Calibration of an audio-frequency ion trap mass spectrometer

A method for calibration of an audio-frequency (AF) ion trap mass spectrometer is described. The method is proposed to surmount the obstacle that there is a lack of a proper calibrant for mass spectrometers in the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) range of 10(6) to 10(10). To calibrate such mass spectra, we determine the point of ejection, q(eject), on the stability diagram of the ion trap operated in a mass-selective axial instability mode. This is accomplished by measuring the radial secular frequencies (and therefore, the m/z value) of a single trapped particle using a light scattering method, followed by monitoring the action of particle ejection in real time to obtain the q(eject). A delayed ejection with q(eject) = 0.949 +/- 0.004 is found at a trap driving frequency of Ohm/2pi = 200-600Hz. Theoretical analysis for the origin of the delayed ejection indicates that the delay is predominantly resulted from the existence of multipole components in the fields due to trap imperfections. Inclusion of -3% of the octopole with respect to the basic quadrupole field can satisfactorily account for our observations. An m/z accuracy approaching 0.1% is attainable after proper calibration of the AF ion trap mass spectrometer. (Int J Mass Spectrom 214 (2002) 63-73) (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Holosticha hamulata n. sp and Holosticha heterofoissneri Hu and Song, 2001, two urostylid ciliates (Protozoa, Ciliophora) from intertidal sediments of the Yellow Sea

Two marine urostylid ciliates, Holosticha hamulata n. sp. and Holosticha heterofoissneri Hu and Song, 2001, were investigated using live observation and protargol impregnation. Both species were isolated from Korean intertidal sediments of the Yellow Sea. Holosticha hamulata measures about 150 x 25 pro in vivo, and is characterized by a tripartite body shape with a narrow head, an inflated trunk, and a tail that distally projects ventrally forming a hook-like structure. It is the characteristic body shape that distinguishes H. hamulata distinctly from congeners. Holosticha hamulata differs from H. heterofoissneri, possibly the nearest relative, also by the location of the contractile vacuole (ahead of mid-body versus near posterior body third) and the configuration of the macronucleus (on average, 33 scattered nodules assuming a Y-shape versus 17 nodules that may form a U shape). The average number of the macronuclear nodules is a pronounced feature showing great consistency in populations of each species. However, their arrangement is variable in H. heterofoissneri where the nodules are basically scattered or connected by fine fibers forming an elongate U-shape. The location of the contractile vacuole as a taxonomic feature is discussed and a dichotomous key to the species of Holosticha sensu stricto is provided.