A modified syringe collects samples of a fluid without removing volatile compounds by forming a vacuum within a sample collection vial. Further, the actor device has a sliding body which is rigidly coupled to the first end plate and which extends to the second end plate. The second rotor core includes a second core base and a plurality of second hook-shaped poles. The porous body precursors comprise a precursor alumina blend capable of enhancing one or more properties of a shaped porous body based thereupon. The gel is also suitable for use in fiber optic connectors wherein at least one of the optical fibers constituting the connection is a nanostructure optical fiber.