Abstract: The present invention provides a network architecture. An embodiment includes a plurality of nodes interconnected by links. Each node can maintain knowledge of other nodes in a database. The database contains a list of other nodes in the network, and a ‘next-best-step’ for each of those other nodes, pointing to a neighbouring node that is the next best step to that other node. Where a particular node of the network is not in the list, then the next-best-step is assumed to be the next-best-step most commonly identified in the database. Such a network will form a “core” wherein any node in the network can find any other node in the network by first seeking out that other node at the core. Once the nodes locate each other via the core, a more optimum route forms in the network according to the most desirable path between those nodes.

Abstract: Methods for the detection and measurement of tagged (labeled) biologically active materials in a sample are described. The tagged biologically active materials are detected using an atomic mass or optical spectrometer having a source of atoms or atomic ions. Element-labeled biologically active materials, comprising antibodies, antibody Fab? fragments, antigens, aptamers, protein complexes, growth factors, hormones, receptors and other biologically active materials attached to a stable elemental tag, can be used in specific binding assays and measured by elemental spectroscopic detection. Also described are methods for the determination of metals in samples of interest using specific antibodies to isolate the target metals and elemental spectroscopy for detection and quantitation. Kits are provided comprising reagents to detect and measure labeled biologically active materials or labeled competition analytes.

Abstract: A method for introducing samples through a boundary member partially defining a chamber at an entrance point coaxial to a sampling inlet of a mass spectrometer is described. Field-free conditions can be established in at least one region of the chamber. The sample can be introduced adjacent to the sampling inlet, and introducing at least a second sample can be introduced through at least one other entrance point in the chamber not adjacent to the sampling inlet. An apparatus having a sampling inlet and a boundary member partially defining a chamber is also described. Field-free conditions can be established in at least one region of the chamber, and there can be a first aperture in the boundary member through which a source emits sample. Related devices, uses and mass spectrometers are also described.

Abstract: Methods, systems and kits for the simultaneous or sequential analysis of one or more hormones by mass spectrometry are disclosed. The methods require minimal sample size and minimal preparation time. The methods include ionizing the hormones and analyzing the hormones by mass spectrometry. In addition, methods, systems and kits for the simultaneous or sequential analysis of thyroid hormones are disclosed including ionization of the thyroid hormones in the negative mode using an electrospray source.

Abstract: A method of ameliorating the symptoms of sepsis comprising directly exposing epithelial cells of a mammal in need thereof to soluble CD14, or active variants thereof. A method of obtaining CD14 from a stock solution containing protein of a mammary secretion is described. A method of directly activating B cells using a soluble polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of leu-leu-leu-leu-leu-leu-pro-ser, leu-leu-leu-leu-leu-leu-pro-leu; and leu-leu-leu-leu-leu-leu-val-his, and which is specifically recognized by the monoclonal antibody 3C10 and which activates B cells is described. Bovine CD14 genomic DNA is described.

Abstract: The applicants' teachings provide methods, systems, and apparatus useful in operating mass spectrometers and other devices incorporating multipole rod sets or other multi-electrode devices to simultaneously contain ions of both positive and negative charges through the simultaneous application to the rods or other electrodes of both radio-frequency (RF) and alternating (AC) currents.

Abstract: Improved systems, apparatus, methods, and programming useful for the automated analysis of complex compounds using mass spectrometers. Systems, apparatus, methods, and programming according to the invention provide for the automatic determination by a controller 54 of a mass spectrometer 14, 214 of an analysis operation to be implemented using the mass spectrometer, the analysis operation adapted specifically for analysis of one or more substances based contained within a compound based on identification of the compound and/or substances provided by a user of the spectrometer, and a database 66 or other library of information concerning suitable processes or process steps for analyzing substances.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products useful in controlling the fragmentation of ions. Control of fragmentation is achieved by varying the collision energy imparted to precursor ions.

Abstract: The present invention describes compounds produced from an amino acid molecule and a fatty acid molecule. The compounds being in the form of amino-fatty acid compounds being bound by an anhydride linkage, or mixtures thereof made by reacting amino acids or derivatives thereof with an appropriate fatty acid previously reacted with a thionyl halide. The administration of such molecules provides supplemental amino acids with enhanced bioavailability and the additional benefits conferred by the specific fatty acid.

Abstract: The present invention describes compounds produced from a creatine molecule and a fatty acid molecule. The compounds being in the form of creatine-fatty compounds bound by an amide linkage, or mixtures thereof produced by reacting creatine or derivatives thereof with an appropriate fatty acid in the presence of dichloromethane and a pyridine catalyst, previously reacted with a thionyl halide. The administration of such molecules provides supplemental creatine with enhanced bioavailability and the additional benefits conferred by the specific fatty acid.

Abstract: The present invention describes compounds produced from a creatine molecule and a fatty acid molecule. The compounds being in the form of creatine-fatty acid compounds being bound by an anhydride linkage, or mixtures thereof made by reacting creatine or derivatives thereof with an appropriate fatty acid previously reacted with a thionyl halide. The administration of such molecules provides supplemental creatine with enhanced bioavailability and the additional benefits conferred by the specific fatty acid.

Abstract: The present invention describes compounds produced from a Creatinol molecule and a fatty acid molecule. The compounds being in the form of Creatinol-fatty compounds bound by an ester linkage, or mixtures thereof produced by reacting Creatinol or derivatives of Creatinol with an appropriate fatty acid in the presence of dichloromethane and an acid catalyst. The administration of such molecules provides supplemental Creatinol with enhanced bioavailability and having additional benefits conferred by the specific fatty acid.

Abstract: Methods, systems and kits for the simultaneous or sequential analysis of a multitude of steroid hormones by mass spectrometry are disclosed. The methods require minimal sample size and minimal preparation time. The methods include ionizing the hormones and analyzing the hormones by mass spectrometry. In addition, methods, systems and kits for the simultaneous or sequential analysis of steroid hormones are disclosed including ionization of the steroid hormones by photoionization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of production and the use of a compositional ingredient. Specifically, the present invention relates to hydrosoluble stable organic salts of creatine and pyroglutamic acid. The compositional ingredient may be useful for the regulation of athletic and cognitive functions.

Abstract: An ion guide 24 for a mass spectrometer 30 including means for ejecting ions of different mass-to-charge ratios from the ion guide towards a detector or other object or device. The ejecting means causes the ions to be ejected in a desired sequence. The ions travel at different rates according to their mass-to-charge ratios, so that they arrive at a desired point in space in a desired sequence, for example in a detector 56 of a mass spectrometer at substantially the same time.

Abstract: A method for improving sleep in an individual comprising the administration of a composition comprising melatonin, lavender flower extract and Ferula extract is provided. The composition may be in a layered solid dosage form to provide controlled and sustained release of specific ingredients.

Abstract: The use of a collagenase containing formulation for degrading collagen within an occlusive atherosclerotic plaque in a chronic fibrotic occlusion, chronically occluded animal tube or cavity. A medical-related apparatus is provided comprising a medical-related device having provided thereto a therapeutic amount of a collagen degrading composition comprising a proteiolytic enzyme containing formulation. A method is provided for treating chronically occluded animal tubes and cavities by administering a therapeutic effective amount of a proteolytic enzyme-containing formulation adjacent to an occluding atherosclerotic plaque, waiting for a pre-angioplasty waiting period, followed by crossing the plaque with an angioplasty guide wire.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer programming for collecting data using a mass spectrometer comprising a particle detector or other mass analyzer. A data collection such as a tree or array structure which includes data records for storing detected data is maintained in volatile or persistent memory. Data is received from the mass analyzer. Whether the collection contains data records corresponding to newly-acquired data signals is determined. If the collection does not contain records corresponding to the newly-received records, a new record is added. In either case, the record corresponding to the received data record is updated to reflect reception of the newly-acquired signal.

Abstract: A method for promoting restful, quality sleep in an individual comprising the administration of a composition comprising Hops extract, Eclipta alba extract powder, and Nardostachys jatamansi extract.

Abstract: A fractional-N frequency synthesizer is described that includes a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), a programmable integer divider, and a glitch-free phase rotator. The phase select inputs of the phase rotator are controlled by a delta-sigma modulator to provide fine frequency resolution in addition to randomization and noise shaping of fractional quantization noise. The delta-sigma modulator is clocked at rates higher than the synthesizer reference clock resulting in an improvement in clock jitter at the output of the frequency synthesizer. A glitch-free phase multiplexer design is used to implement the phase rotator fractional divider to enables operation at rates higher than the reference clock. The over-sampling ratio of the delta-sigma modulator over the reference clock frequency of the PLL translates directly into an improvement in the quality of the output clock with respect to fractional quantization noise, phase mismatch, and digital noise injection.