Pulsed ion deflection to overcome detector saturation in cryogenic ice sampling.

In 2014, we introduced a new experimental approach to study the UV photo-processing of cryogenic ices of astrophysical interest using laser ablation in a combination of ionization and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ToF-MS). The setup, Mass Analytical Tool to Research Interstellar ICES, allowed us to detect newly formed species at low abundances. However, we found that with the increase in molecular complexity over the years, the detection of larger photoproducts was hindered by the dynamic range of detectors used.

Group-based cognitive behavioral therapy program for improving poor sleep quality and quality of life in people with epilepsy: A pilot study.

Sleep difficulties are commonly reported by patients with epilepsy and can have a detrimental impact on overall quality of life. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the efficacy of a psychotherapeutic approach, namely Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), in improving sleep quality in patients with epilepsy. Twenty outpatients with epilepsy who reported poor sleep quality were randomized to either a control or CBT-I treatment group, which involved four group-based CBT-I sessions, delivered on a weekly basis.

LABORATORY PHOTO-CHEMISTRY OF PAHS: IONIZATION VERSUS FRAGMENTATION.

Interstellar Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) are expected to be strongly processed by Vacuum Ultra-Violet (VUV) photons. Here, we report experimental studies on the ionization and fragmentation of coronene (CH), ovalene (CH) and hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (HBC; CH) cations by exposure to synchrotron radiation in the range of 8-40 eV. The results show that for small PAH cations such as coronene, fragmentation (H-loss) is more important than ionization.

Methane ice photochemistry and kinetic study using laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry at 20 K.

The ice photochemistry of pure methane (CH4) is studied at 20 K upon VUV irradiation from a microwave discharge H2 flow lamp. Laser Desorption Post-Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LDPI TOF-MS) is used for the first time to determine branching ratios of primary reactions leading to CH3, CH2, and CH radicals, typically for fluences as expected in space. This study is based on a stable end-products analysis and the mass spectra are interpreted using an appropriate set of coupled reactions and rate constants.

Laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry of ultraviolet photo-processed ices.

A new ultra-high vacuum experiment is described that allows studying photo-induced chemical processes in interstellar ice analogues. MATRI(2)CES - a Mass Analytical Tool to study Reactions in Interstellar ICES applies a new concept by combining laser desorption and time-of-flight mass spectrometry with the ultimate goal to characterize in situ and in real time the solid state evolution of organic compounds upon UV photolysis for astronomically relevant ice mixtures and temperatures. The performance of the experimental setup is demonstrated by the kinetic analysis of the different photoproducts of pure methane (CH4) ice at 20 K.