Direct coupling of polymer-based microchip electrophoresis to online MALDI-MS using a rotating ball inlet

We report on the coupling of a polymer-based microfluidic chip to a MALDI-TOF MS using a rotating ball interface. The microfluidic chips were fabricated by micromilling a mold insert into a brass plate, which was then used for replicating polymer microparts via hot embossing. Assembly of the chip was accomplished by thermally annealing a cover slip to the embossed substrate to enclose the channels. The linear separation channel was 50 microm wide, 100 microm deep, and possessed an 8 cm effective length separation channel with a double-T injector (V(inj) = 10 nL). The exit of the separation channel was machined to allow direct contact deposition of effluent onto a specially constructed rotating ball inlet to the mass spectrometer. Matrix addition was accomplished in-line on the surface of the ball. The coupling utilized the ball as the cathode transfer electrode to transport sample into the vacuum for desorption with a 355 nm Nd:YAG laser and analyzed on a TOF mass spectrometer. The ball was cleaned online after every rotation. The ability to couple poly(methylmethacrylate) microchip electrophoresis devices for the separation of peptides and peptide fragments produced from a protein digest with subsequent online MALDI MS detection was demonstrated.     

Non-commutative subsequence principles

We prove that if is a hyperfinite semi-finite von Neumann algebra equipped with a normal semi-finite trace and (x _n ) _{n = 1} is a bounded sequence in L ¹ ( ) then there exists a subsequence (y _n ) _{n = 1} of (x _n ) _{n = 1} such that for any further subsequence (z _n ) _{n = 1} of (y _n ) _{n = 1} and > 0, there exists a projection p with (1–p)< and thus providing a non-commutative analogue of the classical Komlóss subsequence theorem. We also extend a classical result of Menchoff and Marcienkiewicz on convergence almost everywhere of subseries of orthogonal functions in L ² [0,1] to orthogonal operators in the non-commutative L ² -space associated to the type II ₁ hyperfinite factor. Mathematics Subject Classification (2000):46L51, 46L52, 40A05, 60F15.Supported in part by NSF grant DMS-0096696 and by a Miami University Summer Research Appointment.     

Fixed point properties of semigroups of nonexpansive mappings

We prove that if H is a Hilbert space then the Schatten (trace) class operators on H has the weak^∗ fixed point property for left reversible semigroups. This answered positively a problem raised by A.T.-M. Lau. We also prove that if M is a finite von Neumann algebra then any nonempty bounded convex subset of the non-commutative L¹-space associated to M that is compact for the measure topology has the fixed point property for left reversible semigroups.     

On complemented versions of James's distortion theorems

Examples are given to show that two natural questions asked in Dowling, Randrianantoanina, and Turett, 1999, about complemented versions of James's distortion theorems have negative answers.

     

Achievable hierarchies in voting games with abstention

It is well known that he influence relation orders the voters the same way as the classical Banzhaf and Shapley–Shubik indices do when they are extended to the voting games with abstention (VGA) in the class of complete games. Moreover, all hierarchies for the influence relation are achievable in the class of complete VGA. The aim of this paper is twofold. Firstly, we show that all hierarchies are achievable in a subclass of weighted VGA, the class of weighted games for which a single weight is assigned to voters. Secondly, we conduct a partial study of achievable hierarchies within the subclass of H-complete games, that is, complete games under stronger versions of influence relation.     

Systematic Review on Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Antibacterial Activities: Application and Theoretical Perspectives

The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and the antibacterial activities has provided enormous data on populations, geographical areas, and experiments with bio silver nanoparticles’ antibacterial operation. Several peer-reviewed publications have discussed various aspects of this subject field over the last generation. However, there is an absence of a detailed and structured framework that can represent the research domain on this topic. This paper attempts to evaluate current articles mainly on the biosynthesis of nanoparticles or antibacterial activities utilizing the scientific methodology of big data analytics. A comprehensive study was done using multiple databases—Medline, Scopus, and Web of Sciences through PRISMA (i.e., Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). The keywords used included ‘biosynthesis silver nano particles’ OR ‘silver nanoparticles’ OR ‘biosynthesis’ AND ‘antibacterial behavior’ OR ‘anti-microbial opposition’ AND ‘systematic analysis,’ by using MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms, Boolean operator’s parenthesis, or truncations as required. Since their effectiveness is dependent on particle size or initial concentration, it necessitates more research. Understanding the field of silver nanoparticle biosynthesis and antibacterial activity in Gulf areas and most Asian countries also necessitates its use of human-generated data. Furthermore, the need for this work has been highlighted by the lack of predictive modeling in this field and a need to combine specific domain expertise. Studies eligible for such a review were determined by certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. This study contributes to the existence of theoretical and analytical studies in this domain. After testing as per inclusion criteria, seven in vitro studies were selected out of 28 studies. Findings reveal that silver nanoparticles have different degrees of antimicrobial activity based on numerous factors. Limitations of the study include studies with low to moderate risks of bias and antimicrobial effects of silver nanoparticles. The study also reveals the possible use of silver nanoparticles as antibacterial irrigants using various methods, including a qualitative evaluation of knowledge and a comprehensive collection and interpretation of scientific studies.     

On-line single droplet deposition for MALDI mass spectrometry

A single droplet generator was coupled with a rotating ball inlet matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometer. Single droplets with 100 picoliter volume were ejected by a piezoelectric-actuated droplet generator and deposited onto a matrix-coated rotating stainless steel ball at atmospheric pressure. The single droplet deposit was transported to the vacuum side of the instrument where ionization was accomplished using a UV pulsed laser. Using this on-line interface, it was possible to obtain protonated molecule signal from as little as 10 fmol analyte.     

Selections for paraconvex-valued mappings on non-paracompact domains

We prove that Michael?s paraconvex-valued selection theorem for paracompact spaces remains true for C^′(E)-valued mappings defined on collectionwise normal spaces. Some possible generalisations are also given.     

Tetra-Aza-Pentacenes by means of a One-Pot Friedländer Synthesis

Tetra-aza-pentacenes are attractive n-type small molecules for optoelectronic device applications, yet their syntheses are often laborious. Disclosed here is a one-pot Friedländer synthesis of 1,7,8,14-tetraazapentacece (tAP) derivatives (linear and/or bent), fully aromatized in situ despite the absence of an exogenous oxidant. The photophysics of linear tAPs resembles that of regular pentacene though their crystal structures differ. A LUMO energy of −3.71 eV for di-tert-butylanisole-substituted linear tAP is similar to that of the well-known acceptor, C₆₀.