The influence of photo-induced processes and charge transfer on carbon and oxygen in the lower solar atmosphere

To predict line emission in the solar atmosphere requires models which are fundamentally different depending on whether the emission is from the chromosphere or the corona. At some point between the two regions, there must be a change between the two modelling regimes. Recent extensions to the coronal modelling for carbon and oxygen lines in the solar transition region have shown improvements in the emission of singly- and doubly-charged ions, along with Li-like ions. However, discrepancies still remain, particularly for singly-charged ions and intercombination lines. The aim of this work is to explore additional atomic processes that could further alter the charge state distribution and the level populations within ions, in order to resolve some of the discrepancies. To this end, excitation and ionisation caused by both the radiation field and by atom-ion collisions have been included, along with recombination through charge transfer. The modelling is carried out using conditions which would be present in the quiet Sun, which allows an assessment of the part atomic processes play in changing coronal modelling, separately from dynamic and transient events taking place in the plasma. The effect the processes have on the fractional ion populations are presented, as well as the change in level populations brought about by the new excitation mechanisms. Contribution functions of selected lines from low charge states are also shown, to demonstrate the extent to which line emission in the lower atmosphere could be affected by the new modelling.

Deconvolving Native and Intact Protein Mass Spectra with UniDec

Intact protein, top-down, and native mass spectrometry (MS) generally require the deconvolution of electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectra to assign the mass of components from their charge state distribution. For small, well-resolved proteins, the charge can usually be assigned based on the isotope distribution. However, it can be challenging to determine charge states with larger proteins that lack isotopic resolution, in complex mass spectra with overlapping charge states, and in native spectra that show adduction. To overcome these challenges, UniDec uses Bayesian deconvolution to assign charge states and to create a zero-charge mass distribution. UniDec is fast, user-friendly, and includes a range of advanced tools to assist in intact protein, top-down, and native MS data analysis. This chapter provides a step-by-step protocol, an in-depth explanation of the UniDec algorithm, and highlights the parameters that affect the deconvolution. It also covers advanced data analysis tools, such as macromolecular mass defect analysis and tools for assigning potential PTMs and bound ligands. Overall, the chapter provides users with a deeper understanding of UniDec, which will enhance the quality of deconvolutions and allow for more intricate MS experiments.<br>

Deconvolving Native and Intact Protein Mass Spectra with UniDec

Intact protein, top-down, and native mass spectrometry (MS) generally require the deconvolution of electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectra to assign the mass of components from their charge state distribution. For small, well-resolved proteins, the charge can usually be assigned based on the isotope distribution. However, it can be challenging to determine charge states with larger proteins that lack isotopic resolution, in complex mass spectra with overlapping charge states, and in native spectra that show adduction. To overcome these challenges, UniDec uses Bayesian deconvolution to assign charge states and to create a zero-charge mass distribution. UniDec is fast, user-friendly, and includes a range of advanced tools to assist in intact protein, top-down, and native MS data analysis. This chapter provides a step-by-step protocol, an in-depth explanation of the UniDec algorithm, and highlights the parameters that affect the deconvolution. It also covers advanced data analysis tools, such as macromolecular mass defect analysis and tools for assigning potential PTMs and bound ligands. Overall, the chapter provides users with a deeper understanding of UniDec, which will enhance the quality of deconvolutions and allow for more intricate MS experiments.<br>

Probing Folded Proteins and Intact Protein Complexes by Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Native mass spectrometry (Native MS) enables the study of intact proteins as well as non-covalent protein-protein and protein-ligand complexes in their biological state. In this work we present the application of a prototype Waters DESI source for rapid surface measurements of folded and native protein structures. Ions with narrow charge state distribution (CSD), i.e. folded structures are observed in the spectra of protein samples with the molecular weight ranging from 8.6 kDa up to 66.4 kDa. Intact protein complexes of holo-myoglobin and tetrameric hemoglobin are also successfully detected from a surface. These results reveal that DESI could be gentle enough to detect compact structures and noncovalent bond interactions. We also examine whether unfolded proteins and protein complexes can refold during transient spray solvent-sample interactions during DESI. Our results from ion mobility experiments of standards of ubiquitin, cytochrome c and protein complex myoglobin indicate that such phenomenon may occur, presenting artificial native-like spectra. Nevertheless, the observation of hemoglobin tetramer is promising as it demonstrates the capability of DESI to maintain truly native structures.

Probing Folded Proteins and Intact Protein Complexes by Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Native mass spectrometry (Native MS) enables the study of intact proteins as well as non-covalent protein-protein and protein-ligand complexes in their biological state. In this work we present the application of a prototype Waters DESI source for rapid surface measurements of folded and native protein structures. Ions with narrow charge state distribution (CSD), i.e. folded structures are observed in the spectra of protein samples with the molecular weight ranging from 8.6 kDa up to 66.4 kDa. Intact protein complexes of holo-myoglobin and tetrameric hemoglobin are also successfully detected from a surface. These results reveal that DESI could be gentle enough to detect compact structures and noncovalent bond interactions. We also examine whether unfolded proteins and protein complexes can refold during transient spray solvent-sample interactions during DESI. Our results from ion mobility experiments of standards of ubiquitin, cytochrome c and protein complex myoglobin indicate that such phenomenon may occur, presenting artificial native-like spectra. Nevertheless, the observation of hemoglobin tetramer is promising as it demonstrates the capability of DESI to maintain truly native structures.