Frequency scan for the analysis of high mass ions generated by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization in a paul trap

An ion trap has been modified for the analysis of high mass ions generated by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization. Samples are deposited on a probe tip and introduced directly onto the hyperbolically shaped surface of one endcap. All three electrodes - both the endcaps and the ring electrode - are insulated so that the radio frequency (Rf) voltage may be applied to the center ring electrode and the inverted Rf voltage to the endcaps. By using low frequencies (below 100 kHz) and low amplitudes (below 200 V), high mass singly charged ions may be trapped and analyzed by a frequency sweep at constant amplitude. In the high mass range (60-160 kDa), this instrument showed good sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratios, and mass resolution. Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Symmetric units and group identities

In this paper we study rings R with an involution whose symmetric units satisfy a group identity. An important example is given by FG, the group algebra of a group G over a field F; in fact FG has a natural involution induced by setting g?g ⁻¹ for all group elements g∈G. In case of group algebras if F is infinite, charF≠ 2 and G is a torsion group we give a characterization by proving the following: the symmetric units satisfy a group identity if and only if either the group of units satisfies a group identity (and a characterization is known in this case) or char F=p >0 and 1) FG satisfies a polynomial identity, 2) the p-elements of G form a (normal) subgroup P of G and G/P is a Hamiltonian 2-group; 3) G is of bounded exponent 4p ^s for some s≥ 0. Received: 8 August 1997     

Spectral pattern of total creatine and trimethyl ammonium in multiple sclerosis

Fatigue and impairment mobility are frequent problems in multiple sclerosis (MS). Despite its enormous potential, in vivo (1)H MRS of skeletal muscles for MS patients is a largely unexplored field. One fundamental question remains unanswered: whether MS can cause observable proton metabolite changes. High quality two-dimensional in vivo (1)H MRS reveals that the spectral pattern of total creatine (tCr) and trimethyl ammonium (TMA) of soleus muscles of MS patients can be distinctively different from that of healthy volunteers, and in vivo (1)H MRS of skeletal muscles has a potential to become a useful tool in MS study.     

Group algebras with symmetric units satisfying a group identity

We study group algebras FG for which the symmetric units under the natural involution: g^*=g⁻¹ satisfy a group identity. For infinite fields F of characteristic ≠2, a classification of torsion groups G whose symmetric units U⁺(FG) satisfy a group identity was given in [3] by Giambruno-Sehgal-Valenti. We extend this work to non torsion groups. Research supported by NSERC of Canada and MIUR of Italy.     

Characterization of keratin–collagen 3D scaffold for biomedical applications

Fabrication of keratin–collagen (KC) 3D scaffold with improved thermal denaturation rate is reported. In vitro application of (KC) scaffold stimulates basic extra cellular matrix constituents. KC Scaffold considerably reduced undesirable properties of both collagen and keratin while collagen incorporation reduces the fragility with increases of strength and flexibility in the scaffold. In addition to this, the scaffold showed homogenous well‐interconnected pores in the range of 10–100 µm when observed in scanning electron microscope. Usage of keratin in KC scaffold offers increased biodegradation rate and higher denaturation rate in addition to its rapid cell growth with normal morphology ultimately reaching cell population of 3.9–9.7 million per cm³ after 48 hr in KC scaffold. Circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier transform spectroscopy (FT‐IR) of KC showed presence of helical structure of collagen and ß‐turns of keratin confirming retention of native structures of both the proteins KC scaffold showed good swelling behavior and water uptake. Our study strongly supports the superidity of KC scaffold over the collagen or keratin when they are independently used for tissue engineering applications. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.