Abstract: Releasable tag reagents for use in the detection and analysis of target molecules, particular in mass spectrometric analyzes are provided. Also provided are methods of detection that employ releasable tag reagents.

Abstract: Releasable tag reagents for use in the detection and analysis of target molecules, particular in mass spectrometric analyses are provided. Also provided are methods of detection that employ releasable tag reagents.

Abstract: Releasable tag reagents for use in the detection and analysis of target molecules, particular in mass spectrometric analyses are provided. Also provided are methods of detection that employ releasable tag reagents.

Abstract: Relative quantitative information about components of chemical or biological samples can be obtained from mass spectra by normalizing the spectra to yield peak intensity values that accurately reflect concentrations of the responsible species. A normalization factor is computed from peak intensities of those inherent components whose concentration remains constant across a series of samples. Relative concentrations of a component occurring in different samples can be estimated from the normalized peak intensities. Unlike conventional methods, internal standards or additional reagents are not required. The methods are particularly useful for differential phenotyping in proteomics and metabolomics research, in which molecules varying in concentration across samples are identified. These identified species may serve as biological markers for disease or response to therapy.

Abstract: Relative quantitative information about components of chemical or biological samples can be obtained from mass spectra by normalizing the spectra to yield peak intensity values that accurately reflect concentrations of the responsible species. A normalization factor is computed from peak intensities of those inherent components whose concentration remains constant across a series of samples. Relative concentrations of a component occurring in different samples can be estimated from the normalized peak intensities. Unlike conventional methods, internal standards or additional reagents are not required. The methods are particularly useful for differential phenotyping in proteomics and metabolomics research, in which molecules varying in concentration across samples are identified. These identified species may serve as biological markers for disease or response to therapy.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the fields of genetic mapping and genetic identity detection, including forensic identification and paternity testing. This invention is more specifically directed to the use of mass spectrometry to detect length variation in DNA nucleotide sequence repeats (including variants of common alleles), such as microsatellites and short tandem repeats, and to DNA sequences provided as primers for the analysis of DNA tandem nucleotide repeat polymorphisms at specific loci on specific chromosomes.

Abstract: Releasable tag reagents for use in the detection and analysis of target molecules, particular in mass spectrometric analyses are provided. Also provided are methods of detection that employ releasable tag reagents.

Abstract: Using nonvolatile, releasable, mass-labels, the present invention provides for the synthesis and use of mass-labeled compounds to specifically interact with biomolecular targets. Following binding of the mass-labeled compounds to the target molecule, the unique mass-label can be analyzed using mass spectrometry to identify and characterize the target molecule. In one embodiment of the invention, a mass-labeled oligonucleotide probe is used to identify a specific gene sequence. A myriad of mass-labeled compounds may be produced for use in a wide variety of interactions such as oligonucleotide-oligonucleotide hybridization, polynucleotide-polynucleotide interactions, enzyme-substrate or substrate analog/intermediate interactions, polypeptide-nucleic acid interactions, protein-ligand interactions, receptor-ligand interactions, polypeptide-metal interactions, nucleic acid-metal interactions or antigen-antibody interactions.

Abstract: Methods for screening nucleic acids for mutations by analyzing nonrandomly fragmented nucleic acids using mass spectrometric techniques and to procedures for improving mass resolution and mass accuracy of these methods of detecting mutations. Kits for performing the methods are provided.

Abstract: Relative quantitative information about components of chemical or biological samples can be obtained from mass spectra by normalizing the spectra to yield peak intensity values that accurately reflect concentrations of the responsible species. A normalization factor is computed from peak intensities of those inherent components whose concentration remains constant across a series of samples. Relative concentrations of a component occurring in different samples can be estimated from the normalized peak intensities. Unlike conventional methods, internal standards or additional reagents are not required. The methods are particularly useful for differential phenotyping in proteomics and metabolomics research, in which molecules varying in concentration across samples are identified. These identified species may serve as biological markers for disease or response to therapy.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for screening nucleic acids for polymorphisms by analyzing amplified target nucleic acids using mass spectrometric techniques and to procedures for improving mass resolution and mass accuracy of these methods of detecting polymorphisms.

Abstract: Releasable tag reagents for use in the detection and analysis of target molecules, particular in mass spectrometric analyses are provided. Also provided are methods of detection that employ releasable tag reagents.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for screening nucleic acids for mutations by analyzing nonrandomly fragmented nucleic acids using mass spectrometric techniques and to procedures for improving mass resolution and mass accuracy of these methods of detecting mutations.

Abstract: A sample preparation method is disclosed for volatilization and mass spectrometric analysis of nonvolatile high molecular weight molecules. Photoabsorbing molecules having significant sublimation rates at room temperature under vacuum, and preferably containing hydroxy functionalities, are disclosed for use as matrices in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. The samples are typically cooled in the mass spectrometer to temperatures significantly below room temperature.

Abstract: A sample preparation method is disclosed for volatilization and mass spectrometric analysis of nonvolatile high molecular weight molecules. Photoabsorbing molecules having significant sublimation rates at room temperature under vacuum, and preferably containing hydroxy functionalities, are disclosed for use as matrices in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. The samples are typically cooled in the mass spectrometer to temperatures significantly below room temperature.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the fields of genetic mapping and genetic identity detection, including forensic identification and paternity testing. This invention is more specifically directed to the use of mass spectrometry to detect length variation in DNA nucleotide sequence repeats (including variants of common alleles), such as microsatellites and short tandem repeats, and to DNA sequences provided as primers for the analysis of DNA tandem nucleotide repeat polymorphisms at specific loci on specific chromosomes.

Abstract: The invention provides a mass spectrometer having improved mass resolution, accuracy, sensitivity, reduced complexity, lower cost, and greater ease of use. The mass spectrometer provided comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, in a nested configuration to create a two-stage acceleration region that accelerates ions across a minimized acceleration region, resulting in decreased metastable decay and improved mass accuracy and resolution. The mass spectrometer also comprises a n alignment system to align the ion optics with the laser beam used for desorption/ionization. The mass spectrometer further comprises electrical circuits for delivering high voltage pulses for pulsed delayed ion extraction.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the processing and preparation of a sample of one or more nonvolatile or thermally labile molecules for mass spectral analysis which comprises providing a solution of such molecules dissolved in a solvent, freezing the solution of dissolved molecules to form a frozen solution, and exposing the frozen solution to a source of energy to desorb the molecules to be analyzed from the surface of the frozen solution. The desorbed molecules may be photoionized after desorption, if necessary, and then conventionally analyzed in a mass spectrometer. The method mitigates or minimizes possible fragmentation or clustering of such large molecules during desorption from the frozen sample as well as providing a more reliable and uniform desorption. If desired the desorbed molecules may be subjected to a separate and controlled fragmentation step prior to entering the final mass spectral anslysis zone. The method may be interfaced with liquid chromatography equipment.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mass spectral analysis of unknown species of matter present on a surface even in extremely low concentrations. A probe beam such as an ion beam, electron beam or laser is directed to the surface under examination to remove a sample of material. An untuned, high-intensity laser is directed to a spatial region proximate to the surface. The laser has sufficient intensity to induce a high degree of nonresonant, and hence non-selective, photoionization of the sample of material within the laser beam. The non-selectively ionized sample is then subjected to mass spectral analysis to determine the nature of the unknown species.