Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for large-scale, high-throughput identification of protein-protein interactions and the topologies thereof under physiologically relevant conditions. In one aspect, the disclosure provides methods for identifying one or a plurality of interacting peptides within a biological system comprising obtaining a population of proteins cross-linked with a cleavable protein interaction reporter (PIR) cross-linker, cleaving the PIR crosslinker to produce released peptides and cleaved reporter ions, and analyzing the population of released peptides to identify interacting peptides. Also disclosed are methods for identifying candidate drug compounds, as well as methods of data processing and visualization of protein-protein interactions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for large-scale, high-throughput identification of protein-protein interactions and the topologies thereof under physiologically relevant conditions. In one aspect, the disclosure provides methods for identifying one or a plurality of interacting peptides within a biological system comprising obtaining a population of proteins cross-linked with a cleavable protein interaction reporter (PIR) cross-linker, cleaving the PIR crosslinker to produce released peptides and cleaved reporter ions, and analyzing the population of released peptides to identify interacting peptides. Also disclosed are methods for identifying candidate drug compounds, as well as methods of data processing and visualization of protein-protein interactions.

Abstract: Disclosed are ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) cells and other ion-trapping cells with plural groups of multiple trapping electrodes for shaping (e.g., flattening) the radial electric field within the ICR cell. Also disclosed are methods for controlling the electric field to diminish effects of de-phasing. The diminished effects are achieved by decreasing space-charge contributions by increasing the length of the ion-oscillation path along the z-axis of the ICR cell. The methods and devices enhance the time-domain signal of a Fourier-transform ion-cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FTICR-MS) and provide enhanced resolution and accuracy of mass measurements.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide novel protein interaction reporter (PIR) compounds (e.g., formulas I and II), comprising at least two protein reactive moieties (e.g., N-hydroxysuccinamide), each linked to a reporter moiety (e.g., mass reporter) by a covalent labile bond that is differentially cleavable with respect to peptide bonds (e.g., by a method such as collisional activation in a mass spectrometer, activation by electron capture dissociation (ECD), photoactivation, etc.), wherein the reporter moiety is operatively releasable from the PIR agent upon cleavage of the labile bonds, the released reporter moiety having a characteristic identifying property or label (e.g., m/z value). Particular PIRs comprise a mass reporter moiety, and further comprise an affinity group, (e.g., biotin), linked to the PIR (e.g., to the mass reporter moiety) by a selectively cleavable bone (e.g. photo-labile bond)).

Abstract: Disclosed are ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) cells and other ion-trapping cells with plural groups of multiple trapping electrodes for shaping (e.g., flattening) the radial electric field within the ICR cell. Also disclosed are methods for controlling the electric field to diminish effects of de-phasing. The diminished effects are achieved by decreasing space-charge contributions by increasing the length of the ion-oscillation path along the z-axis of the ICR cell. The methods and devices enhance the time-domain signal of a Fourier-transform ion-cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FTICR-MS) and provide enhanced resolution and accuracy of mass measurements.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide novel protein interaction reporter (PIR) compounds (e.g., formulas I and II), comprising at least two protein reactive moieties (e.g., N-hydroxysuccinamide), each linked to a reporter moiety (e.g., mass reporter) by a covalent labile bond that is differentially cleavable with respect to peptide bonds (e.g., by a method such as collisional activation in a mass spectrometer, activation by electron capture dissociation (ECD), photoactivation, etc.), wherein the reporter moiety is operatively releasable from the PIR agent upon cleavage of the labile bonds, the released reporter moiety having a characteristic identifying property or label (e.g., m/z value). Particular PIRs comprise a mass reporter moiety, and further comprise an affinity group, (e.g., biotin), linked to the PIR (e.g., to the mass reporter moiety) by a selectively cleavable bone (e.g. photo-labile bond)).

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic ?-secretase peptide substrates useful in various assays for measuring ?-secretase activity. Antibodies that recognize the synthetic substrates and uses of the antibodies in various assays are disclosed. The herein disclosed peptide substrates are hydrolyzed at rates substantially faster than the attendant Swedish mutant APP from which the substrate sequences are derived.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic ?-secretase peptide substrates useful in various assays for measuring ?-secretase activity. Antibodies that recognize the synthetic substrates and uses of the antibodies in various assays are disclosed. The herein disclosed peptide substrates are hydrolyzed at rates substantially faster than the attendant Swedish mutant APP from which the substrate sequences are derived.

Abstract: A dyed fabric, and apparel constructed therefrom, that has a high degree of colorfastness and a soft hand, formed by the process comprising the steps of applying dyestuffs directly to a polyester fabric that has been pre-treated with a wicking agent, and fixing the dyestuffs to the fabric by heating the fabric at between about 350 degrees Fahrenheit for between about 90 and 120 seconds, whereby the finished fabric has a crocking index of at least 4.0, and a soft hand.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and reagents for identifying specific masses of compounds in a complex mixture. In particular, the present invention describes an isotope distribution encoded tag (IDEnT) concept wherein the ability to distinguish an analyte encoded with a non-native isotope from those not encoded with the isotope or from those encoded with a different isotope is used for protein identification, enzyme active site identification, peptide sequencing, and the like. Reagents used in the IDEnT strategy consist of a chemical element with a unique isotope distribution not normally found in the analyte class being studied, chemically bonded to, or an integral part of a chemical reagent with a high selectivity of affinity for specific functional group in the analyte.

Abstract: A method whereby a mass spectra generated by a mass spectrometer is calibrated by shifting the parameters used by the spectrometer to assign masses to the spectra in a manner which reconciles the signal of ions within the spectra having equal mass but differing charge states, or by reconciling ions having known differences in mass to relative values consistent with those known differences. In this manner, the mass spectrometer is calibrated without the need for standards while allowing the generation of a highly accurate mass spectra by the instrument.

Abstract: A method whereby a mass spectra generated by a mass spectrometer is calibrated by shifting the parameters used by the spectrometer to assign masses to the spectra in a manner which reconciles the signal of ions within the spectra having equal mass but differing charge states, or by reconciling ions having known differences in mass to relative values consistent with those known differences. In this manner, the mass spectrometer is calibrated without the need for standards while allowing the generation of a highly accurate mass spectra by the instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing excessive pigment buildup on the exterior surface of a rotary printing screen in a region adjacent the edge of fabric being printed including a flexible wiper member biased against the exterior surface of the rotary printing screen and positioned in the excessive pigment region and a mounting bracket for holding the wiper member in a predetermined orientation with respect to the exterior surface of the rotary printing screen. The wiper member is positioned in the excessive pigment region and is angled to the axis of rotation of the rotary printing screen so as to push the excessive pigment buildup away from the fabric being printed. The method further includes applying a lubricant stream to the exterior surface adjacent to and upstream of the flexible wiper member.

Abstract: A conduit for receiving lengths of fiber optical cable, which enhances light emission and transmission within the cable by substantially reducing an air gap located between a polymeric core and an outer cladding of the fiber optical cable. The conduit of the present invention has a retaining member that defines a first channel adapted to receive the fiber optical cable and a base member that defines a second channel adapted to receive the cable. The retaining member is mounted with the base member, such that the cable is retained within the first and the second channels and a compressive force is exerted on the cable, which substantially eliminates the gap between the core and outer cladding. Furthermore, the conduit of the present invention supports and guides the cable and facilitates the installation thereof.