Definitions and methods for the quantification of degree of modification and cross-linking in cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels are outlined. A novel method is presented in which the HA hydrogel is degraded by the enzyme chondroitinase AC and the digest product analyzed by size exclusion chromatography combined with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (SEC-ESI-MS). This method allows for the determination of effective cross-linker ratio (CrR) which together with the degree of modification (MoD), determined by, e.g. (1)H NMR spectroscopy, enables the calculation of the degree of substitution (DS) and degree of cross-linking (CrD). The method, could be applicable to the major cross-linked HA hydrogels currently on the market, and is exemplified here by application to two HA hydrogels. The definitions and methods presented are important contributions in attempts to find relationships between MoD, DS and CrD to mechanical properties as well as to biocompatibility of HA hydrogels.

The purpose of this study was to examine the connection between goodwill intensity and stock market risk and how the transition to the IFRS has effected this connection. In the end of 2010 several financial analysts expressed their concerns about the increasing goodwill intensity in listed Swedish corporations. However, in this study examining the connection between goodwill intensity and stock market risk, we found no basis for these concerns. The study also showed that the transition to the IFRS have not increased the connection between goodwill intensity and stock market risk which was the theoretical perception. On the contrary, we found a weakened connection between the two variables. It is however also to be highlighted that even though there is no apparent connection on an aggregated level between goodwill intensity and stock market risk, an individual companies could still be subject to an increased risk due to a high level of goodwill intensity.

According to tradition transcribed music is an important part of the repertoar for the classical guitar. Baroque music as well as compositions from the Spanish national romantic era are the two most important sources for transcriptions. My research is aimed at finding answers concerning the relevance of transcribing as well as playing different styles of music on the guitar. Are there any basic rules how these transcriptions should be made? I have chosen to take a closer look at the music of J S Bach as a representative of the baroque period because of the great legacy of his music being played on guitar and lute. How to translate the lute music for guitar is the next step. Then follows a chapter about Fransisco Tarrega who sets the standard for modern transcribing for the guitar and about his heir Andres Segovia. The information is supplemented by an interview of two persons with great experience and knowledge within this subject. I have analyzed and studied transcriptions using a lot of extracts from music scores to be able to illustrate the results in an easy accessible manner. I have also found hints in how to transcribe for the classical guitar looking at culture and rules of interpretation.

An efficient technique for enzymatic digestion of proteins in nanovial arrays and identification by peptide mass fingerprinting using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI-MS) is presented in this work. Through dispensing of a protein solution with simultaneous evaporation the protein (substrate) is concentrated up to 300 times in-vial. At higher substrate concentrations the catalytic turnover numbers increase according to the Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Therefore, the dispenser-aided nanodigestion is valuable for identification of low-level proteins (10 nM-500 nm) as well as for automatic high efficiency digestions performed in 0.2-10 min. As an example of low-level protein identification, a 10 nm solution of lysozyme C was unambiguously identified after 5 min of nanodigestion. Moreover, only 30 s nanodigestion was sufficient to identify hemoglobin (10 pm), exemplifying the fast catalysis of the nanodigestion technique. The developed silicon flow-through piezoelectric dispenser is adapted for low-volume and preconcentrated samples in the nL-muL range and provides fast, accurate and contact-free sample positioning into the nanovials. In this work, the properties of the nanodigestion concept regarding proteins of different characteristics are explored. Furthermore, the potential of automated protein identification using precoated proteolytic nanovial-arrays is demonstrated.

A technique for protein identification through enzymatic digestion in nanovial (nL) arrays and analysis with MALDI-TOF MS is presented. Through micro-dispensing of low-level protein solutions (10 nM—500 nM) and simultaneous evaporation the protein is concentrated up to 300 times in-vial, which increases Michaelis-Menten kinetics, resulting in identification after 0.2–10min digestions.

A generic micro chemical and fluidic platform interfacing matrix-assisted Laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) that facilitates protein analysis is presented. The microsystem comprises a flow-through piezo dispenser, nanovial MALDI-targets and if needed enzyme (protease) activated porous silicon microreactors (mu -chip IMER) for on-line digestions of proteins. This microsystem can be used to perform enrichment of low abundant, >1 nM, peptides and proteins from 2-DE, mu -LC or to perform protein identification through peptide mass mapping. Applications of the system for automated protein identification, sample enrichment and coupling to mu -LC is demonstrated.

A flexible protein identification platform built around a micromachined piezoelectric flow-through dispenser has allowed us to address challenging analytical problems, i.e. handling of ever decreasing sample volumes and analyte concentrations encountered in biological samples. Adopting pre-made target plates sprayed with a thin and homogenous matrix/nitrocellulose layer by using an air-brush, simplified coupling and automation of capillary liquid chromatography to MALDI. Extremely high sensitivities were obtained; peptides were detected at the 100 attomole level. Here we report a protein identification in a biological sample originating from a human fetal fibroblast cell line which was subjected to 2D gel-electrophoresis. Furthermore, novel surface confining nanovials were utilized resulting in increased analyte density, rendering a signal amplification. In general, the sensitivity for proteins and peptides can be enhanced 10–50 times compared to traditional MALDI sample preparation techniques. We also illustrate the MS-signal amplification of 1L-8, a key cytokine in inflammatory responses, from a cell sample.

The presented "spot-on-a-chip" technology enables easy enrichment of samples in the low nanomolar (1-5 nM) range and provides a fast and reliable automated sample preparation method for performing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis with high sensitivity and throughput. Through microdispensing, which allows accurate deposition of 60-pL droplets, dilute samples were enriched by making multiple droplet depositions in nanovials. The sample was confined to a defined spot area (300 x 300 mum), and multiple depositions increase the surface density of analyte in the nanovial, thereby providing detection of low attomole levels. The impact of the nanovial geometry with respect to the MALDI-TOF MS resolution for peptides deposited in the microfabricated silicon vials was investigated and the optimal geometry and size were determined. The spot-on-a-chip technology, that is, the combination of microdispensing, micromachined silicon nanovials and on-spot enrichment provides a signal amplification of at least 10-50 times as compared to an ordinary sample preparation. The linearity of the enrichment effect is shown by the analysis of a peptide mixture at the 5 nM level. The signal amplification provided by the spot-on-a-chip enrichment is demonstrated by the analysis of relevant biological samples, interleukin-8 from a spiked cell supernatant, and by successful protein identification of an excised spot from a high-sensitivity silver-stained two-dimensional electrophoresis gel separation.