Q values of the Ge and Mo double-beta decays

Penning trap measurements using mixed beams of ⁷⁶Ge–⁷⁶Se and ¹⁰⁰Mo–¹⁰⁰Ru have been utilized to determine the double-beta decay Q-values of ⁷⁶Ge and ¹⁰⁰Mo with uncertainties less than 200 eV. The value for ⁷⁶Ge, 2039.04(16) keV is in agreement with the published SMILETRAP value, 2039.006(50) keV. The new value for ¹⁰⁰Mo, 3034.40(17) keV is 30 times more precise than the previous literature value, sufficient for the ongoing neutrinoless double-beta decay searches in ¹⁰⁰Mo. Moreover, the precise Q-value is used to calculate the phase-space integrals and the experimental nuclear matrix element of double-beta decay.     

A paper-based lateral flow assay for morphine

Morphine was used as a model analyte to examine the possibility of using cellulose, physically modified by papermaking and converting techniques, as a capillary matrix in a lateral flow type of diagnostic assay. This research was directed toward low-cost, disposable, and portable paper-based diagnostics, with the aim of addressing the analytical performance of paper as a substrate in the analysis for drugs of abuse. Antibody Fab fragments were used as sensing molecules, and gold nanoparticle detection was employed. Inkjet printing was used to pattern sensing biomolecules as detection zones on paper. To validate the usefulness of paper as a diagnostic platform, the principle of a direct sandwich assay, based on immunocomplex formation between morphine and the anti-morphine Fab fragment and detection of the formed immunocomplex by another Fab fragment, was implemented. Results were compared with that achieved by using nitrocellulose as a reference material. Possible interfering from the sample matrix on assay quality was investigated with spiked oral fluid samples. Under optimized conditions, a visually assessed limit of detection for the sandwich assay was 1 ng/mL, indicating that the paper-based test devices developed in this work can perform screening for drugs of abuse and can fulfill the requirement for a sensitive assay in diagnostically relevant ranges. Fig

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Rapid Autoxidation Forms Highly Oxidized RO2 Radicals in the Atmosphere

Gas‐phase oxidation routes of biogenic emissions, mainly isoprene and monoterpenes, in the atmosphere are still the subject of intensive research with special attention being paid to the formation of aerosol constituents. This laboratory study shows that the most abundant monoterpenes (limonene and α‐pinene) form highly oxidized RO₂ radicals with up to 12 O atoms, along with related closed‐shell products, within a few seconds after the initial attack of ozone or OH radicals. The overall process, an intramolecular ROO→QOOH reaction and subsequent O₂ addition generating a next R′OO radical, is similar to the well‐known autoxidation processes in the liquid phase (QOOH stands for a hydroperoxyalkyl radical). Field measurements show the relevance of this process to atmospheric chemistry. Thus, the well‐known reaction principle of autoxidation is also applicable to the atmospheric gas‐phase oxidation of hydrocarbons leading to extremely low‐volatility products which contribute to organic aerosol mass and hence influence the aerosol–cloud–climate system.     

Isomers of astrophysical interest in neutron-deficient nuclei at masses A = 81, 85 and 86

Decay properties of neutron-deficient exotic nuclei close to A=80 have been investigated at the IGISOL facility. The studied nuclei, ⁸¹Y, ⁸¹Sr, ^81mKr, ⁸⁵Nb, ⁸⁵Zr, ⁸⁶Mo and ⁸⁶Nb, were produced by a ³²S beam from the Jyv?skyl? isochronous cyclotron on ⁵⁴Fe and ^natNi targets. The internal conversion coefficient for a 190.5 keV isomeric transition in ^81mKr has been measured and the internal transition rate has been determined. The internal transition rate has been used to estimate a neutrino capture rate on ⁸¹Br, which yields a log ft of 5.13±0.09 for the reaction ⁸¹Br( ν, e ^-)^81mKr. A new isomer with a half-life of 3.3±0.9 s has been observed in ⁸⁵Nb. The existence of an earlier reported isomer with a half-life of 56 s in ⁸⁶Nb has not been confirmed.     

Mass measurements of neutron-deficient nuclides close to A = 80 with a Penning trap

The masses of ^{80, 81, 82, 83}Y, ^{83, 84, 85, 86, 88}Zr and ^{85, 86, 87, 88}Nb have been measured with a typical precision of 7keV by using the Penning trap setup at IGISOL. The mass of ⁸⁴Zr has been measured for the first time. These precise mass measurements have improved S_p and Q_EC values for astrophysically important nuclides.     

A new 400 ms isomer in125Ce→125La

By using the IGISOL technique, adapted for the study of products of heavy ion induced fusion-evaporation reactions, it has been possible to identify a new isomer in the mass chainA=125.