Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Development Of Proton-Induced X-Ray Emission Techniques With Application To Multielement Analyses Of Human Autopsy Tissues And Obsidian Artifacts, Kirk Kay Nielson

Theses and Dissertations

A method of trace element analysis using proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) techniques with energy dispersive X-ray detection methods is described. Data were processed using the computer program ANALEX. PIXE analysis methods were applied to the analysis of liver, spleen, aorta, kidney medulla, kidney cortex, abdominal fat, pancreas and hair from autopsies of Pima Indians. Tissues were freeze dried and low temperature ashed before analysis. Concentrations were tabulated for K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Cd and Cs and examined for significant differences related to diabetes. Concentrations of Ca and Sr in aorta, …