Sub-second liquid chromatographic separations by means of shear-driven chromatography.

Utilizing the concept of shear-driven chromatography, we have been able to realize reversed-phase LC separations in flat rectangular nano-channels coated with a C8 monolayer and being as thin as 100 nm. At this scale, the separation kinetics are strongly enhanced, as is witnessed by the extremely short time (< 0.1 s) needed to separate a mixture of coumarin dyes. The observed plate numbers are still relatively small, because the experiments were conducted in ultra-short columns (< or = 1 mm) and under injection band width-limiting conditions.

A diffuse biosemiotic model for cell-to-tissue computational closure.

The adoption of diffuse rationality creates a practical bridge between biosemiotics and computation in formulating local-to-global self-consistent criteria for cellular-to-tissue interfacing and for the emergence of life and consciousness. Nature is always complex, the more so at biological membranic inter-scalar interfaces. We present an evolutionary model of the relationship between autonomy and dependence across scales, and describe the implications of its alternating complex-rational-complex nature.

Single line CCD camera to improve positioning.

This article describes an opto-electronic device that allows on-line visualization of the optical intensity function along a strip. The use of a linear optical charge-coupled device (CCD) array eliminates all moving parts. This makes adaptation to a standard microscope possible without modifications. The setup described here is essential where precise positioning of a reference graticule on diffuse lines must be performed.