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Recent Improvements in Benchtop GC–MSThe 30-year history of advances in gas chromatography–mass spectrometry technology continues today. Recent improvements in hardware, electronics, and data analysis software have resulted in new levels of productivity and sensitivity that have broadened the potential applications for this laboratory mainstay.
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Book Review: Atomic Spectroscopy in Elemental Analysis, MIchael Cullen, ed., (Blackwell Publishing, 2004) [PDF]This book covers most of the popular atomic spectroscopy methods used for the determination of the elemental composition of materials.
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Simple and Effective Control of Spectral Overlap Interferences in ICP-MSThe authors discuss a new approach to the control of spectral overlap interferences in inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry.
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Rapid Multielement Nanoparticle Analysis Using Single-Particle ICP-MS/MSComplex isobaric and polyatomic spectral interferences can be mitigated using triple quadrupole ICP-MS (ICP-MS/MS) with a collision–reaction cell (CRC). This configuration allows for the multielement characterization and detection of smaller nanoparticle sizes.
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Photovoltaic Device Characterization Using the UVISEL Spectroscopic EllipsometerHORIBA Jobin Yvon, Inc.
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Why Use Signal-To-Noise As a Measure of MS Performance When It Is Often Meaningless?Signal-to-noise of a chromatographic peak from a single measurement has been used determine the performance of two different MS systems, but this parameter can no longer be universally applied and often fails to provide meaningful estimates of the instrument detection limits (IDL).
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A New Tool for Mass Analysis of Unknown Molecules: High-Resolution Multistep Tandem MS with Wide Dynamic Range Quantitative AnalysisMass spectrometers are effective for identifying and quantifying unknown molecules, such as disease-related proteins and small molecules in pharmaceutical research and medical diagnosis. In addition, mass spectrometry (MS) can be particularly powerful when analyzing molecules with complex structures, such as posttranslationally modified proteins. Among various MS approaches, high-resolution multistep tandem MS (MS-MS) is an emerging methodology for accurate identification of complex molecules. In this article, we describe a new approach for mass analysis with enhanced quantitative capability combined with high-resolution multistep MS-MS, where the dynamic range of quantitation covers four orders of magnitude.
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Determination of Low Levels of Chromium in Biological Samples by ICP-MS Using Hydrogen as a Reaction GasChromium is a key ingredient in a number of metal alloys used for metal implants which, despite being coated with inert surface layer coatings, can break down over time as a result of biocorrosion. Leeching of metal ions from implants into surrounding bone, tissue, and body fluids can cause severe health problems. Although the toxicity of the metal is low, there is a potential health risk if chromium ions enter the body. In ICP-MS, the chromium (52Cr) signal can be affected by interference from the recombination of background plasma 40Ar and sample-specific matrix 12C. To eliminate this interference, hydrogen can be used in the iCRC as a reaction gas to allow accurate analysis of 52Cr. Results using certified clinical standards of chromium in blood, plasma, urine, and serum clearly demonstrate the benefit of using hydrogen as a collision gas to remove the argon-carbide polyatomic interference. This study shows that ICP-MS is an essential tool for clinical monitoring of metal ions in complex matrices and that hydrogen iCRC gas allowed for greater accuracy and a lower level of quantitation in clinical matrices.
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A New Tool for Mass Analysis of Unknown Molecules: High-Resolution Multistep Tandem MS with Wide Dynamic Range Quantitative AnalysisMass spectrometers are effective for identifying and quantifying unknown molecules, such as disease-related proteins and small molecules in pharmaceutical research and medical diagnosis. In addition, mass spectrometry (MS) can be particularly powerful when analyzing molecules with complex structures, such as posttranslationally modified proteins. Among various MS approaches, high-resolution multistep tandem MS (MS-MS) is an emerging methodology for accurate identification of complex molecules. In this article, we describe a new approach for mass analysis with enhanced quantitative capability combined with high-resolution multistep MS-MS, where the dynamic range of quantitation covers four orders of magnitude.
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Spectroscopy Is Applied Quantum Mechanics, Part IV: Ideal SystemsIn Parts I-III of this series, columnist David W. Ball recounted the failings of classical mechanics, the quantum hypothesis, and the rise of a new theory called quantum mechanics. In this installment, he discusses the ideal systems whose wavefunctions can be determined exactly from the Schr?dinger equation.
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Targeted Quantitative Protein Analysis in Human Serum Using High-Resolution Multiple Selected Reaction Monitoring AssaysA common endpoint for a biomarker discovery experiment is a list of putative marker proteins. The next step is then to perform targeted quantitative measurements of these proteins in an expanded patient population to assess their validity as markers. Analytical accuracy and precision are required for unambiguous quantitative analysis of targeted proteins from very complex mixtures. Wide dynamic range and high sensitivity are critical for detecting low-abundance proteins. Such an assay also is appropriate for "targeted discovery" experiments, where the goal is to quantitate a large number (up to hundreds) of known proteins in a complex sample.
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Rapid Micro-Sampling by ATR/FT-IRIn ATR/FT-IR, magnified visual monitoring of a sample benefits many applications. For micro-sampling and defect analysis, viewing capabilities decrease overall measurement time by allowing the user to locate the desired sampling area quickly and enhance confidence in the collected data by assuring the sampling point. Visual changes in the sample also may be easily monitored during testing. As an example application, the ease of micro-sampling is shown through fiber analysis and the results are discussed.
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Electron-Capture Dissociation in a Radio-Frequency Linear Ion TrapHere we describe a new compact device for electron-capture dissociation (ECD) analysis of large peptides and posttranslational modifications of proteins, which can be difficult to analyze via conventional dissociation techniques such as collision-induced dissociation (CID). The new compact device realizes ECD in a radio frequency (RF) linear ion trap equipped with a small permanent magnet, which is significantly different than the large and maintenance-intensive superconducting magnet required for conventional ECD in Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometers. In addition to its compactness and ease of operation, an additional merit of an RF linear ion trap ECD is that its reaction speed is fast, comparable to CID, enabling data acquisition on the liquid-chromatography (LC) time scale. We interfaced the linear-trap ECD device to a time-of-flight mass spectrometer to obtain ECD spectra of phosphorylated peptides injected into a liquid chromatograph, infused glycopeptides, and intact small..
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High-Resolution Ultrasonic Spectroscopy: Analysis of Microemulsions (PDF)This article introduces the application of high-resolution ultrasonic spectroscopy for the analysis of emulsions and suspensions.
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2024 Review of Spectroscopic InstrumentationThis review covers products introduced in the spectroscopy space between May 2023 and April 2024.
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Raman Microscopy in Art and Archeology: Illumination of Historical Mysteries in Rock Art and Frescoes (PDF)This article describes the use of Raman microscopy to investigate historical mysteries in rock art and frescoes.
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High Resolution 1H NMR Spectroscopy of Metabolically Active Microorganisms Using Non-Destructive Magic Angle Spinning (PDF)The authors show that high resolution 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy can be used to study biofilm metabolism under environmentally relevant conditions in a minimally invasive way.
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Peptide Mapping of Monoclonal Antibodies and Antibody–Drug Conjugates Using Micro-Pillar Array Columns Combined with Mass SpectrometryThe structural complexity of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) challenges the capabilities of even the most advanced chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. This study examines the use of micro-pillar array columns in combination with mass spectrometry for peptide mapping of both mAbs and antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs).
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From the Editor – Hot Topics in Spectroscopy: The SciX 2021 Preview and Companion GuideThis issue contains interviews that provide an excellent sampling of the fascinating science that will be presented at this year’s SciX conference.
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Resonance Light Scattering Spectrum of the Alizarin Green-CTMAB-Nucleic Acids System and Determination of Nucleic Acids at Nanogram LevelsThe study of the interaction mechanism of nucleic acids-CTMAB with AG showed that the enhanced RLS comes from the aggregation of AG on nucleic acids through the bridged and synergistic effect of CTMAB.
