Abstract:
Methods for diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancers by detection of endogenous peptides in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) are provided. Diagnostic peptides derived from dermcidin (DCD) are provided. A specific dermcidin-derived peptide E-R11, having the sequence ENAGEDPGLAR, is provided. E-R11 peptide levels in EBC, as measured by mass spectrometry (MS), are highly diagnostic of non-small cell lung cancers. A method for inhibiting growth of lung cancer cells by inhibiting DCD expression by RNA interference also is provided.
Abstract:
A novel system and methods for accelerating analytes including, without limitation, molecular ions, biomolecules, polymers, nano- and microparticles, is provided. The invention can be useful for increasing detection sensitivity in applications such as mass spectrometry, performing collision-induced dissociation molecular structure analysis, and probing surfaces and samples using accelerated analyte.
Abstract:
A method for analyzing a gaseous electronegative species comprises the steps of providing an analysis chamber; providing an electric field of known potential within the analysis chamber; admitting into the analysis chamber a gaseous sample containing the gaseous electronegative species; providing a pulse of free electrons within the electric field so that the pulse of free electrons interacts with the gaseous electronegative species so that a swarm of electrically charged particles is produced within the electric field; and, measuring the mobility of the electrically charged particles within the electric field.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for ultrasound ionization mass spectrometry are provided. Analytes in a sample are ionized by subjecting them to ultrasound, facilitating their analysis by mass spectrometry. With these methods and systems, soft ionization of large analytes, including biological macromolecules and nanoparticles, can be achieved. Ionization efficiency can be improved by addition of chemicals such as, for example, organic solvents or acids to the sample.
Abstract:
A novel system and methods for accelerating analytes including, without limitation, molecular ions, biomolecules, polymers, nano- and microparticles, is provided. The invention can be useful for increasing detection sensitivity in applications such as mass spectrometry, performing collision-induced dissociation molecular structure analysis, and probing surfaces and samples using accelerated analyte.
Abstract:
A mass spectrometer and methods for obtaining the mass spectrum of a single macromolecular or biomolecular ion in a mass spectrometer. The methods include creating single macromolecular or biomolecular primary ions in an ion trap by ionization of a macromolecule or biomolecule; ejecting half of the primary ions for detection with a first charge detector; ejecting half of the primary ions to impact upon a conversion dynode, thereby creating secondary ions for detection with charge amplification detector such as a channeltron or an electromultiplier or an MCP.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses for portable mass spectrometry are disclosed. The apparatuses comprise at least one source of ionized analyte, at least one frequency scanning subsystem, at least one detector, and optionally at least one vacuum pump, and are portable. In some embodiments, the apparatuses comprise multiple sources of ionized analyte and/or are configured to obtain mass spectra of a large analyte, such as analyte with an m/z ratio of at least 105, or analyte with a molecular weight of at least 105 Da, as well as mass spectra of small molecule analyte. In some embodiments, the methods comprise obtaining mass spectra with a portable apparatus described above.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for ultrasound ionization mass spectrometry are provided. Analytes in a sample are ionized by subjecting them to ultrasound, facilitating their analysis by mass spectrometry. With these methods and systems, soft ionization of large analytes, including biological macromolecules and nanoparticles, can be achieved. Ionization efficiency can be improved by addition of chemicals such as, for example, organic solvents or acids to the sample.
Abstract:
A method for producing gas phase molecules includes providing a sample of molecules, the sample being characterized by a charge distribution, and directing acoustic radiation at the sample of molecules to desorb at least some of the molecules from the sample such that the desorbed molecules have a charge distribution that is substantially the same as the charge distribution of the sample of molecules.
Abstract:
A novel system and method for charge-monitoring mass spectrometry is provided. The mass spectrometer can be used to measure the mass of one or more analytes having masses in the range of about a few Daltons to more than about 1015 Daltons. The invention can be used for rapid mass distribution measurements. For example, the system and method can be used to distinguish cancer cells from normal cells when their mass distributions are different.