrimination of cortex Magnoliae officinalis produced in Zhejiang Province (Wen-Hou-Po) by UPLC-DAD-TOF-MS fingerprint

An ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem TOF mass spectrometric (UPLC-DAD-TOF-MS) fingerprinting method was developed for the quality control and source discrimination of Cortex magnoliae officinalis produced in Zhejiang Province (Wen-Hou-Po). Twelve samples of Wen-Hou-Po collected from two species in five areas in Zhejiang Province of China were used to establish the fingerprint. Data were evaluated statistically using similarity analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and discriminant analysis (DA) in order to establish a similarity standard of fingerprint for quality control of Wen-Hou-Po, then to classify the Wen-Hou-Po samples and to identify key categorizing parameters. The similarity indexes were all above 0.95 between the reference chromatogram and that of each sample. By comparing the UV and MS data with those of the authentic standards and literature, nine main peaks in the fingerprints were identified. The result of hierarchical cluster analysis showed that the samples from two species in five areas could be divided into two distinct groups (the same as the groups of the samples divided by their species) based on their compositional fingerprints. A rapid and convenient discriminant function was then established to discriminate the species of unknown Wen-Hou-Po, and the cross validation result was 100%. In this study, the methods established are reliable, and could be used to evaluate the quality and to identify the species of Wen-Hou-Po in the future.     

Chemical fingerprinting of Shexiang Baoxin Pill and simultaneous determination of its major constituents by HPLC with evaporative light scattering detection and electrospray mass spectrometric detection

High-performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with evaporative light scattered detection (ELSD) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection (ESI-MS) was employed to establish chemical fingerprint of Shexiang Baoxin Pill (SBP) and to simultaneously determinate its seven major constituents, including cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, cinobufagin, recibufogenin, and ginsenoside Rb1. The analysis was performed on a C18 column with water-acetonitrile gradient elution, and the investigated constituents were authenticated by comparing their retention times and mass spectra with those of reference compounds. The proposed method was applied to analyze nine SBP samples and produced data with acceptable linearity, precision, stability and accuracy. Both the chemical fingerprints and quantification data were used to evaluate the quality of various SBP products. The proposed method allows obtaining chemical fingerprint and quantification of multi-components in one run, and therefore can be readily utilized as a comprehensive quality control approach for traditional Chinese medicine.     

Quality control samples for routine use in water laboratories

Summary Quality management systems in water laboratories have steadily improved during the past years, and the use of quality control samples is becoming routine. A selection of quality control samples has been designed and prepared by the Danish reference laboratory for water analysis. The samples cover 38 parameters at up to three concentration levels that are typical for environmental water. The samples have been produced in quantities that enable frequent use. Some samples are distributed together with preconstructed control charts for laboratory staff with limited knowledge of control chart statistics. Other users apply a Quality 4.0 computer programme for administration and statistical handling of quality control data with construction of control charts.     

数理统计在地球化学样品分析质量控制中的应用

使用Excel2013和Minitab两种常用软件对地球化学样品中CaO含量分布情况进行了研究,运用描述性统计、正态分布、背景值与异常方法对实验室分析的广西某地地球化学样品的分析数据进行了质量评价,结果表明:综合运用计算机软件和数理统计方法,能快速找到分析数据的详细信息和数据特征,判别地球化学样品实验室分析数据的准确性,找出元素的背景值和异常值并剔除异常值,比较发现,样品中CaO含量分析数据对数转换后比原始数据的分布更趋于正态分布,相比于X射线荧光光谱方法,用电感耦合等离子体发射光谱法测定的结果更符合正态分布。方法对地球化学调查样品的分析数据质量评价作了有益的尝试,揭示了数理统计方法是地球化学样品分析质量控制的有效手段。     

Evaluation of reactor pulsing activation analysis enhancement in reference materials

The enhancement factors possible by using reactor pulsing during neutron activation analysis have been shown to exceed 1.0 for half-lives shorter than 42 seconds. Studies published to date have applied the technique to pure elemental standards in order to evaluate the advantage. In addition, its use has been demonstrated for the analysis of several environmental samples. This paper describes experimental work performed in an effort to demonstrate the utilization of the technique on a wide range of real sample materials. The purpose of the investigation was to assess the value of the methodology to the neutron activation analysis program of our laboratory in support of university research. A series of sample matrices including reference materials, fossil fuels, geological specimen, ecologically important materials and animal and plant tissues have been subjected to pulsed neutron irradiation. Resulting gamma emissions were detected from samples after each irradiation. Representative spectral data are presented. Suitability of the technique for trace analysis are discussed.     

基于定量指纹图谱技术的经典名方清骨散基准样品量值传递分析

清骨散为第一批《古代经典名方目录》中的第69方,现代临床常用于治疗非感染性发热。但目前关于清骨散基准样品及其量值传递的研究较少,制约了其复方制剂的研发与上市,因此亟须建立一种全面、准确的质量控制方法,阐明关键质量属性。通过制备15批清骨散基准样品,明确干膏率范围,建立基准样品高效液相色谱（HPLC）定量指纹图谱测定方法并进行相似度评价,采用高效液相色谱-四极杆-飞行时间质谱（HPLC-Q-TOF-MS）技术对特征峰进行指认与归属,结合指标成分龙胆苦苷、芒果苷、胡黄连苷Ⅱ、胡黄连苷Ⅰ和甘草酸的含量范围及转移率范围进行量值传递分析。结果表明,15批清骨散基准样品的干膏率为24.10%~26.88%,指纹图谱相似度均大于0.95,对12个共有峰进行指认,包括6个环烯醚萜类、2个黄酮类、1个生物碱类、1个三萜皂苷类以及2个其他类,其中5个成分来源于胡黄连,3个成分来源于秦艽,2个成分来源于知母,1个成分来源于银柴胡,1个成分来源于甘草;15批基准样品中指标成分的含量范围分别为龙胆苦苷17.92~27.55 mg/g、芒果苷1.83~4.42 mg/g、胡黄连苷Ⅱ 23.08~36.44 mg/g、胡黄连苷Ⅰ 8.43~15.04 mg/g、甘草酸0.94~2.39 mg/g,从饮片到基准样品的转移率分别为龙胆苦苷47.91%~63.95%、芒果苷22.96%~59.39%、胡黄连苷Ⅱ 60.82%~77.82%、胡黄连苷Ⅰ 64.25%~99.53%、甘草酸15.30%~39.30%。该研究通过清骨散基准样品定量指纹图谱与质谱定性技术相结合,基本明确其化学组成,进行量值传递研究,阐明关键质量属性,为清骨散复方制剂的质量控制提供依据。     

Assessment of quality consistency in traditional Chinese medicine using multi‐wavelength fusion profiling by integrated quantitative fingerprint method: Niuhuang Jiedu pill as an example

Under the wave of the revival of traditional Chinese medicine, there is a quite imperative duty to study an integrated and comprehensive method of fingerprint data processing and analysis on the quality consistency of traditional Chinese medicine. So, we proposed six parameters from two aspects (qualitative and quantitative), three levels (biased to strong peaks, biased to weak peaks, no obvious bias), to comprehensively evaluate the similarity of the two fingerprints. On this basis, another five parameters were proposed to evaluate the integrated effects (consistency, volatility, and similarity). This method was applied to 22 batches of Niuhuang Jiedu pill samples. Next, a practical and convenient multi‐wavelength fusion method was designed to provide more information, and the generated fusion profilings were used for subsequent evaluation. The characteristics of the parameters were confirmed by correlation analysis. The results of both hierarchical clustering analysis and principal component analysis for raw data and standardized data were consistent with integrated quantitative fingerprint method results. At the same time, this method gave a reasonable explanation for abnormal and dissimilar samples. This work illustrated that the proposed method was particularly suitable for similarity analysis of fingerprints and capable of ensuring the quality consistency in traditional Chinese medicine.     

Instrumental neutron activation analysis of coal and its combustion residues from a power plant

A growing demand of electrical energy derived from coal combustion led to a significant increase of coal ash as residues. Approximately 70 % of the fly ashes are recycled, while most of the bottom ashes have been land-filled in the ash pond in Korea. In this work, to evaluate the potential impacts of the residues from a coal power plant on the environment, its inorganic elemental components were determined by INAA and PGAA. Coal ash samples were collected from the biggest power plant complex in Korea. These samples were analyzed by using the NAA facilities in the HANARO research reactor of the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. A total of 31 elements were analyzed in the samples, and certified reference materials were used for the analytical quality control. The enrichment status of a given metal in fuel coal and ashes was investigated by its concentration ratio. In order to assess the impact of the coal combustion residues on ecosystem, their concentrations determined for each respective type of the samples were compared to both reference data and nearby beach sand samples.     

用经验模型评估环境样品测量不确定度

利用水样、土壤和沉积物标准样品定值数据,建立了评估环境样品测量结果不确定度的经验模型。讨论了判断模型质量的指标。用建立的经验模型估算了实际标样和能力验证数据不确定度,并与实测结果进行了比较。探讨了利用本模型计算的相对标准偏差允许限用于实验室内部质量管理与控制的可行性。经验模型能帮助客户判断送检样品检测结果在临界值时能否满足相关要求。     

Rapid Determination of Betulin in Betula platyphylla Outer Bark Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

A simple, rapid, and nondestructive method for the determination of betulin in the outer birch bark was developed using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). NIRS data of the outer birch bark collected throughout the year was preprocessed and analyzed by principal component analysis, which led to clear discrimination of the samples according to their harvest times. The reference content of betulin, a major constituent of the outer birch bark, was determined using ultra performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (UPLC-DAD). The optimized and validated analytical conditions of UPLC-DAD provided better separation and faster analysis time compared to a conventional HPLC method. Betulin content also showed seasonal variation and was higher in the samples collected during the summer season. Partial least squares calibration techniques were employed to estimate the relationship between the NIRS data and betulin contents. The spectral data showed high correlation coefficients (over 0.700) with betulin content. These results indicate that NIRS combined with UPLC can be used to determine the quality and to quantify the betulin content of the outer birch bark.     

Primary standards in activation analysis

The availability of natural matrix reference materials evaluated for trace element content has resulted in their widespread use as standards (i.e., calibration materials; comparators) for instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Due to the uncertainties associated with their certified values, the limited number available, and the relative matrix independence of INAA, these reference materials are more properly utilized as quality assessment materials, after calibration of the INAA analytical system with true primary standards. Terminology is defined, the use of matrix reference materials to evaluate the analytical system is discussed, techniques for the accurate preparation of primary standards for trace element analyses are reviewed, and necessary precautions in the accurate comparison of samples to standards are presented.     

Certified reference materials for the quality control of environmental analysis within the standards,measurements and testing programme (formerly BCR)

A great number of analyses is performed every year, the results of which are used for many purposes, e.g. the quality of goods and food, the status of quality of the environment or the health of patients. The accuracy of these results is a prerequisite for a good interpretation of the data obtained. One of the most powerful tool for achieving quality control of chemical analysis is to use reference materials (RMs) and certified reference materials (CRMs). These materials are necessary for one or more of the following items: method validation (CRMs), monitoring of the state of statistical control (RMs), samples in inter-comparisons (RMs), etc. The requirements and use of RMs and CRMs in chemical analysis are described, with special emphasis on environmental analysis, and some examples of environmental materials currently in production within the Standards, Measurements and Testing Programme (formerly BCR) of the European Commission are given.     

Quantitative analysis of multicomponents by single marker combined with HPLC fingerprint qualitative analyses for comprehensive evaluation of Aurantii Fructus

The present study aimed to develop a strategy involving quantitative analysis of multicomponents by single marker in combination with high‐performance liquid chromatography fingerprint qualitative analysis for performing the quality control of Aurantii Fructus. The content of 12 components (eriocitrin, neoeriocitrin, narirutin, naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, meranzin, poncirin, naringenin, nobiletin, tangeretin, and auraptene) in samples was determined using reliable relative correction factors that were obtained using naringin as an internal reference standard. The new method demonstrated good applicability, and no significant differences were observed between the external standard method and the new method as determined by calculating standard method difference. Qualitative evaluation of samples was conducted using similarity analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and quality fluctuation analysis. Chromatographic fingerprint data were divided into three groups by similarity and hierarchical cluster analyses, and seven components may have a more significant impact on the quality of Aurantii Fructus in quality fluctuation analysis. Overall, the study suggests that the qualitative and quantitative analyses of multicomponents using quantitative analysis of multicomponents by single marker combined with chromatographic fingerprinting can be considered good quality criteria for performing quality control and providing technical support for the further pharmacological and pharmaceutical research of Aurantii Fructus.     

Quantitative analysis of multicomponents by a single marker and quality evaluation of Venenum Bufonis from different geographical origins

Bufadienolides are the main bioactive components of Venenum Bufonis (VB) and have been widely used to treat different types of human cancers for decades. The bufadienolide content in VB varies significantly in materials from different geographical origins. In this work, a new strategy for the quality assessment of VB was developed through quantitative analysis of multi‐components by single marker (QAMS). Cinobufagin was selected as the internal reference substance; seven bufadienolides were separated and simultaneously determined based on relative correction factors. The correlation coefficient value (r ≥ 0.9936) between QAMS and the normal external standard method proved the consistency of the two methods. According to the outcomes of 30 batches of VB samples, the contents of the seven bufadienolides were used for further chemometric analysis. All of the samples of VB from various geographical origins were divided into three categories based on hierarchical cluster analysis and radar plot, which indicated the crucial influence of geographical origins on VB. This study showed that QAMS combined with chemometristry could be used to comprehensively evaluate and effectively control the quality of VB from different geographical origins.     

Uncertainty estimation to evaluate mass balances on a combustion system

Mass balances of ash and potassium for a fluidized bed combustor were performed incorporating measurement uncertainties. The total output mass of ash or a chemical element should be equal to the mass in the input fuel; however, this is not often achieved. A realistic estimation of recovery uncertainty can support the reliability of a mass balance. Estimation of uncertainty helps to establish a reliable evaluation of the recovery ratio of ash mass and elemental mass. This may clarify whether any apparent lack in closing the mass balance can be attributed to uncertainties. The evaluation of measurement uncertainty for different matrices, namely coal, biomass, sand and ashes from different streams was based on internal quality control data and external quality control data, namely analysis of samples from proficiency tests or use of a certified reference material. The evaluation of intermediate precision and trueness allowed the estimation of measurement uncertainty. Due to the different physic and chemical characteristics of the studied matrices, the uncertainty of precision was evaluated using R-charts of data obtained from the analysis of duplicates for the majority of samples. This allowed evaluating sample heterogeneity effects. The instrumental acceptance criterion was also considered and included in the combined uncertainty. The trueness was evaluated using data from several proficiency tests and from analysis of a certified reference material or sample spiking. Statistically significant bias was included.     

Laboratory Performance Evaluation on Analysis of Cadmium and Lead in Herb through Participation in the Regional Laboratory Comparison APMP QM-P10

The ubiquitous presence of heavy metals in the environment arising from various natural and anthropogenic activities have led to the accumulation intrusion of these substances into agricultural products including herbal plants. With the rapid growth of herbal medicine trade market, extensive surveillance monitoring and laboratory testing of heavy metals in herbal samples are carried out worldwide nowadays. Those surveillance activities are very much rely on the quality of the data produced by analytical laboratory. As analysis of heavy metals have been one of several main interests of our laboratory of Research Center for Chemistry, then participation on the international laboratory comparison such as APMP.QM-P10: Cadmium and Lead in Herb is a valuable effort for evaluate laboratory performance in this area of analysis. Several trial run and validation had been performed on the proficiency samples, including sample preparation, level of method blanks, use of matrix modifiers, precision and also trueness check using suitable reference material. Z-scores of 0.787 and 1.105 for cadmium and lead respectively have obtained as result of participation. It was found that the z-scores were satisfactory compared to the satisfactory limit of -2 ≥ z-score ≤ 2. These results provide strong confirmation of maintained capability of Research Center for Chemistry on heavy metals analysis, particulary in herb.     

Evaluation of the odd-even effect in limits of detection for electron microprobe analysis of natural minerals

Limit of detection (LOD), being a fundamental quality parameter for analytical techniques, has been recently investigated and a systematic behavior has been observed for most odd-even element pairs for many techniques. However, to the best of our knowledge very few LOD data are available in published literature for electron microprobe analysis; these consist of three papers, two being on rare-earth elements and the third covering a large number of elements of atomic number between 21 and 92. These data confirm the systematic behavior of LODs for many odd-even pairs. To initiate to full this gap, we determined LODs for several major rock-forming chemical elements from Na to Fe with atomic numbers between 11 and 26, during the microprobe analysis of common minerals (olivine, plagioclase, pyroxene, amphibole, quartz, and opaques) in volcanic rocks. The odd-even effect of nuclear stability seems to be present in LOD data for most odd-even pairs investigated. Nevertheless, the experimental strategy concerning the reference materials, calibration procedure, and blank measurements, should be substantially modified to better evaluate the systematic behavior of LOD values in microprobe analysis.     

The European way to go: Virtual Central Laboratory

In clinical pharmaceutical trials often one central laboratory is used for the analysis of routine parameters, the so-called safety parameters. In many countries the heads of laboratory departments question the quality of such analysis in terms of quality of samples after transport, continuity of patient related medical laboratory information before, during and after the trial; turn around time; alerting procedures and consultancy to requesting physicians. On the other hand, the pharmaceutical industry prefers to work with central laboratories since they can claim certification or accreditation. Also the use of one set of reference values is an important issue, as well as electronic data transfer to the trial organizer's database. The concept of a Virtual Central Laboratory (VCL), initiated in the Netherlands, tries to solve this conflicting situation. In the concept, local hospital laboratories receive computer-assisted aid in the identification of patients, trials, visits and requests. The laboratory data are transformed using calibrator sets to produce a homogeneous data set across laboratories, resulting in one set of reference values. The data are electronically transferred to a central computer from which they are send in any desired format to the trial organizer's database. Participating laboratories are obliged to work towards accreditation. The VCL acts as a central counterpart for both the pharmaceutical industry and local laboratories. The concept offers advantages to the pharmaceutical industry, the investigator and local laboratories.