Analytical methods and devices are disclosed for separating low abundance analytes by electrophoretically driving the analytes through a sieving matrix to first remove high molecular weight species. Subsequently the remaining low abundance analytes are electrophoretically focused onto a capture membrane where the analytes become bound within a small capture site. After this step the capture membrane may be allowed to dry and then attached to a conductive MALDI sample plate.

Improved methods and devices for concentration and fractionation of analytes for chemical analysis including matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (maldi) mass spectrometry (ms)

Methods for passivating crystalline grains in an active layer for an optoelectronic device and optoelectronic devices having active layers with passivated crystalline grains are disclosed. Crystalline grains of an active layer material and/or window layer material are formed within the nanotubes of an insulating nanotube template. The dimensions of the nanotubes correspond to the dimensions of a crystalline grain formed by the deposition technique used to form the grains. A majority of the surface area of these grains is in contact with the wall of the nanotube template rather than with other grains.

Polycrystalline optoelectronic devices based on templating technique

The present invention concerns methods for treating progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) in a patient, and an article of manufacture with instructions for such use.

Methods for treating progressive multiple sclerosis

Disclosed are compositions and methods for sensitive detection of one or multiple analytes. In general, the methods involve the use of special label components, referred to as reporter signals, that can be associated with, incorporated into, or otherwise linked to the analytes. In some embodiments, the reporter signals can be altered such that the altered forms of different reporter signals can be distinguished from each other. In some embodiments, sets of reporter signals can be distinguished from each other. In some embodiments, sets of reporter signals can be used where two or more of the reporter signals in a set have one or more common properties that allow the reporter signals having the common property to be distinguished and/or separated from other molecules lacking the common property. In other embodiments, sets of reporter signal/analyte conjugates can be used where two or more of the reporter signal/analyte conjugates in a set have one or more common properties that allow the reporter signal/analyte conjugates having the common property to be distinguished and/or separated form other molecules lacking the common property. Reporter signals can also be in conjunction with analytes (such as in mixtures of reporter signals and analytes), where no significant physical association between the reporter signals and analytes occurs; or alone, where no analyte is present.

Ultra-sensitive detection systems

The described implementations relate to assisted face recognition tagging of digital images, and specifically to context-driven assisted face recognition tagging. In one case, context-driven assisted face recognition tagging (CDAFRT) tools can access face images associated with a photo gallery. The CDAFRT tools can perform context-driven face recognition to identify individual face images at a specified probability. In such a configuration, the probability that the individual face images are correctly identified can be higher than attempting to identify individual face images in isolation.

Assisted face recognition tagging

Polypeptides are electroblotted through a digestion membrane to a composite capture membrane that can be directly analyzed using mass spectrometry. The molecular weights of the fragments generated by the digestion membrane are then used to identify the polypeptide from which they originated. The digestion membrane contains an immobilized protease such as trypsin, which cleaves the electroblotted polypeptides into fragments during electroblotting with such high enzyme cleavage capacity and efficiency that one pass of the polypeptide through the membrane is sufficient. The peptide fragments are collected onto a composite capture membrane that is chemically treated, for example by adding a mixture of nitrocellulose and MALDI matrix, so as to absorb peptides near the surface to facilitate desportion, thereby increasing the sensitivity of subsequent analysis by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. A wide variety of application are disclosed including identifying proteins separated on a gel or within a tissue sample.

Method and apparatus for the identification and quantification of biomolecules

Polypeptides, for example those separated on a gel, are electroblotted through a digestion membrane to a composite capture membrane that can be directly analyzed using mass spectrometry. The molecular weights of the fragments generated by the digestion membrane are then used to identify the polypeptide from which they originated. The digestion membrane contains an immobilized protease such as trypsin, which cleaves the electroblotted proteins into fragments during electroblotting with such high enzyme cleavage capacity and efficiency that one pass of the polypeptide through the membrane is sufficient. The peptide fragments are collected onto a composite capture membrane that is chemically treated, for example, by adding a mixture of nitrocellulose and MALDI matrix, so as to absorb peptides near the surface to facilitate desportion, thereby increasing the sensitivity of subsequent analysis by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. In one application, labeling of proteins with reagents containing combinations of stable heavy isotopes prior to electroblotting and digestion permits the relative quantification of protein expression in two or more samples in a single operation. In another application, the gel containing separated polypeptides is replaced by a tissue sample, or blot of a tissue sample. The polypeptides from the tissue sample are then electroblotted through the digestion membrane onto the capture membrane, permitting the imaging of the tissue based on the proteins identified by mass spectrometry.

Kenneth G. Parker

Papers

Method and apparatus for the identification and quantification of biomolecules

Method and apparatus for the identification and qualification of biomolecules

Verfahren und gerät für die identifikation und zuordnung von biomolekülen