Abstract: A method and device for forming large arrays of polymers on a substrate (401). According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the substrate is contacted by a channel block (407) having channels (409) therein. Selected reagents are delivered through the channels, the substrate is rotated by a rotating stage (403), and the process is repeated to form arrays of polymers on the substrate. The method may be combined with light-directed methodolgies.

Abstract: The invention aims to provide a highly accurate automatic biopolymer determination technique utilizing mass spectrometry whereby calibration prior to measurement or the addition of an internal standard to a sample can be eliminated. The biopolymer automatic identifying method of the invention comprises: retrieving a candidate molecule by matching an observed mass value X obtained by mass spectrometry with a predetermined database; selecting an arbitrary number of candidate molecules with high similarity scores; calibrating the observed mass value X using the candidate molecule as an internal standard; calculating relative error Ec between a calibrated mass value Xc and a theoretical mass value M of the candidate molecule; determining the standard deviation SEc of the relative error; determining a tolerance Tc of database search from the standard deviation SEc; and repeating a database search based on the tolerance Tc.

Abstract: Sensor devices and compositions can be used for detecting the presence of a target substance in a medium. The sensor devices and compositions can be configured to include at least one nanosensor through a high concentration of nanosensors that interact with the target substance to provide a detectable signal as an indication of such an interaction. The interaction is evidence that the medium includes the target substance. Various types of target substances can be detected with the sensor device, including inorganic molecules, organic molecules, atoms, ions, polypeptides, polynucleotides, cells, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides, as a method of analyzing the C-terminal amino acid sequence of a peptide with use of reaction technique for successively releasing the C-terminal amino acids, in which undesirable side reactions, such as cleavage of a peptide bond at the middle of the peptide, can be prevented and chemical treatments therein can be carried out under widely applicable conditions in the course of successive release of the C-terminal amino acids from a peptide, such a method comprising steps of dehydrating the gel on which a target peptide that has been separated by gel electrophoresis is held in the bound state; immersing it in a mixture solution of an alkanoic acid anhydride added with a small amount of a perfluoroalkanoic acid in a dipolar aprotic solvent to re-swell the gel carrier, forming a 5-oxazolone structure, at a temperature chosen in the range of from 30° C. to 80° C.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying and quantifying polypeptides in a sample. The methods include the steps of labeling peptides in a polypeptide sample with an isotope tag; adding a plurality of peptide standards to the polypeptide sample, wherein the peptide standards are labeled with an isotopically distinct version of the isotope tag; resolving the labeled sample and standard peptides into a plurality of fractions; analyzing the resolved fractions using mass spectrometry; identifying an isotope-tagged sample peptide in an analyzed fraction; and determining the amount of the identified isotope-tagged sample peptide in the analyzed fraction by comparison to the amount of isotope tagged standard peptide in the same fraction.

Abstract: The present invention provides, as for a method for analyzing the C-terminal amino acid sequence of a peptide by using a reaction for successively releasing the C-terminal amino acids of the peptide, which method can suppress, when successively releasing the C-terminal amino acids of a peptide of long amino acid length, such a undesirable side reaction as cleavage of peptide bond in the intermediate position of the peptide and can carry out the chemical treatment thereof under widely applicable conditions, a following method wherein a dry sample of a peptide with long amino acid length is beforehand subjected to an N-acylation treatment; by using a reaction reagent where an alkanoic acid anhydride is combined with a small amount of a perfluoroalkanoic acid, successive release of C-terminal amino acids is conducted under mild conditions; a hydrolysis treatment is applied; then, selective fragmentization at site of arginine residue is performed by digestion by trypsin; thereafter, decreases in molecular weight

Abstract: A method of making a test device comprised of a container divided into two chambers, each holding a volume of a clear test liquid, the chambers separated by a porous barrier. The liquid is introduced into the lower chamber by adding a liquid to the upper chamber through the open top of the container and then applying a vacuum to completely evacuate air from the lower chamber by drawing the air through the barrier and liquid in the upper chamber. Restoring air pressure forces liquid in the upper chamber into the lower chamber, to completely fill the same while leaving a volume of liquid in the upper chamber. The application of a vacuum is preferably carried out by placing the container with liquid in a receptacle containing a liquid to be boiled, heating the liquid to boil the same and thereafter condensing the vapor with the receptacle sealed to develop a very high vacuum which draws the air out from the lower chamber of the container.

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions for diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with decreased nitric oxide bioavailability, such as a condition associated with elevated arginase activity, using an arginine- and/or arginase-inhibitor based therapy, which therapies include administration of arginine or an arginase inhibitor, either alone or in combination. The invention also contemplates administration of magnesium with arginine, an arginase inhibitor, or with arginine-arginase inhibitor combination therapy. The invention also features methods and compositions for diagnosis, including prognosis, of conditions associated with arginase activity by assessing the ratio of arginine to ornithine in samples from a subject.

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions for diagnosis, including prognosis, of conditions associated with decreased arginine bioavailability (which can result from dysregulated arginine metabolism, e.g., due to increased arginase activity) by assessing in a sample from a subject the ratio of arginine to one or more, usually two or more, modulators of arginine bioavailability. In one embodiment, the ratio of arginine to (ornithine+citrulline) is assessed to aid in diagnosis.

Abstract: Mass spectrometry techniques for determining the status of sepsis in an individual are provided. A biomarker profile resolved from a biological sample, taken from the individual, using a mass spectrometry technique is compared to a reference biomarker profile. A single such comparison classifies the individual as belonging to or not belonging to a reference population. The individual's biomarker profile and the reference biomarker profile comprise a plurality of ions each having a mass-to-charge ratio of about 100 Daltons to about 1000 Daltons. The plurality of ions can be detected by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in positive mode. The comparison uses a decision rule, such as a classification tree, that determines the status of sepsis in the individual without requiring knowledge of the identity of the biomarkers in the biomarker profile from the individual and without requiring knowledge of the identity of the biomarkers in the reference biomarker profile.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are biomarkers for determining gamma radiation exposure by an animal or human. The biomarkers include 3-hydroxy-2-methylbenzoic acid 3-O-sulfate, N-hexanoylglycine, ?-thymidine, taurine, xanthine, xanthosine, 2?-deoxyuridine, 2?-deoxycytidine, 2?-deoxyxanthosine, or any salt, ion, or combination thereof. Also disclosed are methods for determining gamma radiation exposure by an animal or human, which include the step of measuring the amount of one or more biomarkers specific to gamma radiation in the biological fluid and correlating the amount of said biomarkers to the amount of gamma radiation exposure by the animal or human. Systems for determining gamma radiation exposure by an animal or human and methods of treating an animal or human for gamma radiation exposure are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described are general means and methods of diagnosing and treating the phenotypic spectrum as well as the overlapping clinical characteristics with several forms of inherited abnormal expression and/or function of the CYP2B6 genes. In particular, polynucleotides of molecular variant CYP2B6 genes which, for example, are associated with insufficient metabolization and/or sensitively of drugs, and vectors comprising such polynucleotides are provided. Furthermore, host cells comprising such polynucleotides or vectors and their use for the production of variant CYP2B6 proteins are described. In addition, variant CYP2B6 proteins and antibodies specifically recognizing such proteins as well as transgenic non-human animals comprising the above-described polynucleotide or vectors are provided. Described are also methods for identifying and obtaining inhibitors for therapy of disorders related to the malfunction of the CYP2B6 gene as well as methods of diagnosing the status of such disorders.

Abstract: Mass spectrometry techniques for determining the status of sepsis in an individual are provided. A biomarker profile resolved from a biological sample, taken from the individual, using a mass spectrometry technique is compared to a reference biomarker profile. A single such comparison classifies the individual as belonging to or not belonging to a reference population. The individual's biomarker profile and the reference biomarker profile comprise a plurality of ions each having a mass-to-charge ratio of about 100 Daltons to about 1000 Daltons. The plurality of ions can be detected by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in positive mode. The comparison uses a decision rule, such as a classification tree, that determines the status of sepsis in the individual without requiring knowledge of the identity of the biomarkers in the biomarker profile from the individual and without requiring knowledge of the identity of the biomarkers in the reference biomarker profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and allosteric modulators thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to allosteric modulators of GPCRs that interact at an intracellular binding site. It also relates to methods for designing or identifying small molecule allosteric modulators, including assays (such as competitive binding assays) and methods employing a homology model for the GPCR intracellular site.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of neurological, physiological and psychotic dysfunctions associated with a mental disorder such as schizophrenia, or a predisposition therefor. The invention further relates to genes and proteins, which, when varied in their normal expression, their nucleic acid sequence or in their activity, are associated with the mental disorder. Accordingly, the present invention relates to methods for diagnosis and to methods for prevention and/or treatment of a mental disorder. The present invention additionally relates to compositions for use in diagnosis and to kits for diagnosis of a mental disorder. The invention also relates to the use of a protein or polynucleotide for the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment and/or prevention and to a pharmaceutical composition for use in prevention and/or treatment of a mental disorder. Further, the invention relates to methods for screening for a modulator of a mental disorder.

Abstract: When a liquid mixture of two samples such as biological samples labeled with stable isotopes is subjected to a relative quantitative analysis using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system, various constituents are simultaneously ionized. Accordingly, sufficient time required for second mass spectrometry is not ensured, whereby some ions remain unanalyzed after measurement. To address this problem, after second mass spectrometry, amino acid sequencing is performed using the analysis data of the second mass spectrometry, which enables determination on the presence/absence of a specific amino acid labeled with a stable isotope. When the specific amino acid is present, the m/z value of an isotopically-labeled-paired ion in an MS spectrum is calculated, and non-target information for use in second mass spectrometry is created using the calculated m/z information.

Abstract: The present Invention provides novel methods for immortalizing cells that secrete antibodies of one or more specific isotypes. Polyclonal, oligoclonal, and monoclonal populations of cells obtained using the methods of the Invention can be screened on the basis of the functional and/or binding activities of the antibodies they secrete, for example directed to antigens of human or viral origin having medical interest, in cell culture conditions. Using these methods, human B cells that secrete antibodies binding human Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex Virus, or HSP60 protein have been efficiently immortalized with Epstein-Barr virus.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides the asymmetric cyanine fluorescent dyes of formula I in which X, n, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and Y? are as defined in the specification. The present disclosure also provides conjugates of the fluorescent dyes, methods for preparation thereof, compositions comprising the fluorescent dyes, and methods for staining biological samples using the fluorescent dyes and compositions thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel methods and materials for encoding and decoding information on individual molecules through the use of nano-tags, nano-barcodes, or modifications of a native molecule.

Abstract: An analyte peptide is selectively degraded sequentially by using an alkanoic anhydride (S101). The original peptide and a series of degradation reaction products having peptide in which one or more C-terminal-sided amino acids are deleted, are subjected to a certain posttreatment (S102). The molecular weight of the reaction products is measured by mass spectrometry (S103). And, the amino acid sequence of the original peptide from C-terminal is determined, based on the molecular weight obtained by mass spectrometry (S104).

Abstract: A microfluidic device for analysing a fluid sample comprises at least one sample transmission channel; at least one multi-functional channel; and at least one reactor module which provides a fluid connection between the sample transmission channel and the multi-functional channel. Each reactor module comprises at least one reaction chamber, having at least one inlet in fluid communication with the sample transmission channel(s); and at least one fluid isolation chamber, which is in fluid communication with the outlet(s) of the reaction chamber(s). The fluid isolation chamber serves to isolate the fluid sample from the multi-functional channel(s).

Abstract: The present invention refers to analog compounds of peptides having the amino acid sequences SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4, including analgesic peptides derived from snakes of species such as Crotalus durissus terrificus; their uses in the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of painful conditions or mediated by opioid receptors, their pharmaceutical compositions and their methods of preparation and purification, including their uses in the identification of analgesic compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to method for quantification of the absolute amount of allergen in an allergen sample comprising: a) providing a known amount of one or more allergen calibration standard peptide(s) having a sequence of amino acids which is identical with, and optionally unique for, a sequence to be found in the allergen to be quantified and optionally labelling said allergen calibration standard peptide(s), b) degrading the allergen sample to obtain a mixture of peptides, and optionally labelling said peptides with one or more labelling agent(s), wherein at least the peptides in the degraded allergen sample or the calibration standard peptides are labelled, and if both the peptides in the degraded allergen sample and the allergen calibration standard peptide(s) are labelled, the labelling agent(s) used for labelling the allergen calibration standard peptide(s) are different from the labelling agent(s) used for labelling the peptides of the degraded allergen sample, c) quantifying the absolute amount of

Abstract: Analytical reagents and mass spectrometry-based methods using these reagents for the rapid, and quantitative analysis of proteins or protein function in mixtures of proteins. The methods employ affinity labeled protein reactive reagents having three portions: an affinity label (A) covalently linked to a protein reactive group (PRG) through a linker group (L). The linker may be differentially isotopically labeled, e.g., by substitution of one or more atoms in the linker with a stable isotope thereof. These reagents allow for the selective isolation of peptide fragments or the products of reaction with a given protein (e.g., products of enzymatic reaction) from complex mixtures. The isolated peptide fragments or reaction products are characteristic of the presence of a protein or the presence of a protein function in those mixtures. Isolated peptides or reaction products are characterized by mass spectrometric (MS) techniques.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for specifically recovering a C-terminal peptide fragment, and a method for easily determining the sequence of a C-terminal peptide fragment, which is difficult to be determined by a conventional method, with the use of a mass spectrometer, in particular a method capable of de novo sequencing of a C-terminal peptide fragment. A method for selectively recovering a C-terminal peptide of a protein, comprising the steps of: in a cleavage product of a protein containing a C-terminal peptide fragment (A) having an ?-amino group but not having an ?-amino group and the other peptide fragments (B) having an ?-amino group and an ?-amino group, selectively modifying the ?-amino groups to obtain a C-terminal peptide fragment modified (A?) and the other peptide fragments modified (B?); and separating the C-terminal peptide fragment modified (A?) from the modified cleavage product by allowing a carrier to hold the other peptide fragments modified (B?) via the ?-amino group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel mimetopes of anti-PSMA antibodies and their use for detecting, imaging, staging, treating and monitoring of prostate cancer, and/or metastatis thereof. The present invention also relates to novel pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of prostate cancer. Furthermore the present invention relates to assay systems and kits for detecting, imaging, staging, treating and monitoring of prostate cancer, and/or metastasis thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel biomarker which can be used to determine the extent of interference of a substance with the farnesyl pathway.

Abstract: The invention discloses a detection method using nanoaggregate-embedded beads and system thereof, which are characterized in that the nanoaggregate of Raman dye and metal nanoparticles is coated by an inorganic oxide to form a nanoaggregate-embedded bead, and which is then conjugated with a probe molecule to form a sensor bead. The Raman spectra of the product formed by binding of the sensor bead and an analyte in a sample is detected for determining whether the analyte exists in the sample. In embodiment, the pH of the solution of metal nanoparticles is controlled to keep at 10, and the concentration of the Raman dye is controlled to keep between 1×10?6M and 2×10?6M for reducing the size of the nanoaggregate.

Abstract: The invention relates to the chemical-pharmaceutical industry and specifically to mix for quality control of the medicine “Glycine tablets for sublingual applying 0.1” and its preparation method. The method involves process of analysis by dissolution of 2.5 g of porphyrized tablets in 250 ml of purified water and light transmission spectrophotometer examination at a wave length of 700±2 in a cuvet with layer thickness of 10 mm relative to purified water Process of dissolution takes 20 minutes and is carried out at a temperature of 370° C. in the apparatus for dissolving determination at a paddle rotation speed of 150 rpm. After mix is dissolved it is allowed for 10 minutes then there are selected 4 ml for light transmission analysis. Mix for quality control includes water in a ratio 100:1 to porphyrized tablets, containing in one tablet 0.101 g microcapsules of non-agglomerated crystals of amino-acetic acid covered with polymeric film of water-soluble methylcellulose, MC-100 and 0.001 g of magnesium stearate.

Abstract: Methods for characterizing the near term risk of experiencing a major adverse cardiac event in a patient presenting with chest pain are provided. In one embodiment the method comprises determining the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in a bodily sample obtained from the patient. In another embodiment, the method comprises determining the level of MPO mass in a bodily sample obtained from the patient. In another embodiment, the method comprises determining the level of one or more select MPO-generated oxidation products in a bodily sample obtained from the patient. The select MPO-generated oxidation products are dityrosine, nitrotyrosine, chlorotyrosine, methionine sulphoxide or an MPO-generated lipid peroxidation product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and an apparatus device for processing a biological and/or chemical sample. The device comprises at least one sample processing chamber having an inlet at a first end and a penetrable sealing layer at a second end that forms at least a part of an inner wall of the sample processing chamber. The sealing layer is adapted to seal off the sample processing chamber from the environment until said sealing layer is penetrated to form an outlet. The device and apparatus also includes an absorption layer, wherein upon penetration of said sealing layer, said absorption layer is in fluid contact with said sealing layer and is capable of absorbing fluid released from said sample processing chamber, via the outlet. The present invention also relates to a fluid separation device. The fluid separation device comprises a penetrable sealing layer adapted to form a wall of a sample processing chamber of the device of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and compositions for identifying ion channel modulating compounds, including atrial-selective antiarrhythmic agents and ion channel modulating compounds that preferentially modulate K+ channels. The ion channel modulating compounds identified according to these methods are associated with a reduced incidence of ventricular proarrhythmia.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for analyzing compounds with amino group(s) contained in biological organisms. In this method, a compound with amino group(s) is derivatized and then the derivative of the compound with amino group(s) is eluted by liquid chromatography using a stepwise elution means on a concentration gradient. Subsequently, the derivative of the compound with amino group(s) eluted from the liquid chromatography is detected by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel reactive fluorescent compounds that incorporate stable isotopic (deuterium, 13-carbon, 15-nitrogen, 18-oxygen) substitutions. The invention includes the use of these compounds, in combination with non-isotopically substituted analogs, for the purification, identification and relative quantification of proteins, peptides, saccharides, metabolites, and other biologically important compounds by combining liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometry (MS). Fluorescent labeling of target compounds in this manner provides orders-of-magnitude sensitivity enhancement over traditional stable isotope labels, and also affords the possibility of simultaneous multiplexed analysis due to the multiwavelength nature of different fluorophores.

Abstract: A method for preparing receptor-coated particles is described which comprises the following steps: a) providing a support body, b) conducting a liquid containing particles into or onto the support body, c) immobilizing the particles on at least one surface area of the support body, d) conducting a liquid which contains receptors or receptor building blocks for synthesizing polymeric receptors over the immobilized particles, e) coupling the receptors or receptor building blocks location—or/and time-specifically to the immobilized particles at in each case predetermined positions of the support body, f) repeating, where appropriate, the steps (d) and (e), until the desired receptors have been synthesized on the immobilized particles at the in each case predetermined positions of the support body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit for mass labelling of peptides in two or more samples, comprising a set of mass tagging reagents for reaction at the N-terminals of the peptides and a set of mass balancing reagents for reaction at the C-terminals of the peptides, or vice versa, and wherein each mass tagging reagent in the set is matched with mass balancing reagent(s) in such a way that the sum of the masses from all matched mass tagging and mass balancing reagents is equal. The invention also relates to a method of using said mass labels and a database for use in said method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the methods of identifying and quantifying polypeptides in a given sample by mass spectrometric analysis. More specifically, the invention provides the methods for sample preparation for proteomic analysis: the methods for the fragmentation of proteins into peptides with the specific cleavage rule (cleavage at amino-terminal or carboxyl-terminal of aspartic acid), which are suitable for the analysis by mass spectrometry apparatus.

Abstract: Assays are preformed to determine nutrient deficiency levels in an individual to address the deficiencies and improve health and longevity. Nutraceutical and cosmeceutical products containing nanoencapsulated active ingredients are provided, in addition to dietary, exercise, sleep, and other lifestyle recommendations.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying candidate biomarkers in the plasma microparticle proteome. It also provides methods for isolating, identifying, and analyzing microparticles derived from plasma, particularly platelet-poor plasma.

Abstract: A mutated TSHR preparation which includes at least one point mutation characterised in that at least amino acid Arg at a position corresponding to amino acid 255 of a full length human TSHR has been mutated to a different amino acid residue in said mutated TSHR preparation, whereby said mutated TSHR preparation differentially interacts with patient serum stimulating TSHR autoantibodies, patient serum blocking TSHR autoantibodies and TSH, in that (i) the stimulatory effect of patient serum stimulating TSHR autoantibodies interacting with the mutated TSHR preparation is substantially reduced or essentially abolished, when compared to the stimulatory effect of the patient serum stimulating TSHR autoantibodies interacting with a reference TSHR preparation which has an amino acid sequence corresponding to that of said mutated TSHR preparation with the exception that said mutation of Arg at a position corresponding to amino acid 255 of a full length human TSHR is not present in said reference TSHR preparation, (ii)

Abstract: Methods of evaluating molecular isomers of branched-chain amino acids are featured. The methods can include: derivatizing one or more molecular isomers of branched-chain amino acids in a sample comprising a branched-chain amino acid labeled with one or more heavy atoms as a first standard; adding, to the sample, after derivatization, a nonderivatized or derivatized branched chain amino acid that is labeled with one or more heavy atoms, as a second standard; evaluating the sample using tandem mass spectrometry; and detecting peaks indicative of derivatized and nonderivatized forms of one or more branched-chain amino acids in the sample.

Abstract: The disclosed methods address the identification of myocardial ischemia and myocardial infarction using metabolomics, as well as the identification of metabolic products whose differential expression over time is indicative of myocardial ischemia and/or myocardial infarction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic tests, methods and kits that are useful to assess a subject's risk of developing a pathologic condition related in part to the presence of HDL oxidation product. Measuring the quantity of one or more HDL oxidation products present in the blood is useful in evaluating risk for developing or evaluating the severity of a disease or evaluating response to treatment for such a disease as, for instance, cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: A fast and sensitive method and device for protein sequencing are disclosed. The method uses a combination of Edman degradation chemistry and mass spectrometry to sequence proteins and polypeptides. A peptide degradation reaction is performed on a polypeptide or protein ion reactant in the gas phase. The reaction yields a first ion product corresponding to a first amino acid residue of the polypeptide or protein reactant and a polypeptide or protein fragment ion. The mass-to-charge ratio for the first ion product, or the polypeptide or protein fragment ion, or both, is then determined. The first amino acid residue of the polypeptide or protein reactant is then identified from the mass-to-charge ratio so determined.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a plurality of amino acids in a fluid sample by a user is provided comprising the steps of introducing the sample into a buffer solution, passing the sample in the buffer solution through a separation column and setting a lithium ion concentration in the buffer to no more than 0.3 mols/L up to a time before ?-aminoisobutyric acid (?-AiBA) is eluted.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to the analysis of dissociation spectrum data that includes spectral peaks that represent fragments of a parent ion. The parent ion includes molecular subunits that are connected at cleavage sites. The technology accesses the dissociation spectrum data and determines a reference mass of one of the fragments where at least one of the molecular subunits in the fragment is unknown. The technology also selects a candidate parent ion description from a database of molecule descriptions where a computed ion mass of the candidate parent ion description matches the reference mass and scores the candidate parent ion description.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of Hepatitis B variants exhibiting a reduced sensitivity to nucleoside analogues, both in vivo and in vitro. More in particular, reverse transcriptase mutant rtA181S is provided. Present invention provides assays and methods for detecting such variant, which assays are useful in monitoring anti-viral therapeutic regimes and adjusting patient therapy. A diagnostic kit for detecting the presence of an HBV variant in a biological sample has also been described.

Abstract: An analyte peptide is selectively degraded sequentially by using an alkanoic anhydride (S101). The original peptide and a series of degradation reaction products having peptide in which one or more C-terminal-sided amino acids are deleted, are subjected to a certain posttreatment (S102). The molecular weight of the reaction products is measured by mass spectrometry (S103). And, the amino acid sequence of the original peptide from C-terminal is determined, based on the molecular weight obtained by mass spectrometry (S104).

Abstract: In proteomic research, it is often necessary to screen a large number of polypeptides for the presence of stable structure. Described herein are methods (referred to as MALDI MS-HX and SUPREX) for measuring the stability of proteins in a rapid, high-throughput fashion. The method employs hydrogen exchange to estimate the stability of quantities of unpurified protein extracts, using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. A method of quantitatively determining the stability of a test protein under native conditions is disclosed.

Abstract: Amino acids other than glutamic acid are used as a metabotropic glutamate receptor activator. More preferably, aspartic acid, valine and cysteine are used as a group I metabotropic glutamate receptor activator; alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, ornithine, taurine and hydroxyproline are used as a group II metabotropic glutamate receptor activator; and cysteine is used as a group III metabotropic glutamate receptor activator.