Abstract: To provide a method for discriminating a microorganism by selecting and using a marker protein capable of reproducibly and quickly discriminating a bacterial species of the genus Listeria. The method for discriminating a microorganism according to the present invention includes: a step of subjecting a sample containing a microorganism to mass spectrometry to obtain a mass spectrum; a reading step of reading a mass-to-charge ratio m/z of a peak derived from a marker protein from the mass spectrum; and a discrimination step of discriminating which bacterial species of Listeria bacteria the microorganism contained in the sample contains based on the mass-to-charge ratio m/z, in which at least one of 17 ribosomal proteins L3, L4, L23, L2, L24, L6, L18, S5, L15, S13, S11, L10, L21, L13, S9, L31, S16 is used as the marker protein and particularly at least one of 8 ribosomal proteins L24, L6, L18, L15, S9, L31, S16 among the 17 ribosomal proteins is used.

Abstract: In shotgun proteomics, generally only a fraction of peptides from a parent protein are actually detected. Because a large portion of the protein sequence is not detected, it is often impossible to determine whether the expressed protein is present in a modified, spliced, or truncated form. Provided herein are methods and systems for analyzing polypeptides which allow for the increase of the mean sequence coverage of a protein concomitant with bioinformatics analysis in order to distinguish putative proteoforms with improved amino acid resolution. Aspects of the invention include (1) a deep sequencing strategy to provide more protein sequence coverage than is typically achieved, and (2) a computational approach to view protein expression across its full length and identify regions of the protein that are potentially subject to such regulation. This technology has global utility in proteomics and will be of particular use for the analysis of biosimilar protein drug therapeutics.

Abstract: There is provided a specimen analyzer that can measure carry-over without degrading a specimen processing capability. A specimen analyzer according to the present invention measures a first sample including a first specimen and a first internal reference material, subsequently measures a second sample including a second specimen and a second internal reference material, and calculates an amount of the second specimen included in the second sample using an amount of the first internal reference material measured when the first sample has been measured and an amount of the second internal reference material measured when the second sample has been measured.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a system for quantifying a biomarker of a biological tissue. Two spectral sub-intervals are determined from a plurality of images of the tissue acquired at discrete wavelengths within a main wavelength interval using an imaging sensor in a manner such that the combination of the image data in the at least two spectral sub-intervals are correlated with a clinical variable of interest. The tissue is illuminated using one or more light sources with wavelengths within the at least two spectral sub-intervals. A measurement is of the light reflected by the tissue is acquired using an imaging sensor; and a measure of the biomarker of the tissue is calculated using the acquired measurement. The main wavelength interval is broader than each of the at least two spectral sub-intervals and at least one spectral confounder causing a spectral variability of the acquired image is present in the tissue.

Abstract: A method is provided for authenticating a botanical. The method includes identifying at least one marker compound of the botanical. A sample comprising the botanical is injected into a chromatography system that includes a mobile phase delivery module, an autosampler, a chromatography column, a chromatography column manager, and at least one detector. The method also includes extracting a chromatogram of the at least one marker compound and extracting a spectrum at a chromatographic peak retention time of the at least one marker compound. The method also includes quantifying at least one peak of the extracted chromatogram and quantifying at least one band of the extracted spectrum. The quantified at least one peak of the extracted chromatogram and the quantified at least one band of the extracted spectrum are compared to a set of authentication criteria to determine authenticity of the botanical.

Abstract: A system for detecting a concentration of free SiO2 in coal dust includes a first sampling tube and a second sampling tube for sampling the coal dust, a three-way control valve communicated with the first sampling tube and the second sampling tube respectively, a photoacoustic spectrometry detection device communicated with the three-way control valve through a connecting pipeline, and a SiO2 reaction tube for reacting SiO2 in the coal dust; and the SiO2 reaction tube is disposed on the second sampling tube. In the present disclosure, a coal dust sampling line is convenient to change by disposing the three-way control valve, and the first sampling tube and the second sampling tube are respectively communicated with the photoacoustic spectrometry detection device, so as to perform a differential accurate detection of the reacted CO content, and to obtain the SiO2 content.

Abstract: The teachings herein provide for a method of analyzing testosterone using mass spectrometry. The method entails combining in a vial or well, a tagging reagent that is reactive with testosterone, an aqueous precipitation agent that precipitate proteins from solution, and an internal standard solution, the internal standard solution containing a known concentration of an isotopically enriched testosterone and then adding to the vial or well, a sample containing or suspected to contain testosterone. The vial can then be mixed to cause simultaneous precipitation of proteins and reaction of any testosterone present with the tagging reagent to form a mixture of a precipitate and a liquid solution. The liquid solution can then be separated from any precipitate and then analyzed for testosterone using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A single-crystal X-ray structure analysis system capable of surely and easily performing a precise step of soaking a very small amount of a sample in a framework of a fine crystalline sponge, is provided. There are provided a soaking apparatus 500 and a single-crystal X-ray structure analysis apparatus, the single-crystal X-ray structure analysis apparatus comprising a sample holder that holds a sample, the sample holder comprising a porous complex crystal capable of soaking the sample in a plurality of fine pores formed therein; a goniometer that rotationally moves, the goniometer to which the sample holder is attached; an X-ray irradiation section that irradiates the X-rays from the X-ray source to the sample held by the sample holder attached to the goniometer; wherein the soaking apparatus 500 soaks the sample in the porous complex crystal of the sample holder.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for improved label-free absolute quantification of relatively low abundant polypeptides by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of peptide products obtained from simple or complex polypeptide mixtures. The methods for absolute quantification include MS signals from a set of qualified ions of peptide products of a relatively high abundant polypeptide to improve quantification of a relatively low abundant polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of fatty acids. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for detecting very long chain fatty acids and branched chain fatty acids by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The present teachings generally include techniques for characterizing the health of an animal (e.g., gastrointestinal health) using image analysis (e.g., of a stool sample) as a complement, alternative, or a replacement to biological specimen sequencing. The present teachings may also or instead include techniques for personalizing a health and wellness plan (including, but not limited to, a dietary supplement such as a customized formula based on a health assessment), where such a health and wellness plan may be based on one or more of the health characterization techniques described herein. The present teachings may also or instead include techniques or plans for continuous care for an animal, e.g., by executing health characterization and heath planning techniques in a cyclical fashion. A personalized supplement system (e.g., using a personalized supplement, personalized dosing device, and personalized packaging) may also or instead be created using the present teachings.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a streamlined, complete workflow for the qualitative and the quantitative analysis of conjugated peptides from antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions which may be used in human cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme phenotyping. The methods and compositions typically utilize substrate for CYP3A5 comprising eplerenone which may be administered orally to a subject. Subsequently, metabolites of eplereone may be detected in the subject's saliva as well as any non- metabolized eplerenone to calculate a metabolic ratio for CYP3A5 enzyme in order to generate a phenytopic CYP3A5 enzyme profile for the subject.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a novel method for the detection of circulating histones H3 and H2B in plasma from sepsis or septic shock (SS) patients, based on mass spectrometry-based methods, in particular based on multiple reaction monitoring targeted mass spectrometry (MRM-MS). Such methods allow quantification of histones using an internal standard and show strong specificity and sensitivity values.

Abstract: Dimethoxyphenol-based monomers containing polymerizable functional groups such as [meth]acrylate groups are useful for the preparation of polymers, wherein one or more dimethoxyphenyl moieties are part of side chains pendant to the backbones of the polymers. The polymers thereby obtained may have different, improved properties, such as higher glass transition temperatures, thermal stability and solvent resistance, as compared to polymers based on other types of lignin-derived monomers.

Abstract: A temperature-control system for an NMR magnet system. A permanent magnet arrangement (1) with a central air gap (2) generates a homogeneous static magnetic field inside the air gap. A probehead (3) transmits RF pulses and receives RF signals from a test sample (0). An H0 coil changes the amplitude of the static magnetic field. A shim system (4) in the air gap further homogenizes the magnetic field. A first insulation chamber (5) surrounds and thermally shields the permanent magnet arrangement and includes an arrangement (6) controlling a temperature T1 of the first insulation chamber. The shim system, the H0 coil and the NMR probehead are arranged outside the first insulation chamber in the air gap. A heat-conducting body (7) is arranged between the shim system and the H0 coil on one side and the permanent magnet arrangement on the other, thereby enhancing field stability and suppressing drift.

Abstract: Disclosed are a mine dust real-time detection system based on double-photoacoustic spectrometry and a detection method. The mine dust real-time detection system based on double-photoacoustic spectrometry includes a first sampling unit, a first photoacoustic detection cavity, a second sampling unit, a second photoacoustic detection cavity, a signal unit and a processing unit; the first sampling unit is used for sampling in respective, the first photoacoustic detection cavity provides a photoacoustic effect field to substances sampled by the first sampling unit, the second sampling unit is used for sampling in respective, the second photoacoustic detection cavity provides the photoacoustic effect field to substances sampled by the second sampling unit, the signal unit is used for providing a laser signal, and the processing unit is used for collecting and processing a photoacoustic signal.

Abstract: MR fingerprinting method in which an MR pulse sequence succession is output multiple times. The MR pulse sequence succession has MR pulse sequences of a same type output successively in time and differing in terms of a pulse sequence parameter that is varied according to a predefined scheme. During the first output, raw data from a region of interest (ROI) of an object is acquired in a short time interval by the raw data being acquired at a low information density. The total information density of the acquisition is increased with each repetition of the output. After the acquisition, image data from the ROI is reconstructed based on the acquired raw data. MR-parameter value datasets associated with reference image data and having MR parameter values, are determined by comparing the reconstructed image data with the reference image data. MR parameter maps are determined based on the determined MR parameter values.

Abstract: Provided are methods of detecting the presence or amount of a dihydroxyvitamin D metabolite in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally comprise ionizing a dihydorxyvitamin D metabolite in a sample and detecting the amount of the ion to determine the presence or amount of the vitamin D metabolite in the sample. In certain preferred embodiments the methods include immunopurifying the dihydroxyvitamin D metabolites prior to mass spectrometry. Also provided are methods to detect the presence or amount of two or more dihydroxyvitamin D metabolites in a single assay.

Abstract: A method for determining an isotopic profile for a molecule is provided. The isotopic profile is indicative of an isotopic content for the molecule. The method comprises mass selecting ions of the molecule in a mass window, the mass window excluding a mass for a monoisotopic molecular ion and including a mass for at least one isotopic variant of the monoisotopic molecular ion. The method comprises fragmenting the mass selected ions into fragment ions, performing mass analysis on one or more of the fragment ions to produce a mass spectrum, and determining the isotopic profile for the molecule, the isotopic profile comprising at least one data value. Each data value is calculated for a fragment ion as a function of intensities of multiple peaks in the mass spectrum. A computer program is provided. A mass spectrometry system is provided. A method for identifying a sample is provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for identifying new biomarkers for various diseases using proteomics, peptidomics, metabolics, proteoglycomics, glycomics, mass spectrometry and machine learning. The present disclosure also provides glycopeptides as biomarkers for various diseases such as cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: An information processing device processes information based on a plurality of chromatograms obtained by analyzing a plurality of samples. A determination processing unit determines presence or absence of each of a plurality of target components in each sample based on the plurality of chromatograms. A list generation processing unit generates a list associating the plurality of target components with each sample and indicating the presence or absence of each of the plurality of target components in each sample determined by the determination processing unit. Checking the list enables prompt confirmation of the presence or absence of the target components in each of the plurality of samples.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the analysis of endogenous biomarkers, such as 11-oxo androgens, in a sample. The 11-oxo androgens may comprise at least one of 11-hydroxyandrostendione (11OHA), 11-hydroxytestosterone (11OHT) or 11-ketotestosterone (11KT). More specifically, the methods, systems, and computer program products are described for detecting and quantifying the amount of an 11-oxo-androgen in a sample.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing data for gas samples with volatile organic compounds. The data includes chromatographic data indicative of molecule retention times. The method includes identifying or selecting marker molecules and clustering the plurality of gas samples into a plurality of clusters according to a clustering criterion. Next, a first correction of retention time deviations is performed on the data for the gas samples between clusters by using the marker molecules as anchor points to provide a coarse reduction of retention time deviations between the data. Finally, a second correction of retention time deviations is performed on the data, so as to further reduce retention time deviations between the data. The method reduces significant retention time deviations to allow, e.g., breath sample fingerprints obtained by different equipment at different times to be compared in one database for use on a digital platform.

Abstract: A method for determining a quantity of an analyte in a liquid sample, comprises: adding a known quantity of an internal standard comprising an isotopically labeled version of the analyte to the sample; (b) providing a continuous stream of the sample having the internal standard to an inlet of a Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) system; and repeatedly performing the steps of: performing a data-independent analysis of the precursor ion species using a mass analyzer, whereby mass spectra of a plurality of fragment-ion species are acquired; calculating one or more degree-of-matching scores that relate to either a number of ions of the internal standard that overlap between results of the data-independent analysis and tabulated mass spectral data of the internal standard; and performing quantitative tandem mass spectrometric analyses of the internal standard and the analyte if each of the degree-of-matching scores meets a respective degree-of-matching condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel organic dinitroxide biradical compounds and their use as polarizing agents, in particular, in the techniques of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) of solids or liquid samples and medical imaging.

Abstract: Imaging mass spectrometry section (100) performs a mass spectrometric analysis at each of the micro areas set within a measurement area on a target sample, and acquires a graphical image showing a signal-intensity distribution at a specific mass-to-charge ratio or mass-to-charge-ratio range. Quantitative analysis section (300) determines a quantitative value using an analysis result obtained by performing an analysis on the sample collected from each predetermined site within the measurement area of the target sample, using a predetermined analytical technique exhibiting a higher level of quantitative determination performance than the mass spectrometric analysis.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining the amount of an IGF-I and/or IGF-II protein in a sample using high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometry. The methods generally comprise enriching an IGF-I and/or IGF-II protein in a sample, ionizing an IGF-I and/or IGF-II protein from the sample to generate IGF-I and/or IGF-II protein ions, and determining the amount of IGF-I and/or IGF-II protein ions with high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A method for automatically quantifying an analyte in a measurement sample includes providing a 1D-NMR spectrum and a 2D-NMR spectrum, providing at least one information item in relation to at least one analyte to be quantified, establishing a chemical shift of the NMR signal of the analyte to be quantified from the measured 2D-NMR spectrum using the at least one information item provided, establishing expected peak positions of the NMR signal of the analyte to be quantified, establishing measured peak positions from the measured 1D-NMR spectrum, and establishing disturbance signal peak positions using the expected peak positions and the actual peak positions. The method further includes modelling the 1D-NMR spectrum using the established disturbance signal peak positions using the established chemical shift and using the at least one information item provided, integrating the modelled 1D-NMR spectrum, and quantifying the analyte by internal or external referencing.

Abstract: A device for providing analyte to an analyzer is described. In some examples, the device comprises a substrate comprising a plurality of wells formed therein at predetermined locations. Each of the wells can be capable of containing an analyte without mixing with analytes in other of the wells. Each of the wells can also have a well exit to allow analyte to exit therefrom. A channel can be in flow communication with at least one of the well exits, and can guide analyte ions exiting therefrom to the mass analyzer. The wells may be filled prior to use in association with the mass analyzer. The substrate may be used as part of a fraction collector if desired.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for on-line reaction monitoring. In certain embodiments, the invention provides systems that include a reaction vessel having an outlet, a quantitation unit coupled to the outlet and configured to introduce internal standard and solvent into reaction solution flowed from the reaction vessel, one or more ion generating devices that receive flow from the quantitation unit, and a mass spectrometer. In certain embodiments, the invention provides systems for multiple reaction monitoring that include a plurality of reaction vessels, a plurality of ion generating devices, a plurality of channels, each channel coupling a reaction vessel to an ion generating device, an actuator coupled to the plurality of ion generating devices to thereby allow movement of the plurality of ion generating devices, and a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A method identifies the molecular structure of each component in a multicomponent mixture. The method includes (1) subjecting the multicomponent mixture to mass spectrometry to identify the formula of a molecule attributed to each obtained peak, and to identify abundance of the molecule; (2) subjecting the multicomponent mixture to collision induced dissociation; (3) performing mass spectrometry on each fragment ion generated via the collision induced dissociation in (2) to identify the core structure forming each fragment ion and abundance thereof; (4) dividing the molecules attributed to each peak in (1) into “classes” based on “a type and number of heteroatoms, and a DBE value”, and on all the molecules belonging to each “class”, estimating the existence state and abundance thereof; and (5) determining the core structure forming each molecule, for which the existence state is estimated in (4), and determining and assigning a side chain and a cross-link thereto.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a system and a method for obtaining samples of tissue for analysis by mass spectrometry. A region of interest can be identified in tissue using image data from a first imaging modality that is other than mass spectrometry. At least one tissue sample can be acquired using a tissue sampler from a sampling location related to the region of interest. Mass spectrum data can be generated for the acquired tissue samples using a mass spectrometer. In some embodiments, polarimetry may be used on a tissue slice, mass spectrometry may be performed on the same tissue slice and then H&E imaging may be performed on the same tissue slice.

Abstract: Methods are provided for synthesizing mixtures of lipids that are representative of the structural diversity of the lipids present in samples of interest. The complex mixtures of lipids produced according to the methods of the present disclosure can be used as internal standards for detecting and quantifying the lipids in samples of interest. Kits including the internal standards and instructions for their use in the detection and quantification of lipids in samples of interest are also provided.

Abstract: There are provided methods for diagnosing coronary heart disease in a subject in need thereof comprising administering an admixture comprising CO2 to a subject to reach a predetermined PaCO2 in the subject to induce hyperemia, monitoring vascular reactivity in the subject and diagnosing the presence or absence of coronary heart disease in the subject, wherein decreased vascular reactivity in the subject compared to a control subject is indicative of coronary heart disease. There are also provided methods for increasing sensitivity and specificity of BOLD MRI.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of vitamin D metabolites. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for detecting derivatized vitamin D metabolites by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Provided is a mass spectrometric data analyzing method for deducing the structure of an unknown substance from data obtained by an MSn analysis, in which a structural candidate having a high degree of freedom for covering a structural change of the known substance can be created. In the mass spectrometric data analyzing method according to the present invention, a candidate of the partial structure of a known substance which is structurally similar to an unknown substance as the target of deduction is created by eliminating a part of the structure of the known substance (Step S1). Previously given candidates of known additional structural parts are individually added to each candidate of the partial structure of the known substance, thus forming various combinations (Step S5). All the structural formulae that can be derived from each combination are created as the structural candidates of the unknown substance (Step S6).

Abstract: In a related-art technology, training images in accordance with the number of classifications need to be prepared to perform training process. For this reason, in a case where a model is caused to output how much effect of a drug is expressed, a training image needs to be prepared for each expression degree, and it is troublesome to create the model.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of fatty acids. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for detecting very long chain fatty acids and branched chain fatty acids by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A method comprises correlating—in a system which comprises a non-aqueous phase comprising a hydrocarbon fluid, and an aqueous phase—partitioning levels of a basic contaminant and/or an acid of interest into the aqueous phase with the pH of the aqueous phase. The partitioning levels of the basic contaminant and the acid of interest, as well as the pH of the aqueous phase, are obtained under conditions which are representative of those used in a partitioning process in which a basic contaminant is removed from a hydrocarbon fluid. The correlations may be used in a method for selecting an acidic environment for use in a partitioning process, for estimating corrosion risk downstream of a partitioning process, or for controlling a partitioning process.

Abstract: Methods are described for quantifying an amount of natural rubber in a plant from a sample of the plant by obtaining a NMR spectrum and analyzing the signal peaks for the natural rubber in the plant sample and a standard component tested in combination with the plant sample. The NMR testing is conducted on a liquid state sample of a solution containing dissolved plant sample and standard component. A pre-determined and known amount of standard component is present in the liquid state sample and provides a reference for calculating an estimated amount of natural rubber in the plant sample. The estimated amount of natural rubber in the sample can be used to quantify the amount of extractable rubber in the sampled plant.

Abstract: Wavelength spectrums of peaks detected on a chromatogram based on observation data to be processed are extracted to create a spectrum set {Sn?} in which the intensity values of the spectrums are normalized (S10, S11). One wavelength spectrum is selected from the set, and a vector of the wavelength spectrum at each point in time of measurement based on the observation data is projected so as to be perpendicular to the vector of the selected spectrum (S12 to S14). The vectors of the wavelength spectrums in the set {Sn? } are also similarly projected (S15). Consequently, the selected spectrum is erased from the set {Sn?}. The processes from S12 to S16 are repeated until the set {Sn? } does not include a spectrum, and the obtained signals are added (S17). The signal resulting from the addition is a signal indicating the waveform shape of an unknown baseline.

Abstract: In the method of preparing a sample for analysis, a reaction is performed that produces different modified product depending on the sialic acid linkage type when a sialic acid is bound to a sugar chain of an analyte. In this reaction, an analyte containing a sugar chain, an amine containing two or more carbon atoms, and a dehydration-condensation agent are used. The sialic acid linkage type can be identified by analyzing the resulting sample with mass spectrometry etc. This method is applicable not only to free sugar chains but also to glycopeptides and glycoproteins.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for and a method of mass analysis, the apparatus and the method being capable of improving a detection accuracy of a target substance including impurities, without increasing a size of the apparatus, and shortening measuring time. The apparatus analyzing a sample containing a target substance and one or more interfering substances, which have a peak of a mass spectrum overlapping that of the target substance includes: a peak correction unit calculating an intensity of net peak D of the mass spectrum of the target substance by subtracting a total sum of estimated intensities of the peak B, which are calculated every predetermined time interval according to the intensity of the peak A and a nonlinear relation F between the peak A and the peak B, from an intensity of peak C of a mass spectrum of the target substance of the sample.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer includes an ion source configured to generate reagent ions; a drift tube configured to cause sample molecules to react with the reagent ions to generate sample ions, the drift tube comprising two sets of electrodes which are identical in structure and symmetrically distributed in a direction perpendicular to a direction of ion drift, each set of electrodes comprising a plurality of curved cell electrodes which are distributed in a same plane and arranged in the direction of ion drift so that the sample ions are generated and drifted within a region between the two sets of electrodes and focused in the direction perpendicular to the direction of ion drift; a power supply device configured to apply, to each of the cell electrodes, a DC voltage changing in the direction of ion drift; and, a mass analyzer configured to perform mass analysis for the sample ions.

Abstract: A system for sampling a sample material includes a probe which can have an outer probe housing with an open end. A liquid supply conduit within the housing has an outlet positioned to deliver liquid to the open end of the housing. The liquid supply conduit can be connectable to a liquid supply for delivering liquid at a first volumetric flow rate to the open end of the housing. A liquid exhaust conduit within the housing is provided for removing liquid from the open end of the housing. A liquid exhaust system can be provided for removing liquid from the liquid exhaust conduit at a second volumetric flow rate. A droplet dispenser can dispense drops of a sample or a sample-containing solvent into the open end of the housing. A sensor and a processor can be provided to monitor and maintain a liquid dome present at the open end.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus that processes data including a plurality of spectra includes a group setting unit, an extracted data generation unit, and a base vector obtaining unit. The group setting unit classifies the plurality of spectra into a plurality of groups. The extracted data generation unit selects at least one spectrum from each of the groups set by the group setting unit and generates extracted data including the selected spectra. The base vector obtaining unit obtains, from the extracted data generated by the extracted data generation unit, base vectors for attributing the spectra to corresponding components.

Abstract: Methods for identifying fungal species by analysis of fungal membrane lipids, such as glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and sterols, using mass spectrometry ionization patterns are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a time-of-flight mass spectrometer including: an ionization part receiving electron beams to thereby emit ions; a cold electron supply part injecting the electron beams to the ionization part; an ion detection part detecting the ions emitted from the ionization part; and an ion separation part connecting the ionization part and the ion detection part, wherein the cold electron supply part includes a microchannel plate receiving ultraviolet rays to thereby emit the electron beams, the ions emitted from the ionization part pass through the ion separation part to thereby reach the ion detection part, and the ion separation part has a straight tube shape.

Abstract: A method of screening solvents for the solubilization of petroleum hydrocarbons is disclosed. The method includes dissolving petroleum hydrocarbons in a selected solvent to form a first solution, adding an ionic liquid to the first solution and blending to form a second solution and measuring absorbance of the second solution using spectroscopic techniques. The solubilization of petroleum hydrocarbons in the solvent is then determined based on the difference between the measured absorbance of the first and second solution. A system for screening solvents for the solubilization of petroleum hydrocarbons is also disclosed. The system can be used in removal of wax deposition in refinery process equipment, process flow lines, during piping operations, upgradation of wax, prevention of clogging of pipelines, processing of sludge or for removing sludge from petroleum tank installations and enhancing the crude oil flow.