December 2004
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September 2004
August 2004
July 2004
June 2004
May 2004
April 2004
March 2004
February 2004
January 2004
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1995-1996

ARTICLE

• "High Resolution 1H NMR Spectroscopy of Metabolically Active Microorganisms Using Non-Destructive Magic Angle Spinning"
  By Jian Zhi Hu, Robert A. Wind, Jeffrey McLean, Yuri A. Gorby, Charles Tom Resch, and Jim K. Fredrickson, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
  The authors show that the resolution of the 1H NMR metabolite spectra of densely packed microbial cells or biofilms attached to solid surfaces can be significantly enhanced with the so-called PASS radio frequency pulse sequence combined with slow magic angle spinning of the sample. The technique can be used to study biofilm metabolism under environmentally relevant conditions in a minimally invasive way.
  Vendors: Chemagnetics, Nunc A/S

COLUMNS

• Chemometrics in Spectroscopy
  "Derivatives in Spectroscopy Update"
  by Jerome Workman, Jr. and Howard Mark
  Marking their 100th column contributed to Spectroscopy, the authors revisit their series on the analysis of derivatives to correct errors in equations that appeared in previous columns.

• Molecular Spectroscopy Workbench
  "Thin-Film Filters for Raman Spectroscopy"
  by Emil Ciurczak
  Vendor: Semrock, Inc.
  

DEPARTMENTS

• News Spectrum
• Calendar

RESOURCE SECTION

• 2004 Author and Article Index
• Directory of Associations
• Corporate Capabilities

ARTICLES

• Depth Profiling with Confocal Raman Microscopy, Part II
  The authors continue last month1s discussion of the interpretation of confocal Raman data, including the way depth resolution is degraded when focusing deep within a sample and how intensity variations can occur when focusing near a sample surface.
  Neil Everall

• Strategies for Higher Throughput MS Analyses
  The authors discuss current approaches for increasing throughput in MS analyses, including improved software information flow, data management, and effective sample preparation.
  Diane M. Diehl and Michael P. Balogh

COLUMNS

• The Baseline
  Dichroism Spectroscopy
  A relatively new technique with a growing number of applications, dichroism spectroscopy is based upon the fact that a sample interacts with the same wavelength of light having different circular polarization in different ways.
  David W. Ball

• Mass Spectrometry Forum
  Masses in Mass Spectrometry: Balancing the Analytical Scales
  Mass spectrometrists have been measuring masses in the ultrasmall world for the past 50 years. However, a sense of our own accomplishments does not derive from the same perspective linking ultrasmall masses to the normal-mass world.
  Kenneth L. Busch

DEPARTMENTS

• News Spectrum
• Product Resources
• Calendar
• Ad Index
• End of the Spectrum

ARTICLES

• Fast Multidimensional NMR Spectroscopy by the Projection-Reconstruction Technique
  by Eriks Kupce and Ray Freeman
  The authors describe a new method for making faster measurements of three-dimensional NMR spectra and demonstrate the technique using a protein spectrum. The technique involves acquiring a small number of two-dimensional spectra and using them to reconstruct the entire spectrum.
  Vendors: Varian Ltd.

• Depth Profiling with Confocal Raman Microscopy, Part 1
  by Neil Everall
  This article reviews the issues that must be considered in order to correctly interpret confocal Raman data.
  Vendors: Measurement Science Group, ICI plc

COLUMN

• Chemometrics in Spectroscopy
  Comparison of Goodness of Fit Statistics for Linear Regression, Part IV: Confidence Limits for Slope and Intercept
  By Jerome Workman, Jr. and Howard Mark

BOOK REVIEW

• "Atomic Spectroscopy in Elemental Analysis" ed. Michael Cullen
  By Conrad Grégoire

DEPARTMENTS

• News
• Product Resources
• End of the Spectrum

ARTICLE

• The Benefit of Using Dynamic Reaction Cell Technology for the Reduction of Carbon-Based Polyatomic Interferences in the Analysis of Complex Organic Compounds by ICP MS
  By Yoko Kishi and Katsu Kawabata, PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences; Haiying Shi, Brewer Science; and Robert Thomas, Scientific Solutions
  This article discusses the use of Dynamic Reaction Cell (DRC™) ICP MS for the analysis of organic-based samples. The authors show that the DRC technology can eliminate many common argon- and carbon-based polyatomic interferences, allowing the determination of many critical elements in the most problematic organic compounds matricefound in the semiconductor industry. They demonstrate excellent detection limits, stability, spike recovery, and matrix tolerance at the pg/mL (ppt) analyte level using the technology.

COLUMNS

• Focus on Quality
  By Bob McDowall
  Validation of Spectrometry Software, Part IX: The Essence of Backup and Recovery to Protect Your System

• Molecular Spectroscopy Workbench
  By Emil Ciurczak/Paul Wilks (Wilks Enterprise Inc.)
  Variable Filter Array Technology

• Book Review
  "Atomic Spectroscopy in Elemental Analysis" ed. Michael Cullen
  By Conrad Grégoire

DEPARTMENTS

• News
• Product Resources
• End of the Spectrum

BUYERS' GUIDE

• SPECTROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTATION/SPECTROMETER SYSTEMS
• OPTICS, ELECTRO-OPTICS, FIBER OPTICS, AND RELATED COMPONENTS
• SAMPLING/SAMPLE HANDLING
• SPECTROSCOPY SOFTWARE/HARDWARE/AUTOMATION PRODUCTS
• SPECTROSCOPY SERVICES
• GENERAL SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES
• PROCESS ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTS
• BIOANALYSIS INSTRUMENTS

DEPARTMENTS

• PRODUCT INDEX
• MANUFACTURER DIRECTORY
• CYBER DIRECTORY

ARTICLES

• Denver X-Ray Conference Preview
  An overview of new product introductions at the 2004 Denver X-Ray Conference, scheduled for 2-6 August, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

• FT-IR Spectroscopy: An Advanced Tool for Studying Biomedical Problems
  By Vincenza Crupi, Valentina Venuti and Domenico Majolino, Università di Messina, Italy
  The authors describe several applications of FT-IR spectroscopy in the biomedical sciences, including characterization of healthy and neoplastic human skin samples affected by two kinds of cancers, and examination of liver damage and regeneration caused by carbon tetrachloride, a common environmental contaminant. Results are compared with the morphological analysis by optical microscopy.
  Vendors: ABB Bomem, Reichert-Jung, Sentinel CH

COLUMN

• Chemometrics in Spectroscopy
  By Jerry Workman & Howard Mark
  Comparison of Goodness of Fit Statistics for Linear Regression, Part III: Computing Confidence Limits for the Correlation Coefficient

DEPARTMENTS

• News
• Product Resources

ARTICLE

• Recent Advances in Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry and their Application to Marine Toxins
  By Dietrich A. Volmer and Lekha Sleno, Institute for Marine Biosciences
  There are numerous analytical challenges in marine chemistry due to the large number of natural toxins and their metabolites, the highly toxic nature of many of these compounds and the increasingly stringent regulatory guidelines for monitoring seafood products. This article presents an overview of some of the mass spectrometry techniques and methodologies used in the study of marine biotoxins and summarizes several application examples for important toxin classes.

COLUMNS

• Mass Spectrometry Forum
  "Space Charge in Mass Spectrometry"
  By Ken Busch
  This column addresses the definition and importance of "space charge," an effect rooted in the physics of interaction between charged particles, with direct implications in instrument design, and consequences in their analytical performance.

• Chemometrics in Spectroscopy
  "Comparison of Goodness of Fit Statistics for Linear Regression, Part II"
  By Howard Mark
  This column is a continuation of a discussion on the use of goodness of fit statistical parameters.

DEPARTMENTS

• News
• Calendar
• Product Resources
• End of the Spectrum

ARTICLE

• Tautomerism and Expert Systems in Spectroscopy
  Part II: Assigning the Correct Tautomers using NMR Spectral Predictors and IR Structure-Spectrum Verification Tools
  By Michel R. J. Hachey, Advanced Chemistry Development, Inc.
  Part I of this series showed how different tautomeric assignments can cause problems with respect to spectral databases, and how tautomeric-enabled search algorithms can help. The focus now shifts to using software to accelerate the assignment and structure-spectrum validation for proposed tautomers.

• Pittcon Product Review

COLUMNS

• Molecular Spectroscopy Workbench
  By Emil Ciurczak

• Focus on Quality
  Validation of Spectrometry Software Part VIII - Understanding Change Control and its Importance in Maintaining a System's Validation Status
  By Robert McDowall
  Tips and regulatory perspectives on maintaining the validation status of a computer system throughout its operational life.

DEPARTMENTS

• News
• Calendar
• End of the Spectrum

ARTICLES

• Tautomerism and Expert Systems in Spectroscopy
  Part I: The Problem, Ramification for Spectral Databases, and Current Solutions
  By Michel R. J. Hachey, Advanced Chemistry Development, Inc.
  Tautomerism is an important area of chemical study that has a broad impact on analytical data interpretation and management for infrared, Raman, UV-Vis, MS, and NMR spectroscopy. Poor tautomeric spectral interpretation causes problems in spectral data management. The autors review tautomerically enabled software tools used to tackle these challenges.

• Gemstone Identification using Raman Spectroscopy
  By Amanda L Jenkins and Richard A. Larsen, Jasco Inc.
  Raman micro-spectroscopy is shown to be an ideal method for the examination of marketable, even high-value, gemstones, due in part to the lack of sample preparation and the non-destructive nature of Raman analysis. Plus, the micro-Raman study of a stone provides a unique record for identification purposes. The authors discuss the variety of Raman spectra that can be obtained from different families of gemstones, comparing and contrasting spectra from genuine and artificial minerals.

  Vendors: Jasco, Melles Griot, Torsana

COLUMNS

• Molecular Spectroscopy Workbench
  By Emil Ciurczak

• Chemometrics in Spectroscopy
  By Howard Mark

DEPARTMENTS

• News
• Resources
• End of the Spectrum

ARTICLES

• 2004 Salary Survey
  Spectroscopy's annual survey of salaries and employment issues among North American spectroscopists.

• 2004 Spectroscopy Market Report
  Strategic Directions International looks at key industry dynamics and growth prospects for the major spectroscopy market segments for the coming year.

COLUMN

• Molecular Spectroscopy Workbench
  Emil Ciurczak
  A report from the the 18th annual IFPAC - International Forum on Process Analytical Technologies. Attendees from the pharmaceutical industry and FDA discussed a range of topics, including new near infrared analysis techniques, chemical imaging, calibration and current efforts at ASTM.

• BOOK REVIEW
  "Chemometrics: Data Analysis for the Laboratory and Chemical Plant"
  by R. Brereton, Wiley (2003)

DEPARTMENTS

• News
• Resources
• Web Spotlight
• Calendar
• End of the Spectrum

ARTICLE

• Mid-infrared Micro-Spectroscopy of Difficult Samples Using Near-Field PhotoThermal Micro-Spectroscopy (PTMS)
  by Azzedine Hammiche, Laurent Bozec and Matt J. German (Department of Physics, Lancaster University); John M. Chalmers (School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham); Neil J. Everall (ICI plc); Graham Poulter (Specac Ltd ); Mike Reading and Dave B. Grandy (IPTME, Loughborough University); and Francis L. Martin and Hubert M. Pollock (Department of Biological Sciences, Lancaster University)
  The authors describe a recently developed method of near-field IR micro-spectroscopy that uses a photothermal probe, and give examples of its use with samples such as powders, strands of hair or coated wire, microdroplets, prostate cells treated with suspected carcinogens and DNA from cells exposed to pesticides.

COLUMNS

• Molecular Spectroscopy Workbench: Applications of Mid-IR Spectroscopy to the Pharmaceutical Process Environment
  by Mark A. Druy, Ph.D., Argose, Inc
  This installment examines one of the key differences between Near-IR and Mid-Range IR and highlights a couple of applications where Mid-IR can be effectively employed as a process analytical technology (PAT).

• Mass Spectrometry Forum: Chemical Noise in Mass Spectrometry, Part IV
  by Kenneth Busch
  The author discusses informatics applications in MS/MS analyses that specifically allow greater differentiation of meaningful signal from chemical noise.

• Focus on Quality: Validation of Spectrometry Software, Part VII
  by Robert McDowall
  This column discusses training and system documentation, and how to write a validation summary report.

DEPARTMENTS

• News
• Pittcon Product Showcase
• Calendar
• End of the Spectrum

ARTICLES

• Laser Ablation Solid Sampling for Plasma Spectrochemistry
  The Importance of Matching the Hardware to the Application
  Lawrence Neufeld and John Roy
  The authors discuss how the dynamics associated with laser ablation solid sampling systems ensures greater analytical precision and accuracy for ICP-MS/OES trace element analysis.

• Tech Note: A New Direction in ICP-MS
  Shane Elliott, Michael Knowles, and Iouri Kalinitchenko
  A new quadrupole ICP-MS instrument has been designed to improve the sensitivity of this elemental analysis technique.

• Source Design and the Utility of Multimode Ionization
  Michael P. Balogh
  The author discusses how the physical realm of the atmospheric ionization source - materials, gas, and heat dynamics - and manipulating the ionization modes themselves perhaps are the current forefront of technological innovation.

COLUMNS

• Molecular Spectroscopy Workbench
  Near-Infrared Spectroscopy as a Process Analytical Tool, Part II: At-line and On-line Applications and Implementation Strategies
  Katherine A. Bakeev
  This second installment in the pair looks at NIR applications performed at-line and on-line, as well as some points to be considered in implementing NIR as a process analytical tool.

• Chemometrics
  Derivatives in Spectroscopy, Part IV - Calibrating with Derivatives
  Howard Mark and Jerome Workman Jr.
  The fourth installment in the continuing series concentrates on issues that are amenable to mathematical analysis.

DEPARTMENTS

• News Spectrum
• Resources
• Calendar
• Advertisers
• End of the Spectrum