Orbital period change of Dimorphos due to the DART kinetic impact.

The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft successfully performed the first test of a kinetic impactor for asteroid deflection by impacting Dimorphos, the secondary of near-Earth binary asteroid (65803) Didymos, and changing the orbital period of Dimorphos. A change in orbital period of approximately 7 min was expected if the incident momentum from the DART spacecraft was directly transferred to the asteroid target in a perfectly inelastic collision1, but studies of the probable impact conditions and asteroid properties indicated that a considerable momentum enhancement (ß) was possible2,3. In the years before impact, we used lightcurve observations to accurately determine the pre-impact orbit parameters of Dimorphos with respect to Didymos4-6. Here we report the change in the orbital period of Dimorphos as a result of the DART kinetic impact to be -33.0 ± 1.0 (3σ) min. Using new Earth-based lightcurve and radar observations, two independent approaches determined identical values for the change in the orbital period. This large orbit period change suggests that ejecta contributed a substantial amount of momentum to the asteroid beyond what the DART spacecraft carried.

On-substrate derivatization for detection of highly volatile G-series chemical warfare agents via paper spray mass spectrometry.

RATIONALE: The analysis of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) from ambient atmosphere presents an analytical challenge due to their ease of degradation and volatility. Herein is described a method for derivatizing CWAs directly onto a paper spray substrate prior to analysis. This derivatization allows for much longer times of analysis without sample degradation and with little to no sample preparation. METHODS: Derivatization was performed using 2-[(dimethylamino)methyl] phenol both in-vial and directly on paper spray cartridges. Solution studies were carried out over time and samples were analyzed via liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) operated in positive ion mode. Paper spray substrates impregnated with the derivatizing agent prior to CWA vapor capture were also analyzed over time using a mass spectrometer operated in positive ion mode. RESULTS: Use of 2-[(dimethylamino)methyl] phenol as a paper spray substrate dopant enables derivatization of G-series compounds into lower volatility complexes. The reaction occurs in solution and in the vapor phase. This new technique effectively traps and captures G-series agents for analysis while extending the time for which the compound remains absorbed. The complex is highly suitable for direct analysis via paper spray mass spectrometry. CONCLUSIONS: Derivatization of paper spray substrates was shown to greatly increase the time for analysis of CWAs. This technique, combined with the vapor phase capture stage outlined previously, allows for rapid, quantitative CWA detection by paper spray ionization with little or no sample preparation.

Rapid liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for targeted quantitation of human performance metabolites in saliva.

Saliva is increasingly being targeted for metabolic studies due to its non-invasive collection methods. Tracing levels of certain metabolites within biofluids can provide indications for a myriad of physiological conditions. This study was performed on a panel of eight analytes found in saliva that have shown associations with physiological conditions of human performance, such as stress, inflammation, and circadian rhythm. This dual polarity liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric (LCMS/MS) method was developed to accommodate a diverse group of analytes including steroids, alkaloids, and neurotransmitters. Samples collected during field exercises from soldiers were compared to those of civilians and baseline levels of each of these compounds was determined in saliva. Although most analytes showed no significant differences between the two populations, relative cortisol levels were higher for soldiers than for civilians. This developed dual polarity LCMS/MS method can be applied to very diverse groups of salivary analytes simultaneously.

On-substrate Enzymatic Reaction to Determine Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Whole Blood by Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry.

Currently, all assays measuring acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity following a suspected nerve agent exposure leverage methodologies that fail to identify the agent. This limits the overall effectiveness and ability to administer proper countermeasures. As such, there is an urgent need to identify novel, rapid, and more comprehensive approaches to establish AChE activity, including identification of the toxicant. Paper spray mass spectrometry was used to monitor the activity of acetylcholinesterase, both in-solution and on modified hydrophobic paper surface. Hydrophobic paper surfaces were prepared using vaporized trichloro(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)silane. In both approaches, mixtures of diluted human whole blood with and without VX were mixed with a non-endogenous AChE specific substrate, 1,1-dimethyl-4-acetylthiomethylpiperidinium (MATP+). Formation of the cleaved MATP+ product was monitored over time and compared to MATP+ to determine relative AChE activity. This on-substrate assay was effective at determining AChE activity and identifying the toxicant; however, determination of AChE activity in-solution proceeded at a slower rate. The on-substrate assay serves as a pioneering example of an enzymatic reaction occurring on the surface of a paper spray ionization ticket. This work broadens the range of applications relating to paper spray ionization-based clinical diagnostic assays. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.