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Biomedical subjects

John V Seeley

Publications and source records attributed to John V Seeley.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Analysis of aromatic compounds in gasoline with flow-switching comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography.

A comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC x GC) instrument has been created by coupling a flow-switching modulator and a standard gas chromatograph. The instrument was used to characterize the aromatic composition of gasoline. The high-resolution separation produced by flow-switching GC x GC allowed gasoline aromatics to be fully resolved from saturated components. The aromatic compounds were further separated into groups having the same carbon number. A standard gasoline sample was analyzed to evaluate the quantitative accuracy and precision of this technique. The data show that flow-switching GC x GC produces results that are comparable to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and thermal modulation GC x GC. The simple, low-cost, and robust nature of flow-switching GC x GC makes it an ideal technique for the routine analysis of aromatic compounds in gasoline.

Chromatography, Gas↗

Method for reducing the ambiguity of comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography retention times.

Comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography generates a two-dimensional chromatogram from a one-dimensional signal array. This process can only be done unambiguously when the range of secondary retention times is less than the modulation period. However, complex samples often produce wider ranges of secondary retention times. Peaks with retention times that exceed the modulation period are said to be "wrapped-around". A simple algorithm has been developed that determines absolute retention times when wrap-around occurs. A sample is first analyzed under standard modulation conditions and then re-analyzed with a modulation period that is increased by an integer fraction of the original modulation period. Retention shifts along the secondary axis are used to determine absolute retention times. A theoretical analysis has been performed to optimize the implementation conditions and characterize the technique limitations. The efficacy of this algorithm has been tested through a series of isothermal GC x GC separations. This method has been found to be particularly useful during the initial stages of method development.

Algorithms↗

Flow-switching device for comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography.

A simple flow-switching device has been developed as a differential flow modulator for comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC x GC). The device is assembled from tubing, four tee unions, and a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve is located outside the oven of the gas chromatograph and is not in the sample path. The modulation technique has no inherent temperature restrictions and passes 100% of the primary column effluent to the secondary column(s). Secondary peaks are produced with widths at half maximum less than 100 ms when operating in GC x 2GC mode with a 2.0 s modulation period. The efficacy of this approach is demonstrated through the analysis of a standard mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and diesel fuel.

Chromatography, Gas↗

A systematic analysis of a flow-switching modulator for comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography.

A simple flow-switching device has been designed for use as a comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography modulator. The device is constructed from fused silica tubing, t-unions, and a solenoid valve. A series of experiments were conducted to determine the influence of primary flow, secondary flow, modulation time, and device dimensions on the performance of the modulator. The flow-switching device was found to produce pulses with widths near the theoretical minimum. High-performance was maintained over a wide range of modulation times. The flow-switching device did not introduce extra broadening along the primary retention axis. However, the modulator performance was optimal only over a narrow range of primary to secondary flow ratios. The ideal flow ratio is determined by the dimensions of the tubes that connect the t-unions. A simple flow resistance model has been developed that can predict the dimensions that will produce optimal results for a specified primary to secondary flow ratio. Thus, it is possible to construct a device that operates near the theoretical limit without numerous alterations. Under optimal conditions, the flow switching modulator generates peaks that are narrower than those produced by a diaphragm valve.

Journal Article↗

Volume and surface area study of tobramycin-polymethylmethacrylate beads.

Polymethylmethacrylate bone cement beads impregnated with antibiotic are a common treatment for patients with persistent articular joint infections or osteomyelitis. They also are used as a prophylaxis for infection in patients with large soft tissue wounds. The current study was designed to evaluate the relationship between bead geometry and elution of the antibiotic tobramycin by methodically varying the shape of the beads for a given set of volumes. Beads of five shapes (spherical to ovoid) and two volumes were prepared and studied. Only 0.9% to 3.3% of the total amount of tobramycin present actually eluted from the beads in a 96-hour period and of this amount, approximately 1/3 eluted within the first 4 hours. The elution mass data indicate the benefit of numerous, small and elliptically shaped beads for maximal antibiotic availability. Additionally, a mathematical model is presented that describes these findings and can be used to predict tobramycin delivery rates from bone cement beads. This model assumes that the antibiotic is delivered through two mechanisms: fast dissolution of tobramycin initially adhering to the bead surface and slow release by diffusion through the polymer. The results generate diffusion coefficients for tobramycin in polymethylmethacrylate bone cement on the order of 2 x 10 cm/s.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Theoretical study of incomplete sampling of the first dimension in comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography.

The process of regularly transferring material from the primary column to the secondary column is critical in producing comprehensive two-dimensional separations. A series of calculations have been performed to determine how sampling period, duty cycle, and sampling phase affect (1) the fraction of material transferred from the primary column to the secondary column, (2) the accuracy of primary retention time determination, and (3) the effective peak width along the primary retention axis. The results demonstrate that comprehensive two-dimensional separations can be produced without a substantial loss in quantitative precision and with only a moderate loss in primary column resolution if the sampling period is less than 1.5 times the primary peak standard deviation. The quantitative precision of total peak areas (for duty cycles less than 1.0) and primary retention time determination are rapidly reduced as the sampling period is increased above 1.5 times the primary peak standard deviation.

Chromatography, Liquid↗