Abstract: Processes for identifying optimal mass spectrometer settings to produce the greatest confidence in sample constituent detection are provided. Data obtained on a mass spectrometer are analyzed by a quadratic variance function which accurately represents intensity variation as a variation of peak intensity. This function is then used to identify intensities that possess a minimum coefficient of variation that is useful for identifying optimal mass spectrometer settings. Inventive processes involve using a general purpose computer to identify optimal mass spectrometer settings for use in biomarker analyses, for optimizing peak detection and biomarker identification in a biological sample. The inventive processes provide for improved methods of identifying new biomarkers as well as screening subjects for the presence or absence of disease or biological condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides AGT inactivating compounds, for example, substituted O6-benzyl-8-aza-guanines of the formula wherein R, for example, is pivaloyloxymethyl as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds along with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention further provides a method of enhancing the chemotherapeutic treatment of tumor cells in a mammal with an antineoplastic alkylating agent which causes cytotoxic lesions at the O6-position of guanine, by administering to a mammal an effective amount of one of the aforesaid compounds, and administering to the mammal an effective amount of an antineoplastic alkylating agent which causes cytotoxic lesions at the O6-position of guanine.