Abstract: Methods and apparatus for inter-process communication are provided. A circuit may have a plurality of clusters, and at least one cluster may have a computation element (CE), a memory operatively coupled with the CE, and an autonomic transport system (ATS) block operatively coupled with the CE and the memory. The ATS block may be configured to perform inter-process communication (IPC) for the at least one cluster. In one embodiment, the ATS block may transfer a message to a different cluster based on a request from the CE. In another embodiment, the ATS block may receive a message by allocating a buffer in the memory and write the message into the buffer. The ATS block may also be configured to manage synchronization and schedule tasks for the CE.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising mass analyzing ions and obtaining mass spectral data and determining parent or precursor ions of interest. The method further comprises determining first adduct or chemical artifact ions which have mass to charge ratios which have a substantially linear relationship with the mass to charge ratio of the parent or precursor ions of interest and removing or attenuating the first adduct or chemical artifact ions from the mass spectral data.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer includes: an ion source; an aperture; a flight region arranged between the ion source and aperture for separating ions according to their mass to charge ratio; and ion optics arranged and configured for causing ions to be reflected or deflected whilst they separate according to mass to charge ratio in the flight region and such that the ions are focussed to a geometrical focal point at the aperture so that the ions are transmitted through the aperture. The multi-reflecting or multi-deflecting ion optics provides a relatively long flight path for the ions, whilst naturally converging the ion beam to a focus. As this focus is arranged at the aperture, it enables the aperture to be made relatively small whilst still maintaining high ion transmission efficiency.

Abstract: A Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (“MALDI”) ion source is disclosed comprising a first device arranged and adapted to supply a flow of liquid on to the surface of a target or a sample to be analyzed so that the liquid forms a liquid junction on the surface of the target or the sample to be analyzed and wherein analyte molecules to be ionized are extracted into the liquid junction, and a laser source emits a laser beam which causes analyte ions or an analyte plume to be released or desorbed from the liquid junction.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising mass analyzing first ions derived from an analyte molecule, wherein the first ions have a first charge state; determining a first mass or mass to charge ratio of the first ions; mass analyzing second ions derived from the analyte molecule, wherein the second ions have a second different charge state and wherein the second ions comprise protonated or adduct variants of the first ions; determining a second mass or mass to charge ratio of the second ions; a determining a calibration correction based upon the first mass or mass to charge ratio and the second mass or mass to charge ratio.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising directing first photons from a laser onto ions located within a 2D or linear ion guide or ion trap. The frequency of the first photons is scanned and first photons and/or second photons emitted by the ions are detected. The ions are then mass analysed using a Time of Flight mass analyser.

Abstract: A method of charge stripping analyte ions is disclosed. The method comprises reacting the analyte ions with reagent ions or charged particles; and then urging the reacted analyte ions through a neutral, inert gas such that said analyte ions interact or collide with the gas molecules in a manner that reduces the charge state of the reacted analyte ions, thereby forming product ions of reduced charge state. The combination of reacting the analyte ions and then urging the reacted ions through the gas results in a charge reduction that is greater than that which would be caused by either of the individual steps of reacting the ions or urging the ions through the gas.

Abstract: There is provided a method of introducing ions into a mass spectrometer, comprising ionising a sample using a Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation (“MALDI”) ion source to form a plurality of ions, transporting said plurality of ions in a first, primary gas through a passageway and into an inlet of a mass spectrometer, introducing a second, auxiliary gas into said inlet, and controlling a flow rate of said second gas into said inlet so as to control a flow rate of said first gas through said passageway.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer includes: an ion source; an aperture; a flight region arranged between the ion source and aperture for separating ions according to their mass to charge ratio; and ion optics arranged and configured for causing ions to be reflected or deflected while they separate according to mass to charge ratio in the flight region and such that the ions are focussed to a geometrical focal point at the aperture so that the ions are transmitted through the aperture. The multi-reflecting or multi-deflecting ion optics provides a relatively long flight path for the ions, while naturally converging the ion beam to a focus. As this focus is arranged at the aperture, it enables the aperture to be made relatively small while still maintaining high ion transmission efficiency.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the efficient disaggregation of tissue samples, separating the tissue into individual intact cells or small aggregates of cells for analysis. A device may include a chamber to receive fluid and a tissue specimen containing more than one cell to be disaggregated. The chamber may include an opening and an agitator in fluid contact with the fluid and the tissue specimen. The agitator may include a micromotor which provides rotational motion to a shaft and an impeller fixed to the shaft such that the impeller and the shaft rotate together upon provision of the rotational motion by the micromotor. The device may include an electrical energy source electrically coupled to the micromotor to rotate the impeller sufficient to disaggregate the one or more individual cells from the tissue specimen and in a manner which does not lyse the one or more individual cells.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry or ion mobility spectrometry is disclosed wherein a sample is ionized by an electrified sprayer so as to produce multiply charged analyte ions of a first polarity in gas-phase. A reaction region is provided downstream of the electrified sprayer, wherein the reaction region is maintained substantially at atmospheric pressure and is maintained substantially free of electric-fields. A gas flow is provided from said electrified sprayer to said reaction region such that the gas flow carries the analyte ions from the electrified sprayer into the reaction region. Free electrons or reagent ions of a second polarity are generated in the reaction region, wherein the second polarity is opposite to said first polarity. The free electrons or reagent ions are then reacted with the analyte ions in the reaction region so as to reduce the charge state of the multiply charged analyte ions and thereby produce charge-reduced analyte ions.

Abstract: There is proposed a mechanism for transferring loads characterized by a frame adapted to be mounted on a lift mechanism of a lift truck, a pair of telescopic rails mounted at one end to the frame, the telescopic rails extending parallel to one another, the telescopic rails) being extendable laterally of the lift mechanism of the lift truck, between retracted and extended positions, means to move the telescopic rails, a carriage mounted on the telescopic rails for movement there along when the telescopic rails are in their extended positions and the free ends of the telescopic rails are supported, the carriage having a secondary lift mechanism mounted thereon by which a load may be raised and lowered relative to the carriage.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising: providing supercharged analyte ions; and supplying electrons or reagent ions to said analyte ions so as to transfer charge from said reagent ions or electrons to said analyte ions, said transfer of charge causing at least some of said analyte ions to dissociate. The charge transfer step is performed at a relatively high pressure and preferably substantially at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: There is provided a method of introducing ions into a mass spectrometer, comprising ionising a sample using a continuous ionisation source to form a plurality of ions, transporting said plurality of ions in a first, primary gas through a passageway and into an inlet of a mass spectrometer, introducing a second, auxiliary gas into said inlet, and controlling a flow rate of said second gas into said inlet so as to control a flow rate of said first gas through said passageway.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed that comprises acquiring mass spectral data during a single experimental run or acquisition of a mass spectrometer and determining a first time T during the single experimental run or acquisition for calibrating the mass spectrometer. The step of determining the first time T further comprises determining a time when the mass spectral data being acquired during the single experimental run or acquisition is equal to or below a threshold. The mass spectrometer is then calibrated by introducing calibrant or lockmass ions at the first time T.

Abstract: A method is disclosed wherein parent or precursor ions are fragmented or reacted according to a first fragmentation or reaction mode, and when an ion of interest is detected the method then temporarily switches to a second mode of fragmentation or reaction. This enables a full un-biased MS/MS data set to be provided over a wide mass to charge ratio range with high-duty cycle, together with complementary detailed fragment data of interest, in a single experimental run or acquisition.

Abstract: A nutritional supplement for reducing free radical damage is disclosed. The nutritional supplement includes a first vehicle comprising an upregulating compound mixture configured to upregulate an endogenous antioxidant system and an exogenous antioxidant mixture and a second vehicle comprising a mineral mixture. The upregulating compound mixture is configured to upregulate an endogenous antioxidant system to protect against free radical damage. The upregulating compound mixture includes alpha lipoic acid, resveratrol, curcumin, EGCG, Olivol®, rutin, quercetin, and hesperetin. The endogenous antioxidant system includes transcription factors such as Nrf2, NF-?B, PPAR?, PPAR?/?, and PPAR? that promote transcription of antioxidant genes.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed wherein highly charged fragment ions resulting from Electron Transfer Dissociation fragmentation of parent ions are reduced in charge state within a Proton Transfer Reaction cell by reacting the fragment ions with a neutral superbase reagent gas such as Octahydropyrimidolazepine.

Abstract: A composition for reducing damage associated with oxidative phosphorylation. The composition comprises an upregulating compound mixture configured to upregulate an endogenous antioxidant system, an exogenous antioxidant mixture configured to inhibit oxidation of biomolecules by reactive oxygen species, and a mineral mixture configured to provide one or more cofactors to a endogenous antioxidant enzyme. The endogenous antioxidant system includes a Nrf2 transcription factors that promotes transcription of antioxidant genes.