Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mass spectrometry approach to identifying non-Spitzoid melanoma, and distinguishing non-Spitzoid nevi from non-Spitzoid malignant melanoma.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mass spectrometry approach to identifying non-Spitzoid melanoma, and distinguishing non-Spitzoid nevi from non-Spitzoid malignant melanoma.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mass spectrometry approach to identifying carcinomas or tissue abnormalities, and distinguishing carcinomas or tissue abnormalities.

Abstract: Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) has become a prime tool for studying the distribution of biomolecules in tissue. Although IMS data sets can become very large, computational methods have made it practically feasible to search these experiments for relevant findings. However, these methods lack access to an important source of information that many human interpretations rely upon: anatomical insight. In this work, this need is addressed by (1) integrating a curated anatomical data source with an empirically acquired IMS data source, establishing an algorithm-accessible link between them; and (2) demonstrating the potential of such an IMS-anatomical atlas link by applying it toward automated anatomical interpretation of ion distributions in tissue.

Abstract: Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) has become a prime tool for studying the distribution of biomolecules in tissue. Although IMS data sets can become very large, computational methods have made it practically feasible to search these experiments for relevant findings. However, these methods lack access to an important source of information that many human interpretations rely upon: anatomical insight. In this work, this need is addressed by (1) integrating a curated anatomical data source with an empirically acquired IMS data source, establishing an algorithm-accessible link between them; and (2) demonstrating the potential of such an IMS-anatomical atlas link by applying it toward automated anatomical interpretation of ion distributions in tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods for characterizing the cellular response of one or more animal cells to a chemical agent are described. The method includes the steps of: exposing one or more animal cells to a chemical agent; generating data representing an altered molecular phenotype of the one or more animal cells after exposure to the chemical agent using a multi-omic analysis; providing the data representing the altered molecular phenotype to a system comprising a processor; using the system to compare the data representing the altered molecular phenotype with data representing a normal molecular phenotype of the one or more animal cells; and using the system to output a characterization of the cellular response of the one or more animal cells to the chemical agent based on the results of comparing the data.

Abstract: A diagnostic system and method that includes a non-transitory computer readable medium storing machine executable instructions executable by the processor for altering tissue images, the instructions that further includes an input interface configured to receive a plurality of tissue images, the input interface generating enhanced resolution images from the plurality of tissue images for viewing, an annotation interface for positioning coordinates of interest on the enhanced resolution images, and a matrix model configured to evaluate the coordinates of interest on the enhanced resolutions to generate discrete coordinates, the matrix model using the discrete coordinates in performing mass spectrometer analysis to form at least one viewing image. The system also includes a user interface configured to provide at least one viewing image to a user at the display.

Abstract: The present invention includes a cleavable surfactant/detergent compound of the following formula: wherein the variables are defined herein. Embodiments of the cleavable surfactant/detergent compound are useful, for example, in methods for isolating a hydrophobic molecule that include providing a plasma comprising a hydrophobic molecule, applying the cleavable surfactant to the plasma so that the surfactant engages the hydrophobic molecule, cleaving the surfactant from the hydrophobic molecule, and analyzing said hydrophobic molecule.

Abstract: Cleavable compositions that comprise a polar head, cleavable linker, and a hydrophobic tail; and methods for using them to isolate hydrophobic molecules.

Abstract: A method of modifying protein samples that comprises combining the sample with a peroxycarbonate solution and inserting the sample into a mass spectrometer. The present invention also includes methods of N-terminus characterization.

Abstract: Analytical methods and devices are disclosed for separating low abundance analytes by electrophoretically driving the analytes through a sieving matrix to first remove high molecular weight species. Subsequently the remaining low abundance analytes are electrophoretically focused onto a capture membrane where the analytes become bound within a small capture site. After this step the capture membrane may be allowed to dry and then attached to a conductive MALDI sample plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides mass tag complexes that permit simultaneously obtaining information of a plurality of biological molecules. The biological molecules may be RNA or protein, and the information includes both level of expression as well as spatial disposition within a cell or tissue. The mass tag comprise a core structure, a target binding structure (e.g., nucleic acid or peptide binding structure), a cleavable linker and a mass tag that exhibits a unique mass spectroscopy signal.

Abstract: Analytical methods and devices are disclosed for separating low abundance analytes by electrophoretically driving the analytes through a sieving matrix to first remove high molecular weight species. Subsequently the remaining low abundance analytes are electrophoretically focused onto a capture membrane where the analytes become bound within a small capture site. After this step the capture membrane may be allowed to dry and then attached to a conductive MALDI sample plate.

Abstract: A device is described for pre-concentration and purification of analytes from biological samples (such as human serum, plasma, homogenized solid tissue, etc.) to be analyzed by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry (MALDI MS) and methods of use thereof are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for obtaining information of a plurality of target molecules by matrix free LDI MS. Mass tagged complexes for detection of target molecules comprise a target molecule binding domain, and a mass tag separated by a cleavable linker. Methods of the invention may be used for example to analyze the distribution of a multiple target molecules in a complex sample, such as a tissue section.

Abstract: Cleavable compositions and methods of use especially in MALDI MS analysis of hydrophobic proteins.

Abstract: Cleavable compositions and methods of use especially in MALDI MS analysis of hydrophobic proteins.

Abstract: MALDI MS has been used to generate images of samples in one or more m/z pictures, providing the capability of mapping concentrations of specific molecules in X,Y coordinates of the original sample. For sections of mammalian tissue, for example, this can be accomplished in two ways. First, tissue slices can be directly analyzed after thorough drying and application of a thin coating of matrix by electrospray. Second, imprints of the tissue can be analyzed by blotting the dry tissue sections on specially prepared targets, e.g., C-18 (10 .mu.m dia.) beads. Peptides and small proteins bind to the C-18 and create a positive imprint of the tissue which can be imaged by MALDI MS after application of matrix. Such images can be displayed in individual m/z values as a selected ion image which would localize individual compounds in the tissue, as summed ion images, or as a total ion image which would be analogous to a photomicrograph.

Abstract: Electrospray equipment and techniques are provided for receiving a liquid solution containing test molecules of interest and solvent and forming ionized droplets of interest for analysis by a mass spectrometer. The flow path within the electrically charged spray needle 16 may be filled with a packing material 20 for adsorbing selected chemicals in the liquid solution before being discharged from the spray needle into a vaporizing chamber 33. The spray needle preferably comprises a fused silica capillary tubing, and the discharge end 25 of the capillary tubing is spaced closely adjacent an exit orifice 31 of the vaporizer probe 12. Inert gas such as pure nitrogen is input to the probe. The techniques of the present invention are particularly well suited for mass spectrometer analysis of low flow rate test material.

Abstract: The present invention combines microdialysis with mass spectrometry, for example continuous flow fast atom bombardment, to follow the pharmacokinetics of drugs or other compounds directly in the blood stream or tissues of a live animal. After intramuscular injection of the drug, the blood dialysate from a microdialysis probe inserted into a blood vessel or tissue of the animal, is allowed to flow into the mass spectrometer via the continuous flow fast atom bombardment interface. Tandem mass spectrometry allows for isolating and recording the ion fragments produced from the drug as the dialysate is exposed to the ionization process. The detected concentration of the drug or other compounds of interest can be used to adjust the rate of administration of the drug.