Detection of DNA fragments separated by capillary electrophoresis based on their native fluorescence inside a sheath flow

A scheme for the separation and detection of native DNA fragments in capillary electrophoresis is presented. A UV laser at 275 nm excites the intrinsic fluorescence of the fragments, which is greatly enhanced at pH 2.8. To provide a compatible system, methylcellulose-based size separation is performed at the identical pH. A sheath-flow arrangement isolates the detection region from the linear polymer for a reduced background level. The performance is an order-of-magnitude enhancement in detectability over absorption detection. We also uncovered a selective degradation/ligation process at these pH conditions that may be useful as additional selectivity for DNA characterization.     

Polymeric (NO)3(N2O) n , (NO)3(N2O) n + , and (NO)3(N2O) n − : an interpretation of experimental observations

Semi-empirical and ab initio calculations are reported which provide a possible explanation for reported experimental results on 2-photon ionization of NO containing a few percent of N₂O, which found (NO)₃(N₂O) _n ^+or? clusters to be significantly more abundant than other (NO) _m (N₂O) _n products. It is found that the observed abundances of (NO)₃(N₂O) _n ionic clusters may be accounted for by the existence of covalent cyclic trimers of nitric oxide attached to oligomers of nitrous oxide. The extra stability of NO trimers in the observed clusters appears to arise from (NO) ₃ ⁺ rather than (NO)₃. Attachment of an (N₂O) _n side chain to (NO) ₃ ⁺ occurs exothermically. It is suggested that the addition of N₂O to cyclic-(NO) ₃ ⁺ might provide a means of making a polymer of nitrous oxide, which could have useful properties.     

ERYTHEMAL UV-B IRRADIANCE (ROBERTSON-BERGER SUNBURN METER DATA) UNDER OZONE DEFICIENCIES IN WINTER/SPRING 1993

Abstract –Robertson-Berger sunburn meter data recorded from August 1992 to May 1993 (Innsbruck, 577 m above sea level, Austria) were compared with measurements taken in previous years. In February and March 1993 instantaneous values on clear days were found to be higher by up to 37% than those registered in previous years (1986–1988). However, in winter/spring 1993 daily totals for all days, averaged over 7 days, were within the range of standard deviation of the previous years (1981–1988). Therefore the cumulative UV-B exposure of the ecosystem is within the general range of variability even under the record low ozone values in winter/spring 1993, while single peak doses were enhanced significantly.     

Interfacial adsorption of microorganisms and its effect on oxygen absorption by fermentation broths

Steady-state mass transfer experiments were done to determine whether certain strains of bacteria in homogeneous suspension will accumulate at the gas:liquid interface and thereby significantly increase the oxygen transfer rate to the suspension. In particular, with suspensions ofB. licheniformis, the measured transfer rates are as much as three times the rate expected for a uniform suspension. In contrast, suspensions ofM. luteus show no increase in oxygen flux above expected values. The fact thatB. licheniformis is motile, whereasM. luteus is not suggests that cell motility may play an important role in the accumulation process.