Extraction Devices Research Articles

Exploring the potential of resonance islands and bent crystals for a slow extraction from circular hadron accelerators

New developments in accelerator physics have broadened the set of available techniques for manipulating charged-particle beams. Adiabatic trapping and transport of a beam in resonance islands has been studied and successfully implemented at the CERN Proton Synchrotron to perform multiturn extraction. Bent crystals have been successfully installed in the CERN Large Hadron Collider, improving the cleaning performance of the collimation system, and at the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron for reducing losses at the extraction septum in the case of slow extraction. In this Letter, we discuss the potential of the combined use of resonance islands and bent crystals to devise a technique to perform slow extraction in circular hadron accelerators. The proposed approach is promising, particularly for applications with high-intensity beams, as it could dramatically reduce the losses on the extraction devices. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

3D Printed Coated Blade Spray-Mass Spectrometry Devices.

Coated blade spray-mass spectrometry (CBS-MS) has emerged as a powerful tool for the rapid screening of target compounds at trace levels in complex biological matrices. Despite its potential, the broader adoption of CBS-MS technology has been hindered by the lack of commercially available, user-friendly MS interfaces and extraction devices. In this work, we present comprehensive CBS-MS solutions developed using 3D printing, including a versatile MS interface and two extraction devices tailored to different analytical needs: one is compatible with LC vials for large-volume samples, while the other is optimized for single-drop blood analysis. The MS interface features a novel design that separates the immobilization station from the blade holder, significantly simplifying the operational workflow and minimizing the contamination risks and hazards associated with manual blade handling. The first extraction cartridge can process 48 samples simultaneously with an average sample preparation time of less than 20 s, while the second extraction device enables extraction from 8 single-drop blood samples via on-blade extraction. The developed devices were successfully tested for the rapid screening of seven drugs in both urine and single-drop blood samples, demonstrating a promising analytical performance. Additionally, potential contamination issues related to the use of 3D-printed materials as extraction phases were examined, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that 3D-printed materials do not leach contaminants into samples or solvents and contaminate the MS.

Study on canopy extraction method for narrowband spectral images based on superpixel color gradation skewness distribution features

BackgroundCrop phenotype extraction devices based on multiband narrowband spectral images can effectively detect the physiological and biochemical parameters of crops, which plays a positive role in guiding the development of precision agriculture. Although the narrowband spectral image canopy extraction method is a fundamental algorithm for the development of crop phenotype extraction devices, developing a highly real-time and embedded integrated narrowband spectral image canopy extraction method remains challenging owing to the small difference between the narrowband spectral image canopy and background.MethodsThis study identified and validated the skewed distribution of leaf color gradation in narrowband spectral images. By introducing kurtosis and skewness feature parameters, a canopy extraction method based on a superpixel skewed color gradation distribution was proposed for narrowband spectral images. In addition, different types of parameter combinations were input to construct two classifier models, and the contribution of the skewed distribution feature parameters to the proposed canopy extraction method was evaluated to confirm the effectiveness of introducing skewed leaf color skewed distribution features.ResultsLeaf color gradient skewness verification was conducted on 4200 superpixels of different sizes, and 4190 superpixels conformed to the skewness distribution. The intersection over union (IoU) between the soil background and canopy of the expanded leaf color skewed distribution feature parameters was 90.41%, whereas that of the traditional Otsu segmentation algorithm was 77.95%. The canopy extraction method used in this study performed significantly better than the traditional threshold segmentation method, using the same training set, Y1 (without skewed parameters) and Y2 (with skewed parameters) Bayesian classifier models were constructed. After evaluating the segmentation effect of introducing skewed parameters, the average classification accuracies Acc_Y1 of the Y1 model and Acc_Y2 of the Y2 model were 72.02% and 91.76%, respectively, under the same test conditions. This indicates that introducing leaf color gradient skewed parameters can significantly improve the accuracy of Bayesian classifiers for narrowband spectral images of the canopy and soil background.ConclusionsThe introduction of kurtosis and skewness as leaf color skewness feature parameters can expand the expression of leaf color information in narrowband spectral images. The narrowband spectral image canopy extraction method based on superpixel color skewness distribution features can effectively segment the canopy and soil background in narrowband spectral images, thereby providing a new solution for crop canopy phenotype feature extraction.

Analysis of PFAS and further VOC from fluoropolymer-coated cookware by thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used in the production of PTFE based coatings for cookware. In this study, emission of PFAS and further volatile organic compounds (VOC) from kitchenware articles were investigated. First, method development for thermal extraction of baking trays, frying pans and baking mats at 250 °C was done by testing three different extraction devices. A thermal desorption oven showed the best blank and highest recoveries of PFAS analytes (70–101% for 12 perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), 2 fluorotelomer alcohls (FTOHs), 3 per- and polyfluoroether carboxylic acids (PFECAs), 1 polyfluoroether (PFE)). Second, 18 cookware samples, a PTFE micro powder and 2 lab made coating strips have been investigated. No PFAS were detected in 12 samples (limits of detection: 1–13 ng/dm2). PFCAs (C5–C23) were detected in a baking tray in amounts up to 34 ng/dm2. A baking mat contained 3 ng/dm2 PFOA. FTOHs were not detected in the samples. A PFECA (bC7O2) and its hydride (bC6O2H PFE) were detected in one coating intended for use in frying pans. The hydrides of the PFECA mixture, b(C3O1)nC3 PFECA (Krytox 157FSH), were detected in five baking trays. The PFAS target analytes were not detectable in the five investigated frying pans. Analysing further VOC in the emissions of coatings, 175 compounds could be identified, including alkanes, alkenes, aromatic substances, esters, aldehydes, ketones, ethers, alcohols, carboxylic acids, siloxanes and sulphur, nitrogen, as well as chlorine containing compounds (< 10 µg/dm2). The identified substances cannot be connected to the basic coating polymer of the kitchenware articles, which were PTFE and PES. All samples have undergone a threefold thermal extraction. No substances could be detected in the second and third consecutive extraction, which means that a removal and no new formation of the investigated PFAS as well as the further VOC at 250 °C has occurred.

Developments and Applications of Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based In-Tube Solid Phase Microextraction Technique for Efficient Sample Preparation.

Despite advancements in the sensitivity and performance of analytical instruments, sample preparation remains a bottleneck in the analytical process. Currently, solid-phase extraction is more widely used than traditional organic solvent extraction due to its ease of use and lower solvent requirements. Moreover, various microextraction techniques such as micro solid-phase extraction, dispersive micro solid-phase extraction, solid-phase microextraction, stir bar sorptive extraction, liquid-phase microextraction, and magnetic bead extraction have been developed to minimize sample size, reduce solvent usage, and enable automation. Among these, in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME) using capillaries as extraction devices has gained attention as an advanced "green extraction technique" that combines miniaturization, on-line automation, and reduced solvent consumption. Capillary tubes in IT-SPME are categorized into configurations: inner-wall-coated, particle-packed, fiber-packed, and rod monolith, operating either in a draw/eject system or a flow-through system. Additionally, the developments of novel adsorbents such as monoliths, ionic liquids, restricted-access materials, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), graphene, carbon nanotubes, inorganic nanoparticles, and organometallic frameworks have improved extraction efficiency and selectivity. MIPs, in particular, are stable, custom-made polymers with molecular recognition capabilities formed during synthesis, making them exceptional "smart adsorbents" for selective sample preparation. The MIP fabrication process involves three main stages: pre-arrangement for recognition capability, polymerization, and template removal. After forming the template-monomer complex, polymerization creates a polymer network where the template molecules are anchored, and the final step involves removing the template to produce an MIP with cavities complementary to the template molecules. This review is the first paper to focus on advanced MIP-based IT-SPME, which integrates the selectivity of MIPs into efficient IT-SPME, and summarizes its recent developments and applications.

Performance of integrated FB and WEC for offshore floating solar photovoltaic farm considering the effect of hydroelasticity

The offshore floating solar photovoltaic (PV) farm deployed in the open sea could be subjected to large environmental loading due to waves or wakes from travelling ships. To reduce the motion of the solar farm, mitigation methods such as protection of the solar farm via floating breakwater (FB) could be deployed. The FB serves as a buffer between the floating farm and the incoming wave force, and as it attenuates the wave forces, this creates a sheltered zone on the leeward side of the FB. The energy generation from the solar farm could be further enhanced via the integration of attenuator-type wave energy converters (WEC) with the FB. This paper investigates the performance of the hybrid FB – WECs as a coastal protection structure cum wave energy extraction devices. The effect of FB on mitigating the hydroelastic response of the floating solar farm is investigated. Four types of FB, i.e., I-, L-, U- and BOX-shape FBs are considered and their effectiveness in wave attenuation under regular waves arriving from different directions are studied. In addition, due to the long structure length-to-wavelength ratio of the floating solar farm and FB, the hydroelastic response of the structures is taken into consideration.

A new approach for determination of urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine in cancer patients using reinforced solid/liquid phase microextraction combined with HPLC-DAD

AbstractThe concentration level of urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an oxidative stress biomarker for various diseases especially cancer, has been attracted as a pathway suitable for diagnostic purposes. Determination of urinary 8-OHdG is challenging due to its low level within a complex matrix. In this study, a new approach of solid/liquid phase microextraction technique prior to high-performance liquid chromatography diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) analysis was developed for the determination of trace levels of 8-OHdG in urine samples. The solid/liquid phase microextraction device was constructed by reinforcement of multi-walled carbon nanotubes into the pores of a short segment 2.5 cm of hollow fiber microtube with two ends heat sealed. Based on the optimized procedure, the selected analyte was extracted from an acidic sample solution (10 mL adjusted at pH = 5) into the five extraction devices. After the extraction period (30 min), the 8-OHdG was eluted from the extraction device using methanol (350 µL) under ultrasonication for 5 min. The analytical performance of the method in synthetic urine samples showed good linearity (R2 &gt; 0.999) with the limits of detection of 0.85 ng mL−1, and extraction recovery &gt; 92.36%. The developed microextraction technique exhibited a confident sensitivity, feasible operation, and simplicity in comparison with other published methods and was valid to determinate trace 8-OHdG in urine cancer patients' samples by using a cheap and commonly available HPLC-DAD instrument.

Changes in physiological signal entropy in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea: a systematic review

Background and Objective Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) affects an estimated 936 million people worldwide, yet only 15% receive a definitive diagnosis. Diagnosis of OSA poses challenges due to the dynamic nature of physiological signals such as oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate variability (HRV). Linear analysis methods may not fully capture the irregularities present in these signals. The application of entropy of routine physiological signals offers a promising method to better measure variabilities in dynamic biological data. This review aims to explore entropy changes in physiological signals among individuals with OSA.&#xD;Methods Keyword and title searches were performed on Medline, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL databases. Studies had to analyse physiological signals in OSA using entropy. Quality assessment used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Evidence was qualitatively synthesized, considering entropy signals, entropy type, and time-series length.&#xD;Main results Twenty-two studies were included. Multiple physiological signals related to OSA, including SpO2, HRV, and the oxygen desaturation index (ODI), have been investigated using entropy. Results revealed a significant decrease in HRV entropy in those with OSA compared to control groups. Conversely, SpO2 and ODI entropy values were increased in OSA. Despite variations in entropy types, time scales, and data extraction devices, studies using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated a high discriminative accuracy (>80% AUC) in distinguishing OSA patients from control groups. &#xD;Conclusions This review highlights the potential of SpO2 entropy analysis in developing new diagnostic indices for patients with OSA. Further investigation is needed before applying this technique clinically.&#xD;&#xD.

Facile Preconcentration of Cell-Free DNA in Human Plasma by Ion-Specific Poly Ionic Sorbents Featuring an Anion Exchange Mechanism.

The expanding horizon of diagnostic and therapeutic applications involving nucleic acids (NA) requires novel tools for purification, including minimal sample preparation. In this work, thin-film microextraction devices featuring five poly ionic sorbents were examined as anion exchange extraction phases for the rapid purification of NAs. Each sorbent is composed of a nonionic cross-linker and a methacrylate monomer containing a core tetra-alkyl ammonium moiety with an alkyl, anionic, or cationic residue. Extraction devices were produced through the application of the prepolymer sorbent mixture onto a functionalized nitinol metal support followed by photoinduced free-radical polymerization. The miniaturized extraction devices (10 mm × 3.5 mm) were directly immersed into aqueous samples to isolate NAs via electrostatic interactions with the polycation. The ammonium methacrylate (AMA) monomer containing a propyl trimethylammonium group (AMA-C3N(CH3)3) exhibited the highest affinity for DNA, with 80 ± 10% of DNA being isolated. Recovery of DNA from the sorbents required the introduction of ions in an aqueous solution to exchange the anionic biopolymer from the polycationic moiety. An investigation of three anion species revealed that the AMA-C3N(CH3)3 sorbent showed the highest recoveries, with the perchlorate anion producing a preconcentration factor of 4.36 ± 0.86 while requiring only 250 mM NaClO4. A directly compatible quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay was developed to quantify the recovery of spiked DNA with lengths of 830, 204, and 98 base pairs in heat-treated human plasma. The AMA-C3N(CH3)3 sorbent was uninhibited by the complex human plasma matrix and enabled high preconcentration factors for the spiked DNA at a biologically relevant concentration of 10 pg/mL. While Qiagen's circulating cell-free DNA MinElute extraction kit enabled higher preconcentration of all analytes, the methodology described in this work requires fewer steps, less user intervention, and minimal equipment requirements to isolate DNA, making it more amenable for high-throughput and low resource applications.

Utilizing plant-based biogenic volatile organic compounds (bVOCs) to detect aflatoxin in peanut plants, pods, and kernels

Mycotoxins and particularly aflatoxin are a concern for peanut growers, processors, and consumers. Aflatoxins are responsible for approximately 25 % of liver cancer cases worldwide, while also costing millions of dollars in lost revenue on an annual basis. Current detection techniques based on high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) are time, labor and cost intensive. Peanut product can be held multiple days before testing is complete, costing processors additional revenue loss. Over the past few years, The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) has been investigating the use of plant-based biogenic volatile organic compounds (bVOCs) for monitoring the status of peanut plants. Initially, GTRI utilized these bVOCs to monitor for heat/drought stress in peanut plants. They quickly saw very promising indications of the ability of bVOCs to monitor other parameters in these plants. More recently, the team has started to investigate the of use of bVOCs to monitor aflatoxin development in plants, pods, and kernels pre- and post-harvest. A field trial for detection of aflatoxin using bVOCs was conducted in August–September of 2020 where three test groups were prepared: plants treated with Aspergillus fungus; plants treated with Afla-Guard (biocontrol agent); plants not treated – acting as a control group. Plant-based bVOCs were collected from the plants before treatment, and once a week post treatment using Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction (SBSE) devices or Twisters®. Each Twister® was then analyzed via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Pods from tested plants were harvested and sent to GTRI where bVOCs were collected and analyzed using GC/MS. Several statistical analysis and machine learning techniques were applied to all the collected GC/MS data. It was found using only bVOCs, that Random Forest classification performed well for the analysis of the pod and kernel samples with an F1 score of 0.80. On the other hand, Linear Discriminate Analysis (LDA) was only able to correctly classify 50 % of plant-based samples solely on bVOCs alone, which may be due to training models developed using original labels assuming no cross contamination at the field level. These results indicate the potential for bVOC screening for aflatoxin as an important way to lower impacts to growers, shellers, and consumers.

Combining Novel Thrombectomy Devices for Intracardiac Mass Extraction: The Kong and Godzilla of Mass Extraction

Combining Novel Thrombectomy Devices for Intracardiac Mass Extraction: The Kong and Godzilla of Mass Extraction

Janus structured photothermal conversion materials prepared from carbonized corn straw particles for portable air water extraction devices

The utilization of photothermal conversion materials to enhance the desorption performance of hygroscopic salt solutions through interfacial photothermal effects presents a promising approach for the continuous extraction of water from the atmosphere. To improve the desorption efficiency of hygroscopic salt solutions, the objective of this research is to employ agricultural and forestry residues, such as corn straw, in conjunction with polyurethane sponges, for the production of an innovative Janus structure carbonized biomass photothermal conversion material. Compared to single-layer structured photothermal conversion materials, the pure water evaporation rate increased from 2.42 kg m-2 h-1 to 3.20 kg m-2 h-1 when utilizing the Janus structured photothermal conversion material. Remarkably, this material demonstrates outstanding resistance to salt, allowing it to endure 8 h evaporation cycles with 30 wt% NaCl without salt crystallization. Therefore, it is well-suited for the continuous desorption of liquid hygroscopic agents. Moreover, the portable air–water extraction device, which incorporates Janus structural photothermal conversion material to enhance the performance of 30 % LiCl, has been shown to effectively extract water in practical settings. It achieves a water intake rate of 1.74 L m-2 d-1 at 50 % humidity. This approach is distinguished by its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and efficient utilization of solar energy resources, providing a promising solution to mitigate the shortage of fresh water resources.

Evaluation of polypropylene microporous membranes as extraction devices for determination of carcinogenic aromatic amines in smoker urine by GC–MS/MS

Exposure to tobacco smoke is highly correlated to the incidence of different types of cancer due to various carcinogenic compounds present in such smoke. Aromatic amines, such as 1-naphthylamine (1-NA) and 2-naphthylamine (2-NA), are produced in tobacco burning and are linked to bladder cancer. Miniaturized solid phase extraction techniques, such as microporous membrane solid phase extraction (MMSPE), have shown potential for the extraction of aromatic compounds. In this study, a bioanalytical method for the determination of 1-NA and 2-NA in human urine was developed using polypropylene microporous membranes as a sorptive phase for MMSPE. Urine samples were hydrolyzed with HCl for 1 h at 80 °C, after which pH was adjusted to 10. Ultrasound-assisted MMSPE procedure was optimized by factorial design as follows. To each sample, 750 µL of methanol was added, and ultrasound-assisted MMSPE was conducted for 1 h with four devices containing seven 2 mm polypropylene membrane segments. After extraction, the segments were transferred to 400 µL of hexane, and desorption was conducted for 30 min. Extracts were submitted to a simple and fast microwave-assisted derivatization procedure, by the addition of 10 µL of PFPA and heating at 480 W for 3 min, followed by clean-up with phosphate buffer pH 8.0 and GC–MS/MS analysis. Adequate linearity was obtained for both analytes in a range from 25 to 500 µg L−1, while the multiple reaction monitoring approach provided satisfactory selectivity and specificity. Intra-day (n = 6) and inter-day (n = 5) precision and accuracy were satisfactory, below 15 % and between 85 and 115 %, respectively. Recovery rates found were 91.9 and 58.4 % for 1-NA and 2-NA, respectively, with adequate precision. 1-NA was found in first-hand smokers’ urine samples in a concentration range from 20.98 to 89.09 µg in 24 h, while it could be detected in second-hand smoker's urine samples, and 2-NA detected in all first and second-hand smokers’ urine samples. The proposed method expands the applicability of low cost MMSPE devices to aromatic amines and biological fluids.

Formation of complex discrete samples for electrocardiogram isoline drift extraction devices

In the automatic analysis of an electrocardiosignal, in order to adequately assess its amplitude parameters, it is necessary to ensure that there is no isoline drift in the signal. The direct removal of the isoline drift using a high-pass filter leads to distortion of the shape and amplitude parameters of the electrocardiosignal elements. When extracting the isoline drift based on interpolation of samples on the PQ segment, the frequency of the extracted isoline drift signal cannot even theoretically exceed half the heart rate, but in reality it is an order of magnitude less. The purpose is to develop a device for the formation of complex discrete samples of the electrocardiosignal, ensuring the isolation without loss of informative components of the electrocardiosignal of the isoline drift with a frequency range comparable to the heart rate, in conditions of variability of the sampling frequency due to heart rate variability. The possibility of expanding the frequency range of the isoline drift signal isolated from the electrocardiosignal based on the real-time transformation of isoline drift samples taken at the TP interval into complex discrete samples has been substantiated. When forming complex discrete samples, the variability of the sampling period due to heart rate variability is taken into account. A device for forming complex discrete samples of the isoline drift signal has been proposed, allowing extraction of isoline drift with an extended frequency range without loss the informative components of the electrocardiosignal. The developed device can be used both directly as part of mobile electrocardiographs designed to monitor a person's ECG in the conditions of his daily activities, and in equipment for processing daily electrocardiograms before analyzing their parameters.

Investigation of hydrogen permeation through niobium membranes in contact with liquid lithium

In fusion devices, liquid lithium is increasingly employed as a plasma-facing material owing to high heat loads and neutron irradiation, as well as the necessity for impurity control in the plasma. Notably, addressing the retention of hydrogen and its isotopes deuterium and tritium is crucial for effective utilization of liquid lithium. To measure and control the hydrogen and deuterium content in liquid lithium, specialized permeation sensors and permeation extraction devices are essential. Consequently, there is a need for research on the permeation and diffusion of hydrogen in liquid lithium and permeable membranes. This paper introduces a model encompassing hydrogen adsorption, diffusion, and permeation in niobium membranes and liquid lithium. Experimental measurements of hydrogen adsorption in liquid lithium and hydrogen permeation in niobium membranes are presented. The scenarios are simulated using hydrogen transport module developed on COMSOL platform, resulting in a relatively good agreement with the experimental data.

HyperHAR

Human activity recognition (HAR) has emerged as a prominent research field in recent years. Current HAR models are only able to model bilateral correlations between two sensing devices for feature extraction. However, for some activities, exploiting correlations among more than two sensing devices, which we call hyper-correlations in this paper, is essential for extracting discriminatory features. In this work, we propose a novel HyperHAR framework that automatically models both bilateral and hyper-correlations among sensing devices. The HyperHAR consists of three modules. The Intra-sensing Device Feature Extraction Module generates latent representation across the data of each sensing device, based on which the Inter-sensing Device Multi-order Correlations Learning Module simultaneously learns both bilateral correlations and hyper-correlations. Lastly, the Information Aggregation Module generates a representation for an individual sensing device by aggregating the bilateral correlations and hyper-correlations it involves in. It also generates the representation for a pair of sensing devices by aggregating the hyper-correlations between the pair and other different individual sensing devices. We also propose a computationally more efficient HyperHAR-Lite framework, a lightweight variant of the HyperHAR framework, at a small cost of accuracy. Both the HyperHAR and HyperHAR-Lite outperform SOTA models across three commonly used benchmark datasets with significant margins. We validate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed frameworks through an ablation study and quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Trends in Sample Preparation, Part II: Sample Considerations and Techniques

In the October 2023 installment of “Sample Prep Perspectives,” we reported results obtained from a survey on sample preparation techniques, and compared those to results from previous surveys. The results uncovered trends in the field over the last generation and their impact in areas such as which technologies are currently being used, sample types, and sample load. This installment will continue our look at the sample preparation survey, focusing on sample sizes, laboratory techniques used, automation, the use of solid-phase extraction (SPE) devices (cartridges, disks, plates, tips), SPE chemistries and selection criteria, and problems encountered in SPE.

Barometric geolocators can reveal unprecedented details about the migratory ecology of small birds

Abstract Knowing the location of migratory birds throughout their annual cycle is fundamental for many questions in ornithology. Technological advances have provided several approaches, with increasing miniaturization allowing deployment on smaller and smaller birds. Here, we examine the strengths and limitations of barometric pressure geolocators (pressure tags), which have recently been shown to be extremely effective in tracking small birds (&amp;lt;25 g). The newly developed geolocation by pressure workflow (GeoPressureR) uses a global weather analysis dataset and hidden Markov movement model to reveal locations more accurately or continuously than can be achieved by other available light-weight devices (e.g., light-level geolocators, automated radio telemetry, and archival GPS tags). Additionally, pressure data can provide altitude information and document generally intractable flight behavior, as well as exact migratory phenologies. This new technology can be applied to important unresolved problems such as altitudinal migration, stopover site use, molt migration, vertical airspace use, and drivers of migratory flight initiation, duration, and direction. We provide an example of a pressure tag on a Swainson’s Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) deployed on its breeding territory in Virginia, USA, revealing the complete story of its migration to and from Cuba, including its refined wintering site, stopover sites, and migration routes, all with precise timing. Studies relying on pressure tags are still subject to biases related to recovery of the devices for data extraction, and application to birds that exhibit extensive aerial movements (e.g., swallows and swifts) remains challenging. Widespread deployment of pressure tags could show unprecedented details of bird migration and other aspects of aerial behavior, which could benefit conservation and greatly enrich our understanding of avian movement ecology.

4D-Printed Elution-Peak-Guided Dual-Responsive Monolithic Packing for the Solid-Phase Extraction of Metal Ions.

Four-dimensional printing (4DP) technologies are revolutionizing the fabrication of stimuli-responsive devices. To advance the analytical performance of conventional solid-phase extraction (SPE) devices using 4DP technology, in this study, we employed N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM)-incorporated photocurable resins and digital light processing three-dimensional printing to fabricate an SPE column with a [H+]/temperature dual-responsive monolithic packing stacked as interlacing cuboids to extract Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb ions. When these metal ions were eluted using 0.5% HNO3 solution as the eluent at a temperature below the lower critical solution temperature of polyNIPAM, the monolithic packing swelled owing to its hydrophilic/hydrophobic transition and electrostatic repulsion among the protonated units of polyNIPAM. These effects resulted in smaller interstitial volumes among these interlacing cuboids and improvements in the elution peak profiles of the metal ions, which, in turn, demonstrated the reduced method detection limits (MDLs; range, 0.2-7.2 ng L-1) during analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We studied the effects of optimizing the elution peak profiles of the metal ions on the analytical performance of this method and validated its reliability and applicability by analyzing the metal ions in reference materials (CASS-4, SLRS-5, 1643f, and Seronorm Trace Elements Urine L-2) and performing spike analyses of seawater, groundwater, river water, and human urine samples. Our results suggest that this 4D-printed elution-peak-guided dual-responsive monolithic packing enables lower MDLs when packed in an SPE column to facilitate the analyses of the metal ions in complex real samples.

Bioinspired composite packed in blunt needles, integrated microextraction and determination of oxycodone and naloxone in saliva by substrate spray mass spectrometry

BackgroundOpioids are effective painkillers used for medical purposes. Their prolonged ingestion can provoke some side effects (including overdose or constipation) that are minimized by using opioid antagonists (e.g., naloxone). The rapid determination of opioids and their antagonists in biosamples is essential for an effective medical treatment. The direct combination of sample preparation and mass spectrometry (MS) fits well in this scenario. It can speed up the analysis achieving a good selectivity, which relies on the sample preparation and MS, and sensitivity levels. ResultsThis article presents a novel substrate-spray mass spectrometry interface based on a polydopamine-cotton (PDA-Cel) composite hosted inside the inner diameter of a 14-gauge blunt needle to determine oxycodone and naloxone in saliva samples. The needle is used as a microextraction device and a substrate for mass spectrometric analysis. The lack of sharpness of the 14-gauge (14G) blunt needles challenges the formation of the electrospray (ESI), and a commercial 10 μL pipette tip is proposed as a simple solution to this shortcoming. Under the optimum parameters, the proposed method was validated, obtaining limits of detection lower than 0.6 μg L−1, linear range up to 200 μg L−1, and linearity better than 0.9915. Relative standard deviation (RSD) and relative recoveries (RR) were studied at three different concentration levels (2, 40, and 200 μg L−1). RSD values were better than 20.7 %, and RR ranged from 90 to 114 %. Finally, a positive sample from a patient under medical treatment was analyzed. Significance and novelty14G blunt needles have been demonstrated as effective extraction devices due to their low price (<0.15 € per extraction unit), their better safety (avoiding finger pricking), and their higher hosting capacity (up to 8 mg of sorbent). The conductivity of stainless steel permits their use as electrospray emitters, making their direct combination to MS easier. The large variety of fibrous sorbents makes this approach versatile enough to be adapted to other analytical problems.