Abstract: A mass analysis system including a sample inlet arranged to introduce a sample and an ion source coupled to the sample inlet and arranged to ionize a portion of the sample into ions. The system also includes a sampler element having a sample orifice arranged to receive the sample ions into a first vacuum chamber. The system includes a skimmer element having a skimmer orifice arranged to receive the sample ions from the first vacuum chamber into a second vacuum chamber where the skimmer orifice is of a first size. The system further includes a third cone element having a third cone orifice of a second size arranged to receive the sample ions from the second vacuum chamber into a third vacuum chamber where the third cone is configured to allow a continuum flow of ions through the third cone orifice. The third chamber includes an ion optics assembly and mass analyzer.

Abstract: In a mass cytometer system, a tissue sample labeled with multiple metal tags is supported on an encoded substrate for distribution profile mapping by laser ablation. Groups of elemental ions from each plume generated by each laser pulse are detected by the mass cytometer and the data is mapped according to the encoded substrate. This configuration allows for the production of a 3-dimentional distribution profile of the multiple metal tags in the tissue sample.

Abstract: A mass analysis system including a sample inlet arranged to introduce a sample and an ion source coupled to the sample inlet and arranged to ionize a portion of the sample into ions. The system also includes a sampler element having a sample orifice arranged to receive the sample ions into a first vacuum chamber. The system includes a skimmer element having a skimmer orifice arranged to receive the sample ions from the first vacuum chamber into a second vacuum chamber where the skimmer orifice is of a first size. The system further includes a third cone element having a third cone orifice of a second size arranged to receive the sample ions from the second vacuum chamber into a third vacuum chamber where the third cone is configured to allow a continuum flow of ions through the third cone orifice. The third chamber includes an ion optics assembly and mass analyzer.

Abstract: Methods for the detection and measurement of tagged (labeled) biologically active materials in a sample are described. The tagged biologically active materials are detected using an atomic mass or optical spectrometer having a source of atoms or atomic ions. Element-labeled biologically active materials, comprising antibodies, antibody Fab? fragments, antigens, aptamers, protein complexes, growth factors, hormones, receptors and other biologically active materials attached to a stable elemental tag, can be used in specific binding assays and measured by elemental spectroscopic detection. Also described are methods for the determination of metals in samples of interest using specific antibodies to isolate the target metals and elemental spectroscopy for detection and quantitation. Kits are provided comprising reagents to detect and measure labeled biologically active materials or labeled competition analytes.

Abstract: Methods for the detection and measurement of tagged (labeled) biologically active materials in a sample are described. The tagged biologically active materials are detected using an atomic mass or optical spectrometer having a source of atoms or atomic ions. Element-labeled biologically active materials, comprising antibodies, antibody Fab? fragments, antigens, aptamers, protein complexes, growth factors, hormones, receptors and other biologically active materials attached to a stable elemental tag, can be used in specific binding assays and measured by elemental spectroscopic detection. Also described are methods for the determination of metals in samples of interest using specific antibodies to isolate the target metals and elemental spectroscopy for detection and quantitation. Kits are provided comprising reagents to detect and measure labeled biologically active materials or labeled competition analytes.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for sequentially analyzing particles such as single cells or single beads, by spectrometry. The apparatus, an elemental flow cytometer, includes means (102) for sequential particle introduction, means (104) to vaporize, atomize and excite or ionize the particles, or an elemental tag associated with an analyte on the particles, and means (106) to analyze the elemental composition of the vaporized, atomized and excited or ionized particles, or an elemental tag associated with the particles. Methods for sequentially analyzing particles such as singe cells or single beads by spectrometry are also described.

Abstract: A composite band-pass filter receives a quadrature input signal and passes an intermediate frequency signal while attenuating all other signals including an undesired image signal. The composite band-pass filter is comprised of a continuous time polyphase filter and a discrete time polyphase filter and can amplify signals. The amplification is distributed through out the composite band-pass filter and the amount of amplification may be selected by control signals. The composite band-pass filter has improved dynamic range and noise characteristics, selectable amplification and replaces an external crystal filter.

Abstract: Methods for the detection and measurement of tagged (labeled) biologically active materials in a sample are described. The tagged biologically active materials are detected using an atomic mass or optical spectrometer having a source of atoms or atomic ions. Element-labeled biologically active materials, comprising antibodies, antibody Fab? fragments, antigens, aptamers, protein complexes, growth factors, hormones, receptors and other biologically active materials attached to a stable elemental tag, can be used in specific binding assays and measured by elemental spectroscopic detection. Also described are methods for the determination of metals in samples of interest using specific antibodies to isolate the target metals and elemental spectroscopy for detection and quantitation. Kits are provided comprising reagents to detect and measure labeled biologically active materials or labeled competition analytes.

Abstract: Improved methods for the detection and quantitation of labeled biological materials in a sample using elemental spectroscopic detection are described. Element-labeled biologically active materials, comprising antibodies, antigens, growth factors, hormones, receptors and other biologically active materials covalently attached to a stable elemental tag, can be used in specific binding assays and measured by elemental spectroscopic detection. Also described are methods for the determination of metals in samples of interest using specific antibodies to isolate the target metals and elemental spectroscopy for detection and quantitation.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for sequentially analyzing particles such as single cells or single beads, by spectrometry. The apparatus, an elemental flow cytometer, includes means (102) for sequential particle introduction, means (104) to vaporize, atomize and excite or ionize the particles, or an elemental tag associated with an analyte on the particles, and means (106) to analyze the elemental composition of the vaporized, atomized and excited or ionized particles, or an elemental tag associated with the particles. Methods for sequentially analyzing particles such as singe cells or single beads by spectrometry are also described.

Abstract: A method of detecting and measuring phosphorus in samples is disclosed. The measurement of phosphorylation is made with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), coupled to a reactive collision cell. The reactive collision cell is employed to ensure in inteference-free detection of phosphorus ions, by the: formation of product ions, with a different mass to charge ratio. Accurate Measurement of phosphorylation in samples is important in proteomics.

Abstract: Methods for the detection and measurement of tagged (labeled) biologically active materials in a sample are described. The tagged biologically active materials are detected using an atomic mass or optical spectrometer having a source of atoms or atomic ions. Element-labeled biologically active materials, comprising antibodies, antibody Fab′ fragments, antigens, aptamers, protein complexes, growth factors, hormones, receptors and other biologically active materials attached to a stable elemental tag, can be used in specific binding assays and measured by elemental spectroscopic detection. Also described are methods for the determination of metals in samples of interest using specific antibodies to isolate the target metals and elemental spectroscopy for detection and quantitation. Kits are provided comprising reagents to detect and measure labeled biologically active materials or labeled competition analytes.

Abstract: Improved methods for the detection and quantitation of labeled biological materials in a sample using elemental spectroscopic detection are described. Element-labeled biologically active materials, comprising antibodies, antigens, growth factors, hormones, receptors and other biologically active materials covalently attached to a stable elemental tag, can be used in specific binding assays and measured by elemental spectroscopic detection. Also described are methods for the determination of metals in samples of interest using specific antibodies to isolate the target metals and elemental spectroscopy for detection and quantitation.

Abstract: A game for play between two or more players/teams with a deck of clue cards each having a set of scrambled words imprinted thereon and an unsolved main word thereabove which is represented only by blank spaces and its first and possibly second letters to serve as a clue. The players/teams take turns drawing clue cards and attempting to unscramble the scrambled words and solve the main word with a set time period. The main word is a synonym or the name of a category of which the scrambled words are like synonyms or elements of the category, respectively. A second deck of cards having only one scrambled word thereon are provided to play bonus and challenge rounds. Points are awarded according to how many words are solved by each player/team and the first player/team to reach 100 pints wins the game.