Abstract: Imaging by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) requires that a sample be encased in an amorphous solid, such as amorphous ice. In current cryo-EM preparation systems, once the sample has been deposited on an EM grid and coated in the amorphous solid, the EM grid must be removed from vacuum and then transferred into the vacuum of the cryo-EM system. As a result, samples deposited on the grid are exposed to damage and contamination. The present invention provides improved EM grid handling systems and devices compatible with advanced cryo-EM sample preparation techniques and which reduce or eliminate exposure of the sample on the grid to atmosphere and elevated temperatures. These methods and devices will also significantly reduce handling time and complexities associated with cryo-EM sample preparation.

Abstract: A method of identifying a related peak set from MS1 spectra data is provided. An intensity peak is selected from MS1 spectra data generated for a sample by a tandem mass spectrometer. A peak location is identified for the selected intensity peak. An intensity score is calculated from the MS1 spectra data for each of a plurality of possible related peak locations based on an intensity value associated with each of the plurality of possible related peak locations. Whether or not any of the plurality of possible related peak locations forms a related peak set is determined based on the calculated intensity score for each of the plurality of possible related peak locations.

Abstract: A method of identifying a related peak set from MS1 spectra data is provided. An intensity peak is selected from MS1 spectra data generated for a sample by a tandem mass spectrometer. A peak location is identified for the selected intensity peak. An intensity score is calculated from the MS1 spectra data for each of a plurality of possible related peak locations based on an intensity value associated with each of the plurality of possible related peak locations. Whether or not any of the plurality of possible related peak locations forms a related peak set is determined based on the calculated intensity score for each of the plurality of possible related peak locations.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices and device components for detecting, sensing and analyzing molecules. Detectors of the present invention provide good detection sensitivity over a wide range of molecular masses ranging from a few Daltons up to 10s of megadaltons, which does not decrease as function of molecular mass. Sensors and analyzers of the present invention detect emission from an array of resonators to determine the molecular masses and/or electric charges of molecules which impact or contact an external surface of a membrane that is used to mount and excite the resonators in the array. Resonators in the array are excited via piezoelectric and/or magnetic excitation of the mounting membrane and, optionally, grid electrodes are used in certain configurations for electrically biasing for the resonator array, and for amplification or suppression of emission from the resonators so as to provide detection and mass/electric charge analysis with good sensitivity and resolution.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, device configurations and methods for improved sensitivity, detection level and efficiency in mass spectrometry particularly as applied to biological molecules, including biological polymers, such as proteins and nucleic acids. In one aspect, the invention relates to charged droplet sources and their use as ion sources and as components in ion sources. In another aspect, the invention relates to charged droplet traps and their use as ion sources and as elements of ion sources. Further, the invention relates to the use of aerodynamic lenses for high efficiency ion transport to a charge particle analyzer, particularly a mass analyzer. Devices of this invention allow mass spectral analysis of a single charged droplet. The ion sources of this invention can be combined with any charge particle detector or mass analyzer, but are a particularly benefit when used in combination with a time of flight mass spectrometer.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, device configurations and methods for improved sensitivity, detection level and efficiency in mass spectrometry particularly as applied to biological molecules, including biological polymers, such as proteins and nucleic acids. Specifically, the invention relates to charged droplet sources and their use as ion sources and as components in ion sources. In addition, devices of this invention allow mass spectral analysis of a single charged droplet. Further, the charged droplet sources and ion sources of this invention can be combined with any charge particle detector or mass analyzer, but are a particularly benefit when used in combination with a time of flight mass spectrometer.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, device configurations and methods for improved sensitivity, detection level and efficiency in mass spectrometry particularly as applied to biological molecules, including biological polymers, such as proteins and nucleic acids. In one aspect, the invention relates to charged droplet sources and their use as ion sources and as components in ion sources. In another aspect, the invention relates to charged droplet traps and their use as ion sources and as elements of ion sources. Further, the invention relates to the use of aerodynamic lenses for high efficiency ion transport to a charge particle analyzer, particularly a mass analyzer. Devices of this invention allow mass spectral analysis of a single charged droplet. The ion sources of this invention can be combined with any charge particle detector or mass analyzer, but are a particularly benefit when used in combination with a time of flight mass spectrometer.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, device configurations and methods for improved sensitivity, detection level and efficiency in mass spectrometry particularly as applied to biological molecules, including biological polymers, such as proteins and nucleic acids. Specifically, the invention relates to charged droplet sources and their use as ion sources and as components in ion sources. In addition, devices of this invention allow mass spectral analysis of a single charged droplet. Further, the charged droplet sources and ion sources of this invention can be combined with any charge particle detector or mass analyzer, but are a particularly benefit when used in combination with a time of flight mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant, child-resistant container having a lid slidably secured to a receptacle is disclosed. The lid is provided at one end with a flap or tongue perpendicular to the plane of the lid and parallel to a side of the receptacle in a locked state of the container. Upon an attempt to unlock or initially reclose the container, ribs on the flap undergo a visible deformation. In addition to or alternatively to the ribs, the lid may be provided with one or more scores, perforations, notches or incisions, or otherwise weakened, causing a severance of the flap upon an initial opening and/or attempted reclosure of the container. The container can also include a child-resistant feature provided by frictional engagement of the lid and receptacle.