Abstract: Laser diode thermal desorption coupled with tandem mass spectrometry systems and methods are described to detect at least one target analyte in a sample by negative ion mode mass spectrometry. For instance, the system and method involve desorbing a sample prepared for mass spectrometry analysis by laser diode thermal desorption to obtain a desorbed sample, and then ionizing the desorbed sample under conditions to generate an ionized analyte flow comprising a superoxide radical anion (O2.?) adduct detectable by negative ion mode mass spectrometry; and then detecting the O2.? adduct by negative ion mode mass spectrometry, to thereby detect the target analyte.

Abstract: A retention mechanism for a pair of bi-parting doors of a transit vehicle includes a first track connected to a first door of the pair; a second track connected to a second door of the pair; a first retention assembly connected to the transit vehicle and configured to retain the first track in the closed position; a second retention assembly connected to the transit vehicle and configured to retain the second track in the closed position; a first engagement member connected to the second track, the first engagement member being configured to engage the first retention assembly to cause the first retention assembly to move to retain the first track in the closed position when the second track is in the closed position; and a second engagement member connected to the first track, the second engagement member being configured to engage the second retention assembly to cause the second retention assembly to move to retain the second track in the closed position when the first track is in the closed position.

Abstract: A retention mechanism for a pair of bi-parting doors of a transit vehicle includes a first track connected to a first door of the pair; a second track connected to a second door of the pair; a first retention assembly connected to the transit vehicle and configured to retain the first track in the closed position; a second retention assembly connected to the transit vehicle and configured to retain the second track in the closed position; a first engagement member connected to the second track, the first engagement member being configured to engage the first retention assembly to cause the first retention assembly to move to retain the first track in the closed position when the second track is in the closed position; and a second engagement member connected to the first track, the second engagement member being configured to engage the second retention assembly to cause the second retention assembly to move to retain the second track in the closed position when the first track is in the closed position.

Abstract: A method for detecting boar taint in a fat sample is provided. The method includes extracting boar taint compounds from the fat sample to obtain a boar taint extract which includes indole components and androstenone. The method also includes derivatizing the indole components such that the derivatized indole components have a lower volatility than the indole components. The method also includes desorbing the derivatized indole components and the androstenone by Laser Diode Thermal Desorption (LDTD), and ionizing the desorbed analytes. The content of boar taint compounds in the fat sample can then be determined by subjecting the ionized analytes to mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Methods and systems for quantifying analytes in a biological sample are provided comprising preparing a biological sample for mass spectrometric analysis, utilizing an ionization source to ionize at least a portion of the prepared biological sample to generate an ionized analyte flow, introducing the ionized analyte flow into a differential mobility spectrometer set at a compensation voltage selected to extract ionized analyte molecules from the ionized analyte flow, introducing an output analyte flow of the differential mobility spectrometer into a mass spectrometer to detect and quantify analyte ions in the output analyte flow.

Abstract: Methods and systems for quantifying analytes in a biological sample are provided comprising preparing a biological sample for mass spectrometric analysis, utilizing an ionization source to ionize at least a portion of the prepared biological sample to generate an ionized analyte flow, introducing the ionized analyte flow into a differential mobility spectrometer set at a compensation voltage selected to extract ionized analyte molecules from the ionized analyte flow, introducing an output analyte flow of the differential mobility spectrometer into a mass spectrometer to detect and quantify analyte ions in the output analyte flow.

Abstract: Low molecular weight components extracted from shark cartilage and complexes made of copper with amino acid or dipeptide units or analogs thereof are disclosed. Methods are disclosed for the inhibition of angiogenesis (neovascularization) in an animal through the administration of these complexes, which results in treating angiogenesis-dependent diseases.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process by which organic solvent-containing solutions are used in lieu of pure water for the preparation of cartilage extracts and fractions thereof. Different organic solvents have been tested for the preparation of extracts containing biologically active components possessing at least an activity against a matrix metalloprotease (anti-MMP). This invention also relates to a process by which a total liquid extract of shark cartilage composed of molecules having molecular weights less than about 500kDa (0-500 fraction) is purified into two well separated fractions composed of molecules having molecular weights less than about 1 kDa (0-1 fraction) and between about 1 to 500 kDa (1-500 fraction). In order to prevent the formation of aggregates, to improve the dissolution and the stability of active components, sucrose or other stabilizing agents can be added.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process by which organic solvent-containing solutions are used in lieu of pure water for the preparation of cartilage extracts and fractions thereof. Different organic solvents have been tested for the preparation of extracts containing biologically active components. Amongst the tested solvents, trimethylamine 40% (in water) was selected as a good alternative solvent to pure water, particularly in recovering an anti-proliferative activity against HUVECs.

Abstract: In order to create a hermetic connection assembly (1, 2) with a female insert (2), the insert provided with double-female (5, 27) receptacles (4) is placed on a hermetic male connector (1). In order to assure a good electrical connection, clips or sockets (7, 26), preferably truncated, are positioned inside the receptacles, taking support and assuring an electrical contact, on the one hand, with an inner wall of a receptacle and on the other hand, with an outer wall of a pin (8) when such a pin is inserted in the receptacle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process by which organic solvent-containing solutions are used in lieu of pure water for the preparation of cartilage extracts and fractions thereof. Different organic solvents have been tested for the preparation of extracts containing biologically active components possessing at least an activity against a matrix metalloprotease (anti-MMP). This invention also relates to a process by which a total liquid extract of shark cartilage composed of molecules having molecular weights less than about 500kDa (0-500 fraction) is purified into two well separated fractions composed of molecules having molecular weights less than about 1 kDa (0-1 fraction) and between about 1 to 500 kDa (1-500 fraction). In order to prevent the formation of aggregates, to improve the dissolution and the stability of active components, sucrose or other stabilizing agents can be added.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process by which organic solvent-containing solutions are used in lieu of pure water for the preparation of cartilage extracts and fractions thereof. Different organic solvents have been tested for the preparation of extracts containing biologically active components possessing at least an activity against a matrix metalloprotease (anti-MMP). This invention also relates to a process by which a total liquid extract of shark cartilage composed of molecules having molecular weights less than about 500 kDa (0-500 fraction) is purified into two well separated fractions composed of molecules having molecular weights less than about 1 kDa (0-1 fraction) and between about 1 to 500 kDa (1-500 fraction). In order to prevent the formation of aggregates, to improve the dissolution and the stability of active components, sucrose or other stabilizing agents can be added.