http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy Spectroscopy Magazine Online provides practical advice about modern spectroscopic techniques and instrumentation to solve real-world problems in diverse physical and life science disciplines. 2008-11-22T02:57:28Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Optics/A-Look-into-Deep-Space/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/565883?ref=25 Chinese scientists have built the world's most powerful optical telescope in a research base of the National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NAOC) near Beijing, expecting to unravel the mysteries of the universe. 2008-11-13T05:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/462008/565883null HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/News/CPIA-Names-ASD-Inc-as-Colorado-Photonics-Company-o/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/565193?ref=25 The Colorado Photonics Industry Association (CPIA) announced that is has named ASD, Inc. (formerly Analytical Spectral Devices) of Boulder as the 2008 Colorado Photonics Company of the Year. 2008-11-11T05:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/462008/565193null HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Fluorescence/Technology-Forum-Fluorescence/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/563497?ref=25 This month's Technology Forum looks at the topic of fluorescence and the trends and issues surrounding it. Joining us for this discussion are David M. Jameson, Ph.D., University of Hawaii at Manoa; Michael W. Allen, Ph.D, Product Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific; and Patrick J. Treado, Founder & CTO, ChemImage Corporation. 2008-11-05T05:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/452008/563497/tech_forum_main_main.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/452008/563497/tech_forum_main_flash.jpg XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Chemical-Warfare-Nerve-Agents--Analyzing-Their-Deg/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/563513?ref=25 In a 1995 incident, members of Aum Shinrikyo released sarin (GB) at a Tokyo subway, killing 12 people and injuring many more (1). Due to this and other more recent activities, the threat of terrorists acquiring and using chemical warfare agents (CWAs) is of extreme importance. 2008-11-05T05:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/452008/563513null REMOTE http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Departments%3A+Products/Product-Resources/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/566993?ref=25 Product Resources 2008-11-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/472008/566993null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Mass+Spectrometry/Ethics-in-Mass-Spectrometry/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/564415?ref=25 Traditionally, members of some professions receive specific training in ethics. For example, the professions of law and medicine provide extensive continual programs in ethical training, with emphasis on the situations encountered by members of those professions. The implicit expectation is that members in these professions will sooner or later encounter situations in which they face an ethical issue. With proper training, these members can learn to recognize such situations as they develop, become aware of the ethical standards within their own professional communities, and learn how to navigate through difficult situations. 2008-11-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/452008/564415/1_mass_spec_forum_thumb_thumbnail.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/452008/564415/1_mass_spec_forum_main_main.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/452008/564415/1_mass_spec_forum_flash_flash.jpg XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Departments%3A+News+Spectrum+Column/News-Spectrum/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/564413?ref=25 Research; In Memoriam 2008-11-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/452008/564413null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Infrared+Spectroscopy/The-Spectral-Lines-of-Hydrogen/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/564417?ref=25 A short history of the early scientific developments related to the optical emission lines of hydrogen is presented. These were crucial to the development of the quantum theory. Balmer's empirical formula was an important milestone. Rydberg and others provided additional work, especially for higher atomic numbers. However, it remained for Bohr to provide the physical reasoning. 2008-11-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/452008/564417/4_Spectroscopy_thumb_thumbnail.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/452008/564417/4_Spectroscopy_main_main.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/452008/564417/4_Spectroscopy_flash_flash.jpg XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Product+News/Products/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/564419?ref=25 Products 2008-11-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/452008/564419null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Mass+Spectrometry/The-Changing-Face-of-LCndashMS-From-Experts-to-Use/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/566987?ref=25 Two decades ago, MS was the preserve of experts and skilled technicians as the instrumentation required constant attention and adjustment. At that time, liquid chromatography (LC)–MS was in its infancy and atmospheric pressure ionization (API) source interfacing was just beginning. Samples requiring analysis were passed from the requesting scientist to these "experts for analysis." The samples would be analyzed, processed, and interpreted, and the results returned via a written report. Two decades later, the users and capabilities of LC–MS have changed significantly. Now mass spectrometers and LC–MS systems are ubiquitous in the analytical laboratory, especially in the pharmaceutical industry. These instruments are used by a wide variety of scientists for a diverse range of tasks, from purity screening in medicinal chemistry, to the quantification of drugs in blood and the identification of proteins for biomarker discovery. The usability of the current MS platforms has improved.. 2008-11-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/472008/566987null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Mass+Spectrometry/From-the-Editor/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/566985?ref=25 At a symposium attended almost exclusively by practitioners of chromatography, the one thing they all wanted more of was mass spectrometry information. 2008-11-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/472008/566985null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Mass+Spectrometry/Ion-ChromatographyndashMass-Spectrometry-for-Profi/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/566991?ref=25 Organic acids are present in many media and play various crucial roles. Low molecular mass organic acids (LMMOAs) have been researched extensively in many areas, such as food chemistry, as these acids affect taste, shelf-life, and food safety (1–3); agriculture, ecosystems, and environmental science, as these acids act as key components in mechanisms that some plants use to cope with environmental stress (4) and fertilizer release (5); biotechnology, to better understand and optimize fermentation processes (6,7); and biomedical research (8–11). Recently, LMMOAs were found to have inhibitory effects on the bioconversion efficiencies of lignocelluloses to ethanol (12). 2008-11-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/472008/566991null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Mass+Spectrometry/A-New-Perspective-on-the-Challenges-of-Mass-Spectr/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/566986?ref=25 For drug discovery workflows, the issue of metabolite detection and identification in in vivo systems is a critical challenge. The wide range of complex matrices (such as bile, plasma, urine, and fecal extracts), and the ion suppression effects of these biological fluids, can cause a severe decrease in the ability to detect metabolites. Greater instrument sensitivity is necessary to detect these compounds and, at the same time, helps to minimize sample preparation, simply diluting the negative effects of these complex matrices and avoiding the time- and labor-consuming sample cleanup or concentration steps that otherwise might be required. 2008-11-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/472008/566986null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Mass+Spectrometry/Liquid-Chromatography-Coupled-with-Tandem-Mass-Spe/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/566989?ref=25 The use of mass spectrometry (MS) in clinical diagnosis goes back to the early 1970s with the application of gas chromatography (GC)–MS to the determination of a variety of biologically significant molecules. Because GC requires a certain level of analyte volatility, and since most biologically active molecules are polar, thermolabile, and involatile, elaborate extraction and derivatization protocols needed to be devised to make GC–MS useful for the analysis of clinically relevant samples. To make sample analysis less difficult by MS there had been a significant amount of R&D invested over several decades aimed at coupling high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with MS since HPLC is a much better separation technology than GC for polar thermolabile biologically relevant molecules. This coupling was not without significant challenges; most of the LC–MS coupling techniques that evolved during the 1970s and 1980s were not very successful, and many of those that enjoyed some widespread.. 2008-11-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/472008/566989null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Departments%3A+Calendar/Calendar/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/564420?ref=25 Calendar 2008-11-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/452008/564420null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/ICP-MS/ICP-MS-A-Universally-Sensitive-GC-Detection-Method/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/564418?ref=25 Inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry has been investigated as a detector for gas chromatography and applied to analysis of trace impurities in specialty and electronic gases. Several key attributes, including high sensitivity, near-universal nature, ease of interfacing to gas chromatography, tolerance to matrix gases, and use of wet-plasma conditions to facilitate indirect calibration for a gas species for which a gas standard is unavailable, are discussed. Examples such as sulfur speciation in hydrocarbon gases at low part-per-billion levels demonstrate its use for specialty gas analysis. A more detailed case study is given on detection of trace impurities in arsine, including silane, carbonyl sulfide, hydrogen sulfide, germane, and hydrogen selenide. Under optimized conditions, detection of germane is possible down to 5 ppt. 2008-11-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/452008/564418/83079121_T_thumbnail.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/452008/564418/83079121_M_main.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/452008/564418/83079121_F_flash.jpg XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Calibration%2FValidation/Validation-of-Spectrometry-Software-The-Proactive-/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/564416?ref=25 Tracing requirements from a user requirements specification throughout the life cycle is not only a very effective business tool to save time and effort in validation projects but also a regulatory expectation. This first installment of a two-part column series looks at the principles of a traceability matrix. 2008-11-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/452008/564416/2_focus_on_quality_thu_thumbnail.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/452008/564416/2_focus_on_quality_main_main.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/452008/564416/2_focus_on_quality_flash_flash.jpg XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Fluorescence/Market-Profile-Luminometers/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/564414?ref=25 Although the market for dedicated single-tube luminometers now pales in comparison to multimode fluorometers and microplate readers, such luminometers continue to satisfy a niche market. The relative simplicity and therefore low cost is their major advantage, which is appealing to smaller life science laboratories. 2008-11-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/452008/564414null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Mass+Spectrometry/Comprehensive-Screening-Confirmation-and-Quantific/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/566990?ref=25 With the globalization of trade, food production and distribution have become truly international businesses. When we dine out, the fish might come from Japan, the rice from Australia, the spices from China, and the strawberries from Mexico. We take it for granted that the food we eat is safe and free from contamination that could make us seriously ill. 2008-11-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/472008/566990null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Mass+Spectrometry/Investigation-of-Transferrin-Structure-via-Novel-E/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/567033?ref=25 Protein and peptide analysis via tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS) has resulted in a wealth of information regarding protein identification, structure, and abundance levels over the past 10 years. Techniques such as neutral loss scanning and collision-induced dissociation (CID) have been especially helpful in facilitating the identification of a multitude of previously unknown sites of protein phosphorylation. However, many of the techniques used to obtain this information are labor intensive and work inconsistently. To address this problem, much effort has been put forth to find alternative methods of fragmenting peptides and proteins that are less difficult and applicable to a wide gamut of peptide classes. Examples of recently developed dissociation techniques include infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) and electron transfer dissociation (ETD). The implementation of these new techniques has widened the spectrum of peptides amenable to tandem mass spectral analysis. 2008-11-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/472008/567033null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Mass+Spectrometry/The-Impact-of-Fast-Chromatography-and-Its-Effects-/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/566992?ref=25 For many years, and after several notable failures, many researchers were convinced that it was impossible to design a quadrupole time-of-flight (qTOF) mass spectrometer that was able to retain its ability to perform the high-resolution measurements necessary for definitive molecular formula determination of unknowns. Conventional wisdom indicated that there were many reasons (for example, temperature stability, ion diffusion, and ion loss on grids of reflectrons) that would make it impossible to improve resolution of these types of instruments. Figure 1 shows a schematic of an instrument designed for high-resolution measurements with fast chromatography (Maxis UHR-TOF mass spectrometer, Bruker Daltonics, Billerica, Massachusetts). The instrument includes an ion chiller, a series of ion refocusing operations, a single reflectron, and temperature control of the overall flight tube of the instrument. 2008-11-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/472008/566992null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/News/New-York-Section-of-the-Society-for-Applied-Spectr/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/561316?ref=25 The New York Section of the Society for Applied Spectroscopy is currently soliciting nominations for its 2009 Gold Medal Award. 2008-10-27T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/442008/561316null HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/News/In-Memoriam-Paul-A-Wilks-Jr/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/559439?ref=25 Paul A. Wilks, Jr., died Saturday, october 11, 2008, at Dartmouth?Hitchcock Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, after a brief illness. 2008-10-16T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/422008/559439/Wilks.F_flash.jpg HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Optics/Technology-Forum-Optics-and-Lasers/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/558772?ref=25 This month's Technology Forum looks at the topic of optics and lasers and the trends and issues surrounding it. Joining us for this discussion are Rob Morris, Director of Marketing, Ocean Optics, Inc.; and Phil Taday, Applications Group Leader, fromTeraView Limited. 2008-10-14T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/422008/558772/tech_forum_main_main_main_main_main_main.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/422008/558772/tech_forum_main_main_main_main_main_flash.jpg XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Orbis-micro-XRF-Inorganic-Elemental-Analyzer-Syste/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/563045?ref=25 EDAX Inc. has introduced the Orbis micro-XRF inorganic elemental analyzer system, setting a new standard in analytical flexibility. 2008-10-10T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/452008/563045null HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Next-Generation-AQQC-Raman-Microscope/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/563042?ref=25 The Thermo Scientific DXR Raman Microscope is ideal for detection of small particles in defect or failure analysis, characterization of trace evidence, and so much more. 2008-10-10T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/452008/563042null HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Lasers/Market-Profile-Laser-Ellipsometry/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/563040?ref=25 Ellipsometry is the analysis of the change in the state of polarized light after it has reflected from the surface of a thin film sample. 2008-10-10T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/452008/563040null REMOTE http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/News/Emil-Wolf-to-Receive-Joseph-W-Goodman-Book-Writing/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/555919?ref=25 Emil Wolf has been named the winner of the 2008 Joseph W. Goodman Book Writing Award for his book Introduction to the Theory of Coherence and Polarization of Light. 2008-10-02T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/402008/555919null HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/ICP-MS/Simple-and-Effective-Control-of-Spectral-Overlap-I/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/557695?ref=25 A new approach to the control of spectral overlap interferences in inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is described. In this technique, called the collision reaction interface (CRI), gas is injected directly into the sampled plasma as it passes through the tips of the ICP-MS interface cones. The introduced gas collides and reacts with potentially interfering ions, removing them from the plasma before any ions are extracted by the ion optics. The capabilities of the CRI technique are illustrated with reference to the determination of Se under "hot plasma" conditions, of 52Cr in the presence of 2-propanol under "hot plasma" conditions, and of a range of trace metals in certified urine samples, with no matrix matching. 2008-10-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557695null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/X-Ray+Spectroscopy/The-Chemical-Analysis-Process/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/557894?ref=25 The process of chemical analysis consists of several steps, beginning with the taking of the sample and followed by sample preparation. The sample is subjected to the analytical method and we arrive at a result (Figure 1). 2008-10-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557894/83079121_T_thumbnail.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557894/83079121_M_main.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557894/83079121_F_flash.jpg XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Mass+Spectrometry/The-Role-of-Naturally-Occurring-Stable-Isotopes-in/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/558010?ref=25 In this tutorial, the authors explain how naturally occurring stable isotopes contribute to experimentally determined mass spectra and how this information can be exploited in quantitative experiments, structural elucidation studies, and tracer methodologies. The first installment of this series focuses on the theoretical aspects of stable isotopes and the calculation of their distribution patterns. 2008-10-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/558010/71275969_T_thumbnail.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/558010/71275969_M_main.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/558010/71275969_F_flash.jpg XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Lasers/Market-Profile-Laser-Ellipsometry/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/557891?ref=25 Ellipsometry is the analysis of the change in the state of polarized light after it has reflected from the surface of a thin film sample. Laser ellipsometry, which has certain advantages and disadvantages, is a subset of this market. Applications for laser ellipsometry prinarily are related to the semiconductor and electronics industry, but its use in the life sciences could offer significant new demand. 2008-10-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557891null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Departments%3A+Products/Products/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/557896?ref=25 Agilent's model 7500cx collision cell ICP-MS system uses pure helium as the collision gas. According to the company, the system is capable of eliminating or reducing all polyatomic interferences in any matrix under a single set of generic conditions. 2008-10-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557896null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Chemometrics/The-Long-Complicated-Tedious-and-Difficult-Route-t/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/557893?ref=25 For a system of homogeneous equations to have a solution other than the trivial solution, the determinant of the system of equations must be zero. 2008-10-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557893/2_chemometrics-thumb_thumbnail.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557893/2_chemometrics-main_main.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557893/2_chemometrics_flash_flash.jpg XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/ICP-MS/The-Analysis-of-Food-Substances-by-ICP-MS/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/557693?ref=25 Elemental analysis of food substances presents a challenge because of the wide variety of food types and range of concentrations that need to be analyzed. The complexity of food matrices requires digestion to both break down the matrix and to convert solids into liquids for analysis. ICP-MS has the ability to measure both trace and elevated analyte levels during the same analysis, while the use of cell-based ICP-MS systems can remove the effects of interferences, allowing lower levels to be determined. This article discusses the analysis of a variety of food matrices with a single digestion procedure and instrumental method. 2008-10-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557693null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/ICP-MS/Complete-Multielemental-Analysis-of-Environmental-/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/557694?ref=25 Inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has been established as the most appropriate method for routine environmental and geological applications, owing to its extended elemental coverage, superior sensitivity, and rapid analytical capabilities. Nevertheless, the technique's association with spectroscopic interferences remains, despite the fact that in recent years the introduction of collision–reaction cell (CRC) instrumentation has solved this shortcoming. This article will discuss the ICP-MS method, its usability in environmental and geological analysis and relevant regulations, and will build the case for the CRC approach as the most efficient solution addressing the limitations of ICP-MS. An experiment illustrates the flexibility and power of collision cell technology–based ICP-MS to analyze a variety of common environmental and geological sample matrices. 2008-10-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557694null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/ICP-MS/Selecting-the-Best-ICP-Sample-Introduction-System/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/557697?ref=25 There are many choices for components that constitute the "front end" of an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometer, including a number of developments over the past several years. In this article, the goal is to describe the options available and critique the pros and cons of each. In the end, the performance of the spectrometer depends upon the proper selection for each stage of the sample introduction system. 2008-10-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557697null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/ICP-MS/The-Determination-of-Phosphorus-Sulfur-Sodium-Pota/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/557696?ref=25 Biodiesel is a renewable fuel produced from vegetable oil, animal fats, and waste cooking oils. Feedstocks such as soy, canola, mustard, sunflower, coconut, palm, and cottonseed oil as well as beef tallow and fish oils have been used to manufacture biodiesel. 2008-10-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557696null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Departments%3A+News+Spectrum+Column/News-Spectrum/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/557890?ref=25 Researchers at Cornell University's Boyce Thomson Institute and Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ithaca, New York) used proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry and mass spectrometry to study the molecular structure of the venom of the brown recluse spider in an attempt to develop an effective antidote. 2008-10-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557890null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Raman+Spectroscopy/Raman-Images-from-Raman-Maps---Spatial-Resolution-/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/557892?ref=25 Raman imaging provides new capabilities to the microscopist: chemical contrast and spatial resolution that might be a bit better than the predictions of the diffraction-limit. 2008-10-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557892/2_molecular_workshop_thumb_thumbnail.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557892/2_molecular_workshop_main_main.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557892/2_molecular_workshop_flash_flash.jpg XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Departments%3A+Calendar/Calendar/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/557897?ref=25 Calendar 2008-10-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557897null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Spectroscopy-June-2008-BPA/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/555273?ref=25 Spectroscopy June 2008 BPA 2008-09-30T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/402008/555273null PDF http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Spectroscopy-2009-Media-Planner/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/555271?ref=25 Spectroscopy 2009 Media Planner 2008-09-30T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/402008/555271null PDF http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/News/El-Sayed-Wins-US-National-Medal-of-Science/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/555157?ref=25 Mostafa El-Sayed of the Georgia Institute of Technology was awarded the 2007 National Medal of Science for his work with nano-materials. 2008-09-29T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/402008/555157null HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/News/Inorganic-Ventures-to-Move-to-Christiansburg-VA/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/553644?ref=25 Inorganic Ventures has announced that the company is relocating its U.S. base of operations from Lakewood, New Jersey, to Christiansburg, Virginia. 2008-09-26T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/392008/553644null HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/News/Using-IR-Spectroscopy-to-Ensure-Food-Safety/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/552696?ref=25 Using principal component analysis, FOSS Analytical has shown that it is possible to use IR spectroscopy to analyze raw milk before it reaches supermarket shelves. 2008-09-24T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/392008/552696null HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/News/LIBS-for-Geological-Study/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/550888?ref=25 Researchers from New Mexico State University (Las Cruces, New Mexico) have replaced the standard rock identification tools of field geologists with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). 2008-09-17T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/382008/550888null HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Technology+Forum+Column/Wavelength-Tech-Forum-FT-IRNIR/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/549201?ref=25 This month's Technology Forum looks at the topic of FT-IR/NIR and the trends and issues surrounding it. Joining us for this discussion are Alan Rein, Vice President, Business Development, from A2 Technologies; Paul A. Wilks, President, from Wilks Enterprise, Inc.; and Dr. Simon Nunn, Director of Marketing, Molecular & Microanalysis, from Thermo Fisher Scientific. 2008-09-11T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/372008/549201/tech_forum_main_main_main_main_main.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/372008/549201null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/New-Analysis-Software-for-FT-IR/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/556306?ref=25 Thermo Scientific OMNIC Specta FT-IR software presents a revolutionary approach to laboratory data analysis. 2008-09-10T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/402008/556306null HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Orbis-micro-XRF-Inorganic-Elemental-Analyzer-Syste/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/556307?ref=25 EDAX Inc. has introduced the Orbis micro-XRF inorganic elemental analyzer system, setting a new standard in analytical flexibility. 2008-09-10T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/402008/556307null HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Conferences+and+Exhibitions/35th-Annual-FACSS-Meeting/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/556305?ref=25 Spectroscopy previews the upcoming 35th Annual Meeting of the FACSS, to be held September 28 to October 2, 2008, in Reno, Nevada. 2008-09-10T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/402008/556305null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/MultiplexIR-for-the-ReactIR-45m/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/556308?ref=25 METTLER TOLEDO introduces the MultiplexIR for the ReactIR? 45m allowing two independent reactions to be monitored simultaneously using FiberConduit-based Comp? probe technology. 2008-09-10T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/402008/556308null HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Market-Profile-Process-FT-NIR/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/549173?ref=25 Fourier transform–near infrared spectroscopy, generally referred to as FT-NIR, is a rapidly growing process analytical technique. The technique has a number of inherent advantages over other spectroscopy techniques for online monitoring, and is now used widely across a number of contrasting industries. 2008-09-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/372008/549173null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Mass+Spectrometry/Quantitative-Mass-Spectrometry-Part-V-Scedasity-Re/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/549175?ref=25 In the fourth part of this five-part series, columnist Ken Busch discussed weighted regression analysis as used in QMS. In this final column, he adds an additional explanation. 2008-09-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/372008/549175/2_mass_spec_forum_thumb_thumbnail_thumbnail.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/372008/549175/2_mass_spec_forum_main_main_main.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/372008/549175/2_mass_spec_forum_main_main_flash.jpg XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Process+Control+and+Analysis/The-Use-of-Process-Analytical-Technology-in-Biofue/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/549177?ref=25 Biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol are now the main alternatives to fossil fuels in one of the most pollutant human activities: transportation. The authors report on the use of process analytical technology for mapping raw materials, fingerprinting process trajectories, and calibrating for the most important quality specifications, both for individual chemical and physical attributes or for combined quality attributes, thusleading to more consistent and economically viable processes. 2008-09-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/372008/549177null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Departments%3A+Calendar/Calendar/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/549179?ref=25 Calendar 2008-09-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/372008/549179null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Products-Showcase/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/549178?ref=25 Hitachi introduces two new versions of the U-4100 UV-Vis-NIR Spectrophotometer: the Standard Solid Sample System and Large Solid Sample System. These new systems use PMT and InGaAs detectors, providing increased sensitivity in the range of 850–1700 nm. This results in reduced noise, making the instrument suitable for the measurement of low transmitting/reflecting anti-reflection coatings. 2008-09-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/372008/549178null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Optics/Prisms/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/549174?ref=25 A prism is an optical component that serves one of two major functions: it disperses light, or it modifies the direction (and sometimes polarization) of light. In some cases, a prism has more than one function, and they are discussed here. 2008-09-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/372008/549174/1_baseline_thumb_thumbnail_thumbnail.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/372008/549174/1_baseline_main_main_main.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/372008/549174/1_baseline_main_main_flash.jpg XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/News-Spectrum/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/549172?ref=25 Researchers at Delft University of Technology (The Netherlands) and the University of Antwerp (Antwerp, Belgium) used synchrotron radiation-induced X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to reveal a portrait of a woman by Vincent van Gogh beneath the paint of his 1887 "Patch of Grass." Van Gogh was known to paint over his work, perhaps as often as one third of the time. Behind the painting, done mostly in greens and blues, is a portrait of a woman, rendered in browns and reds. Synchrotron radiation-induced X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy measures chemicals in the pigments, and is said to be an improvement on X-ray radiography, which has been used to reveal concealed layers of other famous paintings. In this case, mercury and antimony were useful in revealing the woman's face. Researchers said that the new technique is expected to pave the way for research into many other concealed paintings. 2008-09-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/372008/549172null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/ICP-MS/Chemical-Warfare-Nerve-Agents-mdash-Analyzing-Thei/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/549180?ref=25 Research regarding detection of chemical warfare agents has become vital for finding solutions that will help reduce the threat of these substances. This article looks at the use of collision cell ICP-MS for the analysis and detection of organophosphorus agents. 2008-09-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/372008/549180null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Conferences+and+Exhibitions/35th-Annual-FACSS-Meeting/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/549176?ref=25 Spectroscopy previews the upcoming 35th Annual Meeting of the FACSS, to be held September 28 to October 2, 2008, in Reno, Nevada. 2008-09-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/372008/549176/facss.thumb_thumbnail.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/372008/549176/facss.main_main.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/372008/549176/facss.flash_flash.jpg XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/News/Spectroscopy-Shows-Brain-Dysfunction-in-Patients-w/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/546381?ref=25 Researchers used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to highlight the differences in the levels and ratios of certain brain chemicals in the hippocampus of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome compared with a control group of healthy women. 2008-08-29T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/352008/546381null HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/News/EDAX-Introduces-New-Series-of-Lab-Solutions/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/545381?ref=25 EDAX, Inc. (Mahwah, New Jersey) has recently introduced several new items that reportedly will enhance productivity and efficiency in the spectroscopy laboratory. 2008-08-28T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/352008/545381null HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/News/Thermo-Fisher-Scientific-to-Host-Seminar/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/545144?ref=25 Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced that it will exhibit and host a seminar at the annual Pharmatex conference at the Radisson SAS Hotel, Cork, Ireland, 16-18 September. 2008-08-27T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/352008/545144null HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/News/ASD-Inc-Named-to-Inc-5000-List-for-Second-Consecut/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/544869?ref=25 Inc. Magazine has named ASD to their Inc. 5000 list for the second consecutive year. 2008-08-26T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/352008/544869null HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/News/Evidence-for-Embalming-in-Roman-Greece/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/544951?ref=25 Using electron microscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, researchers found evidence of embalming in Roman Greek times. 2008-08-26T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/352008/544951null HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/News/Uncovering-Art-History-Through-Spectroscopy/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/544899?ref=25 Researchers at Delft University of Technology (The Netherlands) and the University of Antwerp (Antwerp, Belgium) used synchrotron radiation-induced X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to reveal a portrait of a woman by Vincent van Gogh beneath the paint of his 1887 "Patch of Grass." 2008-08-25T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/352008/544899null HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Wavelength-Tech-Forum-UV-vis/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/542024?ref=25 This month's Technology Forum looks at the topic of UV-vis and the trends and issues surrounding them. Joining us for this discussion are Rob Morris, from Ocean Optics; Richard A. Larsen, Ph.D., from Jasco; and John Monti, from Shimadzu. 2008-08-13T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/332008/542024/tech_forum_main_main_main_main.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/332008/542024null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Unravel-Mixture-Problems-in-Infrared-Microscopy/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/556304?ref=25 The Thermo Scientific Nicolet? iN?10 MX imaging microscope with OMNIC Picta software overcomes many hurdles. 2008-08-07T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/402008/556304null HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Mass+Spectrometry/Liquid-Matrices-for-Analyses-by-UV-MALDI-Mass-Spec/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/556303?ref=25 Data are presented for a pH-adjustable liquid UV-matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) matrix for mass spectrometry analysis. The liquid matrix system possesses high analytical sensitivity within the same order of magnitude as that achievable by the commonly used solid UV-MALDI matrices but with improved spot homogeneity and reproducibility. The pH of the matrix has been adjusted, achieving an on-target pH range of 3.5?8.6, which has allowed for the performance of a tryptic digest within the diluted pH-optimized liquid matrix. 2008-08-07T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/402008/556303null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/FT-IR+Spectroscopy/Handheld-FT-IR-Spectrometers-Bringing-the-Spectrom/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/557979?ref=25 The maturity of analytical technology tends to follow two major paths: More capability with advanced features and greater performance, or smaller, less expensive, and easier to use. The former path tends to represent the evolution of today's laboratory instruments, whereas the latter path leads to instrumentation being used out of the laboratory, by a different type of end-user. 2008-08-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557979null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/FT-IR+Spectroscopy/Analysis-of-Mixtures-by-FT-IR-Spatial-and-Spectral/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/557975?ref=25 Many analytical challenges to modern laboratories involve mixtures, whether formulated or contaminated. The infrared spectra of mixtures exhibit peaks from each component, making separation of peaks due to specific components an essential part of the analysis. This can be accomplished in two ways — spatial separation of components through microscopy or spectral separation through multicomponent searches. In either case, the final result should not just be a chemical image or spectrum, but actionable information. Further, users of varying skill levels need to obtain the same results, so consistency must be a core metric of the problem-solving tools. 2008-08-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557975null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/FT-IR+Spectroscopy/Microbial-Identification-Using-FT-IR/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/557978?ref=25 The rapid and accurate identification of microbial organisms is increasingly important in several critical areas of interest. For example, the identification of foodborne pathogens plays a critical role in determining the source of food poisoning, such as the recent outbreak of salmonella from tomato consumption in the United States. Many microorganisms have highly specific infrared absorption signatures and are suitable for Fourier transform–infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic analysis. FT-IR spectroscopy can generate spectra of microorganisms without the need for extraction, amplification, labeling, or staining and can provide results in much less time than traditional identification methods. The key to success in identifying microorganisms down to the strain level with FT-IR spectroscopy is achieving excellent reproducibility in sample growth conditions, correct preparation of the biofilms, and subsequent collection of the infrared spectrum. 2008-08-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557978null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/FT-IR+Spectroscopy/The-Imaging-Advantage-to-FT-IR-Spectroscopy/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/557974?ref=25 The use of thermo micro methods for the evaluation of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipient interactions enables direct and rapid analysis of microscopic samples. The value of this capability is significant at the earliest stages of drug development when time is important and samples available for testing are limited. Applying infrared spectroscopy to these microscopic sample preparations extends the value of results generated and provides molecular analysis of physical and chemical interactions. 2008-08-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557974null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/FT-IR+Spectroscopy/Integrated-FT-IR-and-Raman-Imaging-on-the-Same-Mic/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/557976?ref=25 Vibrational spectroscopy provides abundant analytical information on materials, which can be utilized in product development, material evaluation, and failure analysis. For technical reasons, measurements of direct vibrational absorption (FT-IR) developed more rapidly as a reliable tool in this area. Again for technical reasons, Raman scattering measurements have now achieved analytical quality and convenience. However, while the two techniques both measure vibrational spectra of materials, the spectra are quite different — different functional groups tend to be stronger in one measurement rather than the other; the two techniques provide different information. Polar functional groups provide strong IR absorptions, whereas aromatics and double bonds provide strong Raman signals. Consequently, the ability to acquire Raman and IR signals on the same sample provides a synergism over the sum of the individual measurements. 2008-08-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557976null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/FT-IR+Spectroscopy/Rapid-Identification-of-Illicit-and-Prescription-D/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/557980?ref=25 Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has unique capabilities as compared with mid-infrared analysis because NIR does not require extensive sample preparation to obtain a spectrum. A Fourier transform (FT)-NIR instrument, a novel sample accessory, and a modified search routine for the spectral collection and identification of several different types of drug formulations are outlined, including the examination of illegal drugs. 2008-08-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557980null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/FT-IR+Spectroscopy/Maximizing-Your-IR-Microscope-Techniques-for-Impro/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/557977?ref=25 Fourier transform–infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) offers countless user benefits, including real-time data, multicomponent analysis, and compatibility with automated sampling and microsampling techniques. Types of IR microscope measurement techniques include transmission, reflection, and attenuated total reflectance (ATR). But with each of these, there are pitfalls as well as a number of best practices that will yield superior data. These measurement techniques and their respective analytical processes are described here to help you avoid common mistakes in IR measurement and get the maximum performance from your microscope. 2008-08-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/412008/557977null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Wavelength-Tech-Forum-X-ray-Spectroscopy/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/531878?ref=25 This month's Technology Forum looks at the topic of X-ray Spectroscopy and the trends and issues surrounding them. Joining us for this discussion are Dr Simon FitzGerald, from HORIBA Jobin Yvon, Dr. Kai Behrens, from Bruker AXS, Inc., and Peter LaPuma and Alexander Seyfarth, also from Bruker AXS, Inc. 2008-07-25T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/302008/531878/thumb_thumbnail.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/302008/531878/tech_forum_main_main_main.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/302008/531878/tech_forum_main_main_flash.jpg XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Spectrometer-system/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/556301?ref=25 The powerful 50kV, 50 Watt EX-Calibur EDXRF spectrometer system delivers performance capabilities similar to traditional liquid nitrogen-cooled detector units by achieving similar resolution to an LN2 cooled Si(Li) detector. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/402008/556301/JordanValley_thumbnail.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/402008/556301/JordanValley_main.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/402008/556301/JordanValley_flash.jpg HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Conferences+and+Exhibitions/DXC-2008-The-Worlds-Leading-Forum-for-X-Ray-Materi/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/556298?ref=25 A preview of the 57th Annual Denver X-Ray Conference, to be held August 4–8 in Denver, Colorado. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/402008/556298null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Spectrometry-for-Materials-with-Complex-Matrices/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/556300?ref=25 The Nicolet iN10 MX Infrared Imaging Microscope eliminates two major bottlenecks that have prevented routine use of chemical imaging... 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/402008/556300/Thermo_July_thumbnail.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/402008/556300/Thermo_July_main.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/402008/556300/Thermo_July_flash.jpg HTML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Departments%3A+News+Spectrum+Column/News-Spectrum/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528883?ref=25 Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (Waltham, MA) announces the launch of its comprehensive online resource center, www.thermo.com/metabolomics, for metabolomics researchers. This website provides tools and technical advice to help scientists studying small-molecule metabolite profiles. 2008-07-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/282008/528883null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/X-Ray+Spectroscopy/Wilhelm-Conrad-Roumlntgen-and-the-Discovery-of-X-R/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528887?ref=25 Volker Thomsen takes a look at the impact that the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Röntgen in 1895 has had on the world. 2008-07-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/282008/528887/3_Atomic-Perspectives_thumb_thumbnail.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/282008/528887/3_Atomic-Perspectives_main_main.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/282008/528887/3_Atomic-Perspectives_flash_flash.jpg XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Mass+Spectrometry/Quantitative-Mass-Spectrometry-Part-IV-Deviations-/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528885?ref=25 In the fourth part of a five-part series, columnist Ken Busch discusses factors that might cause deviation from linearity at the upper and lower limits of a calibration curve. 2008-07-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/282008/528885/2_mass_spec_forum_thumb_thumbnail.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/282008/528885/2_mass_spec_forum_main_main.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/282008/528885/2_mass_spec_forum_flash_flash.jpg XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Mass+Spectrometry/The-Use-of-Liquid-Chromatography-with-Tandem-Mass-/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528045?ref=25 Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) led to a revolution in environmental testing. The coupling of liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry created a powerful analytical tool for the analysis of emerging environmental contaminants. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products, perfluorinated compounds, brominated flame retardants, and disinfection byproducts were chosen as examples to illustrate the use of this new technique in environmental analysis. 2008-07-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/272008/528045null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Mass+Spectrometry/Posttranslational-Modification-Characterization-vi/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528043?ref=25 Successful characterization of protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs) is critical to our understanding of many biological processes. Unfortunately, attempts to describe PTMs often prove experimentally difficult and result in ambiguous conclusions. As technologies in the field of mass spectrometry (MS) continue to improve, people are turning increasingly to mass spectral techniques for PTM characterization. Recently, novel modes of peptide fragmentation have emerged that are giving scientists greater ability to elucidate protein posttranslational modification. One example is electron-capture dissociation (ECD), an alternative fragmentation mechanism for use in peptide analysis via tandem mass spectrometry. ECD selectively cleaves N-Cα bonds of the peptide backbone, yielding c- and z-ions without the loss of labile PTMs. ECD therefore holds advantages over conventional fragmentation techniques such as collisionally induced dissociation (CID), which often cleave PTMs from the peptide backbone,.. 2008-07-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/272008/528043null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Calibration%2FValidation/Validation-of-Spectrometry-Software-Understanding-/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528886?ref=25 Columnist Bob McDowall discusses the role of a validation master plan (VMP) for summarizing a laboratory's approach to computer validation. 2008-07-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/282008/528886/1_focus_on_quality_thu_thumbnail.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/282008/528886/1_focus_on_quality_main_main.jpg http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/282008/528886/1_focus_on_quality_flash_flash.jpg XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Mass+Spectrometry/Determination-of-Volatile-Organic-Compounds-in-Wat/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528046?ref=25 Over the last 10 years, several solvent-free microextraction techniques for gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS) have been developed. Two of these techniques, solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and stir-bar sorptive extraction (SBSE), are available commercially for the analysis of volatile compounds, such as flavors in foods and beverages, and toxic organic compounds in environmental applications. Other techniques, such as open tubular trapping, inside needle capillary adsorption trap (1), in-tube SPME, capillary microextraction, needle trap, and headspace solid-phase dynamic extraction (2), were also developed for different applications. The basic principle for all of these techniques is essentially the same. Volatile and semivolatile compounds are adsorbed on a sorbent coating, often packed on the interior surface of a capillary column or stainless steel needle. After the sample is concentrated on the coating, the compounds are desorbed thermally in the heated injection port of a gas.. 2008-07-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/272008/528046null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Departments%3A+Products/Products/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528890?ref=25 Hitachi introduces two new versions of the U-4100 UV-Vis-NIR Spectrophotometer: the Standard Solid Sample System and Large Solid Sample System. These new systems use PMT and InGaAs detectors, providing increased sensitivity in the range of 850–1700 nm. This results in reduced noise, making the instrument suitable for the measurement of low transmitting/reflecting anti-reflection coatings. 2008-07-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/282008/528890null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Conferences+and+Exhibitions/DXC-2008-The-Worlds-Leading-Forum-for-X-Ray-Materi/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528888?ref=25 A preview of the 57th Annual Denver X-Ray Conference, to be held August 4–8 in Denver, Colorado. 2008-07-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/282008/528888null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Mass+Spectrometry/A-Simplified-Approach-to-Optimize-SPE-Method-Devel/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528042?ref=25 Automated solid-phase extraction (SPE) has been used extensively with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) to facilitate high-throughput analysis in the pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and forensic toxicology areas. In this work, we demonstrate the use of a systemized approach to SPE method development and LC–MS-MS analysis. This approach provides dramatic savings in analysis time and takes advantage of new innovations in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) columns to provide the cleanest extracts for LC–MS injection. 2008-07-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/272008/528042null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/X-Ray+Spectroscopy/Market-Profile-Cement-Analysis-by-XRF/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528884?ref=25 X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) is one of the primary analytical tools used in the cement industry for a variety of related applications. The principle of XRF is relatively simple; a source directs X-rays onto the atoms of the sample, ejecting electrons from the inner electron shells. 2008-07-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/282008/528884null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Departments%3A+Products/Product-Resources/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528048?ref=25 Product Resources 2008-07-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/272008/528048null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Mass+Spectrometry/Dosing-Vehicle-Removal-in-Discovery-Phase-Pharmaco/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528041?ref=25 This article describes the ability to increase the sensitivity for a target compound in the presence of high-level background impurities by removing the dosing vehicle using a high-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry gas-phase separation before mass spectrometry analysis. 2008-07-01T04:00:00Z http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/data/articlestandard/spectroscopy/272008/528041null XML http://spectroscopymag.findpharma.com/spectroscopy/Mass+Spectrometry/Gas-ChromatographyndashTime-of-Flight-Mass-Spectro/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528040?ref=25 Illegal drug use worldwide is at an all-time high. There is a crucial need for fast and accurate analysis to positively identify suspected drugs in criminal investigations. Gas chromatography combined with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC–TOFMS) can be a valuable tool for drug testing in forensic crime laboratories. Method development