A critical investigation of the effects of the radio frequency potential on the trapping of externally injected ions in ion trap mass spectrometry

The sensitivity of all ion trap mass spectrometry (ITMS) methods is dependent on the trapping efficiency of the instrument. For ITMS instruments utilizing external ion sources, such as laser desorption, trapping efficiency is known to depend on the phase and amplitude of the radio frequency (RF) potential applied to the ring electrode at the time of ion introduction. It is remarkable that, in a considerable body of literature, no consensus exists regarding the effects of these parameters on the efficacy of trapping externally generated ions. In this paper, a summary of the literature is presented in order to highlight significant discrepancies. New laser desorption ion trap mass spectrometry (LD-ITMS) data are also presented, from which conclusions are drawn in our effort to clarify some of the confusion. Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Measurement of the flux of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays from monocular observations by the High Resolution Fly's Eye experiment

We have measured the cosmic ray spectrum above 10(17.2) eV using the two air-fluorescence detectors of the High Resolution Fly's Eye observatory operating in monocular mode. We describe the detector, phototube, and atmospheric calibrations, as well as the analysis techniques for the two detectors. We fit the spectrum to a model consisting of galactic and extragalactic sources.     

Column chromatography fractionation of complex waste water sample extracts for measurement of ppt levels of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

The novel application of azulene as a visual monitor of column chromatography performance during fractionation of complex waste water extracts for measurement of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) at part-per-trillion concentrations is described. TCDD elutes directly behind azulene, the blue visual aid, in the 6% ethyl ether/hexane fraction during Florisil column chromatography.     

Photoisomerization and relaxation dynamics of a structurally modified biomimetic photoswitch

Recent experimental and theoretical studies on N-alkylated indanylidene pyrroline Schiff bases (NAIP) show that these compounds exhibit biomimetic photoisomerization analogous to that in the chromophore of rhodopsin. The NAIP compounds studied previously isomerize rapidly and often evolve coherently on the ground-electronic surface after reaction. We present the results of transient electronic absorption spectroscopy on dMe-OMe-NAIP, a newly synthesized NAIP analogue that differs from other NAIP compounds in the substituents on its pyrrolinium ring. Following excitation with 400 nm light, dMe-OMe-NAIP relaxes from the electronic-excited state in less than 500 fs, which is slower than in other analogues, and does not show the prominent oscillations observed in other NAIP compounds. A reduction in the amount of twisting between the rings caused by removal of the methyl group is likely responsible for the slower isomerization. Measurements in solvents of varying viscosity and structure suggest that intramolecular processes dominate the relaxation of nascent photoproducts.     

The homestake scintillation detectors: A status report

Summary We describe the 140 ton, 1200 m²sr Large-Area Scintillation Detector located underground at a depth of 4850 ft and the 0.8 km² surface air shower array at the Homestake Mine. Half of the underground detector is currently operating. We discuss its performance and describe the monopole sensitivity of the LASD and the ability of the surface-underground telescope to detect cosmic point sources.

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Riassunto Si descrive il rivelatore a scintillazione di 140 tonnellate a grande area situato sottoterra ad una profondità di 4850 piedi e l'apparecchiatura di superficie di 0.8 km² per rivelare i raggi cosmici a Homestake Mine. Metà del rivelatore sotterraneo è attualmente in funzione. Si discute il suo funzionamento e si descrive la sensibilità del monopolo del LASD e la capacità del telescopio di superficie-sottosuolo di rilevare sorgenti cosmiche puntiformi.

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Резюме Мы описываем 140-тонный 1200 м² сцинтилляционный детектор большой площади, расположенный под землей на глубине 4850 футов и антенную решетку площадью 0.8 км² для атмосферных ливней в шахте Хоумстейк. Половина подземного детектора в настоящее время уже действует. Мы обсуждаем конструкцию и описываем чувствительность к монополям сцинтилляционного детектора большой площади и возможность подземного телескопа—детектировать точечные космические источники.

     

Activation of the Normal Human Skin Cells by a Portable Dielectric Barrier Discharge-Based Reaction-Discharge System of a Defined Gas Temperature

Skin injury leading to chronic wounds is of high interest due to the increasing number of patients suffering from this symptom. Proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis are key factors in the wound healing processes. For that reason, controlled promotion of these processes is required. In this work, we present the portable helium-dielectric barrier discharge (He-DBD)-based reaction-discharge system of controlled gas temperature for biological activities. To make this He-DBD-based reaction-discharge system safe for biological purposes, a multivariate optimization of the operating parameters was performed. To evaluate the effect of the He-DBD operating parameters on the rotational gas temperature T_rot(OH), a design of experiment followed by a Response Surface Methodology was applied. Based on the suggested statistical model, the optimal operating conditions under which the T_rot(OH) is less than 37 °C (310 K) were estimated. Then, the resulted model was validated in order to confirm its accuracy. After estimation the optical operating conditions of He-DBD operation, the spectroscopic characteristic of the He-DBD-based reaction-discharge system in relevance to the several optical temperatures in addition to electron number density has been carried out. Additionally, the qualitative and quantitative analyses of the reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species were performed in order to investigate of reactions and processes running in the He-DBD-gaseous phase and in the He-DBD-treated liquid. Next, the developed portable He-DBD-based reaction-discharge system, working under the optimal operating conditions, was used to stimulate the wound healing process. It was found that a 30 s He-DBD treatment significantly increased the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of keratinocytes (HaCaT) and fibroblasts (MSU-1.1) cell lines, as well as human skin microvascular endothelial cells (HSkMEC.2). Hence, the application of the cold atmospheric pressure plasma generated in this He-DBD-based reaction-discharge system might be an alternative therapy for patient suffering from chronic wounds.