Abstract: Biological markers for multiple sclerosis, and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease, are described. Also described are methods for treating multiple sclerosis by administering an inhibitor of cathepsin B activity or a neuroprotective composition comprising a modified terpenoid compound. Also described are isolated polypeptide biomarkers, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptide biomarkers, and antibodies that bind specifically to the polypeptide biomarkers. Further described are kits that include the above-mentioned isolated polypeptide biomarkers, the polynucleotides encoding them, or specific antibodies against the polypeptide biomarkers.

Abstract: A time-of-flight mass spectrometer has a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode, a third electrode arranged between the first and second electrodes. The third electrode reserves a space for ions to travel between the first and second electrodes. The time-of-flight mass spectrometer further includes a sample probe disposed proximate the first electrode and adapted to hold a sample, and a detector disposed proximate the second electrode. The first electrode is adapted to be connected to a voltage source to cause a difference in voltage between the first and second electrodes to provide an electric field therebetween that changes non-linearly along an ion path between the sample probe and the detector for accelerating ions to be detected.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer including an ion source, a detector, a first end cap electrode arranged proximate to the ion source, a second end cap electrode arranged proximate the detector, and a ring electrode arranged between the first and the second end cap electrodes. The ring electrode can be either connected to a radio-frequency voltage source or to a constant voltage source. When the ring electrode is connected to the radio-frequency voltage the first end cap, the second end cap and the ring electrode form an ion trap and the mass spectrometer operates as an ion trap mass spectrometer. When the ring electrode is connected to a constant voltage the mass spectrometer operates as a time-of-flight mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer that includes an ionizing source, a sample holder arranged in a beam path of the ionizing source, an ion detector disposed to receive ions extracted from a sample when held by the sample holder and irradiated by the ionizing source. The mass spectrometer also includes an extraction electrode arranged proximate to the sample holder, and a drift tube arranged between the extraction electrode and the ion detector. In the mass spectrometer, the extraction electrode and the drift tube are movable together relative to the sample holder, which is held at a fixed position.