Aqueous and non-aqueous microchip electrophoresis with on-chip electrospray ionization mass spectrometry on replica-molded thiol-ene microfluidic devices

This work describes aqueous and non-aqueous capillary electrophoresis on thiol-ene-based microfluidic separation devices that feature fully integrated and sharp electrospray ionization (ESI) emitters. The chip fabrication is based on simple and low-cost replica-molding of thiol-ene polymers under standard laboratory conditions. The mechanical rigidity and the stability of the materials against organic solvents, acids and bases could be tuned by adjusting the respective stoichiometric ratio of the thiol and allyl ("ene") monomers, which allowed us to carry out electrophoresis separation in both aqueous and non-aqueous (methanol- and ethanol-based) background electrolytes. The stability of the ESI signal was generallyPeer reviewe

Blood Sampling from the Tail Vein, in Comparison with Two Other Techniques, Causes Less Stress to Mice

It is important to use the optimal method for repeated blood sampling to ensure minimal stress to mice,  and also to provide better pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data. The aim of the present study was  to compare the impact of blood sampling methods on corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone  (ACTH) levels in mice. Hsdwin:NMRI mice were divided into four sampling groups: control group (I), vena facialis (II), tail vein  (III) and saphenous vein (IV). The first blood samples, obtained from vena facialis, tail or saphenous vein  of conscious mice, were taken at time point 0. The second blood sample was taken by decapitation from  groups II-IV with isoflurane anaesthesia at time point 20 min. The control group animals were anesthetized  and decapitated at 20 min time point. Corticosterone levels in plasma were analyzed at time point 0 and 20  min, and ACTH at time point 20 min. Saphenous bled mice, in comparison with vena facialis and tail vein sampled mice, indicated statistically  significant greater (P < 0.05) level of corticosterone at sampling point (0 min). Rising levels of corticosterone  in all groups differed statistically (P < 0.05) from the control group level, indicating that all tested bleeding  methods were stressful to the experimental animals. However, the tail vein bleeding method stressed  statistically significantly (P < 0.05) less in comparison with vena facialis and saphenous vein bleeding.  At time point 20 min, only saphenous vein bled mice showed statistically significant greater (P < 0.05)  blood levels of ACTH compared to tail vein bled mice. Conditions in sampling and rising levels of corticosterone and/or ACTH level did not show direct correlation.  In conclusion the results suggest that the tail bleeding method accomplished least stress to mice and next  less vena facialis bleeding. Blood collection technique from the saphenous vein was the most stressful to  the experimental animals.

Laser Spectroscopy of Niobium Fission Fragments: First Use of Optical Pumping in an Ion Beam Cooler Buncher

A new method of optical pumping in an ion beam cooler buncher has been developed to selectively enhance ionic metastable state populations. The technique permits the study of elements previously inaccessible to laser spectroscopy and has been applied here to the study of Nb. Model independent mean-square charge radii and nuclear moments have been studied for $^{90,90 m,91,91 m,92,93,99,101,103}$Nb to cover the region of the N=50 shell closure and N≈60 sudden onset of deformation. The increase in mean-square charge radius is observed to be less than that for Y, with a substantial degree of β softness observed before and after N=60

Q_EC values of the Superallowed beta-Emitters 10-C, 34-Ar, 38-Ca and 46-V

The Q_EC values of the superallowed beta+ emitters 10-C, 34-Ar, 38-Ca and 46-V have been measured with a Penning-trap mass spectrometer to be 3648.12(8), 6061.83(8), 6612.12(7) and 7052.44(10) keV, respectively. All four values are substantially improved in precision over previous results.Comment: 9 pages, 7 figures, 5 table

Dialogue based interfaces for universal access.

Conversation provides an excellent means of communication for almost all people. Consequently, a conversational interface is an excellent mechanism for allowing people to interact with systems. Conversational systems are an active research area, but a wide range of systems can be developed with current technology. More sophisticated interfaces can take considerable effort, but simple interfaces can be developed quite rapidly. This paper gives an introduction to the current state of the art of conversational systems and interfaces. It describes a methodology for developing conversational interfaces and gives an example of an interface for a state benefits web site. The paper discusses how this interface could improve access for a wide range of people, and how further development of this interface would allow a larger range of people to use the system and give them more functionality

Precision mass measurements on neutron-rich rare-earth isotopes at JYFLTRAP - reduced neutron pairing and implications for the rr-process calculations

The rare-earth peak in the $r$-process abundance pattern depends sensitively on both the astrophysical conditions and subtle changes in nuclear structure in the region. This work takes an important step elucidating the nuclear structure and reducing the uncertainties in $r$-process calculations via precise atomic mass measurements at the JYFLTRAP double Penning trap. $^{158}$Nd, $^{160}$Pm, $^{162}$Sm, and $^{164-166}$Gd have been measured for the first time and the precisions for $^{156}$Nd, $^{158}$Pm, $^{162,163}$Eu, $^{163}$Gd, and $^{164}$Tb have been improved considerably. Nuclear structure has been probed via two-neutron separation energies $S_{2n}$ and neutron pairing energy metrics $D_n$. The data do not support the existence of a subshell closure at $N=100$. Neutron pairing has been found to be weaker than predicted by theoretical mass models. The impact on the calculated $r$-process abundances has been studied. Substantial changes resulting in a smoother abundance distribution and a better agreement with the solar $r$-process abundances are observed.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in Physical Review Letter