One Day Course Explains EU Sterilization Regulations

The EU approach to moist heat sterilization is complex and is based on a variety of standards and guidance.

Carltex Inc. is offering a course that provides attendees with the context and understanding essential for any U S company that needs to comply with EU regulations for Moist Heat Sterilization.

This one day course has been developed in conjunction with Keith Shuttleworth. Mr. Shuttleworth has 25 years experience in the procurement, commissioning, validation and maintenance of sterilizers worldwide. He is also the manufacturer of the industry standard SQ-1 Steam Quality Test Kit.

This one day course will be offered at locations throughout the United States.

The course topics include:+ History & Regulatory background
+ Cycle design criteria
+ Equilibration times and other measures
+ Bowie Dick/DART tests - theory and practice
+ Steam quality and steam quality testing
+ Leak rate tests and test specifications
+ Test frequency's
+ Load configurations for validation/revalidation
+ Choice of biological indicators
+ Long hold times
+ Air detector’s

Carltex Inc. is located in Nyack , NY , USA with sales, service, and support facilities. Carltex supplies a wide variety of data acquisition, measurement & control products.

For additional information, please contact:

Carltex IncPO Box 770
Nyack, NY 10960 USA
Tel: 845-535-3406
Fax: 845-535-3407
Email: info@carltex.com
Visit our Website at http://www.carltex.com/

New FTIR Spectral Libraries Aid Identification of Rocks & Minerals…

 A2 Technologies' has announced the availability of two new diffuse reflectance mid-infrared spectral libraries of rocks and minerals further extending the utility of their innovative Exoscan and FlexScan handheld FTIR analyzers for geoscience applications. The first library contains spectra of general rocks and minerals sourced from around the world, while the other is focused on commercially important or strategic minerals.

FlexScan and Exoscan are the world's first FTIR analyzers that have the performance and robustness to be applicable to field based geoscience investigations.  The analyzers are equipped with diffuse reflectance sampling interfaces, thus enabling rocks, minerals and soils to be analyzed with minimal, or no sample preparation.  Now, minerals of interest located in outcroppings, ore bodies, drill cores, and mines can be analyzed directly at the locale.  The capability of FTIR to elucidate how atoms are bound together to form the chemistry of rocks and minerals is an important complement to widely used hand-held XRF analyzers, which identify the elements that comprise the geological sample.
 
The diffuse reflectance infrared spectra of rocks and minerals are different than those that are contained in classical transmission IR libraries that already exist.  For this reason, A2 Technologies is building, and will continue to build, these unique diffuse reflectance libraries in support of its efforts to bring FTIR analyzers to geoscience applications.  Since the chemistry of rocks and minerals is complex and highly dependent on the specific locale and condition of formation, A2 Technologies analyzers permit users to easily create their own diffuse reflectance IR libraries to meet the requirements of their particular area of interest

Mr. Graham Miller, President of A2 Technologies comments:  "The capability to use FTIR spectroscopy directly at important field sites has created strong interest in the geoscience community.  The advantages of bringing  the analyzer to the sample location are significant.  The investigator can identify and focus their efforts on important areas of the site, enabling them to make decisions about the locale in real time.  The addition of the Rocks and Minerals Diffuse Reflectance libraries further enhances the capability and value of the Exoscan and FlexScan systems to geoscientists."

For more information on using handheld FTIR for Geoscience applications please contact A2 Technologies on +1-203-312-1100 (Headquarters) / +44-7765-970-210 (Europe / Asia) or email info@a2technologies.net.



Commercialising Nanotubes 2011 conference

Applied Market Information is holding the first global conference on Commercialising Nanotubes to coincide with a massive expansion in carbon nanotube (CNT) capacity. The event will take place on 8-11 March 2011 at the Maritim Hotel, Düsseldorf, Germany.

On-going investments in new CNT plants mean that global capacity will more than quadruple over a two-year period. Four leading suppliers at the forefront of this expansion will give presentations at Commercialising Nanotubes 2011: Arkema from France; Bayer MaterialScience from Germany; CNano Technology from the USA and China; and Nanocyl from Belgium.

The first commercial CNTs are already being used in the automotive, electrical and electronic, sporting goods, mass transport and marine industries with many more applications under development in areas such as the renewable energy, medical and cable markets.

One major target market is enhancing the properties of polymers, for example by increasing electrical and thermal conductivity as well as by boosting physical properties and flame retardancy. Leading plastics compounders including PolyOne, RTP and Shinil will discuss how they are incorporating CNTs into thermoplastic compounds and masterbatches. Other presentations will examine applications in thermosets for marine and windpower applications.

The processors’ perspective will be supplied by Kabelwerk Eupen and Promolding. The former is focusing on using CNTs to improve the fire performance of cables, while the latter has studied how injection moulding parameters impact on the electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic shielding performance of CNT-based compounds.

In addition, pioneering companies from the USA and Europe will discuss their groundbreaking work on using CNTs in electronics applications, including inks and transparent films for touch panels, LCD displays and e-paper. They include Unidym, SouthWest Nanotechnologies and Thomas Swan.

The focus of this event is firmly on the commercialisation of these exciting technologies and taking them from the laboratory into real-world applications. The investment and funding issues surrounding nanotechnology will be expertly addressed by IP and business lawyers from Foley & Lardner LLP.

Key enabling technologies for the growth of the market include the synthesis and functionalization of CNTs, and these topics will be covered by Cambridge Nanomaterials and FutureCarbon.

Commercialising Nanotubes 2011 will be held on 8-11 March 2011 at the Maritim Hotel, Düsseldorf, Germany. For more information, visit www.amiconferences.com or contact Maud Lassara, Senior Conference Organiser, ml@amiplastics.com Tel +44 117 924 9442

New website for Biosensors & Bioelectronics

I have set up a new website for the journal Biosensors & Bioelectronics that currently hosts severakll videos including introductions to both the subject matter and the journal itself by Editor in Chief Professor Tony Turner.

The site can be found at: http://journals.elsevier.com/09565663/biosensors-and-bioelectronics/

In time I hope to create similar sites for each of my journals and so would value any feedback.

Best regards, David

Multi-touch Interface Creates New Electron Microscope Experience with JEOL InTouchScopeTM

JEOL offers a whole new electron microscope experience with the introduction of the InTouchScope^TM, an analytical, low vacuum Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) featuring integrated Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) with the latest Silicon Drift Detector (SDD) technology. 

The new InTouchScope has the familiar feel of today’s personal electronic media.  The intuitive multi-touch screen interface puts all SEM “Apps” at the operator’s fingertips.  The user can expand windows and images with the sweep of two fingers, dial in magnification and focus with a swipe, and select operating parameters, analytical functions, or measure distances just by tapping the PC or notebook touch screen. 

Ease of use is a key feature of all JEOL SEMs, and the versatile InTouchScope has functions that users of all levels will appreciate: 

      automatic SEM condition setup based on sample type

      simultaneous multiple live image and movie capture

      easy sample navigation at 5x – 300,000x magnifications

      quantitative and qualitative elemental analysis

      low and high vacuum operation

      wireless capability 

The InTouchScope features all the capabilities of a full size tungsten SEM with integrated EDS analysis in a small, ergonomic and intuitive design.  An onboard turbo pump make this a truly self-contained, portable SEM that is easy to set up anywhere in the lab.

For more information and videos of the touchscreen – visit http://www.jeolusa.com/PRODUCTS/ElectronOptics/ScanningElectronMicroscopesSEM/HighVacuumLowVacuum/JSM6010LAInTouchScope/tabid/778/Default.aspx

JUST PUBLISHED: The latest issue of Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis

Click on the link below for papers published in the latest issue of the Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis
http://rss.sciencedirect.com/publication/science/5266

Efficient SPE – Modern polymer and classical silica phases

Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) is an effective method for sample preparation used in the most laboratories today. For nearly 30 years diverse SPE phases, packed in columns, cartridges and 96-well plates or as bulk material, are commercially available and will be expanded with newly developed materials almost every year. While at the beginning silica-based sorbents were predominant, polymers have entered into the market in the last years. More than 50 different types of SPE phases make a decision for the user not easy. Especially for RP phases, which can be used for multiple applications, the question is: “Silica or polymer RP phase?”

See the full article at: http://www.mn-net.com/chroma/ChromatographyServices/Service/ChromaNews/tabid/11049/language/en-US/Default.aspx#news

Safe, Easy & Reliable Cryopreservation...

The Bio-Cool from SP Scientific is the only controlled rate freezer that does not require expendable liquid nitrogen and the associated pumping, re-filling, and storage challenges posed by a cryogenic liquid. The Bio-Cool, simply plugs into a standard electrical outlet and quietly provides low temperature cooling to either -40ºC or -80ºC.

Unlike liquid nitrogen systems which surround samples with a cold vapour phase, the Bio-Cool immerses samples into a well-circulated, cold liquid bath. The circulating liquid allows more efficient heat transfer to the samples and maintains a more consistent temperature profile at all locations. Typical applications that have benefited from the safe, easy and reliable operation of the Bio-Cool include cryopreservation of human and animal embryos and biological tissue and cell lines.

The Bio-Cool comes as standard with an easy-to-use programmable microprocessor controller that enables programming and storage of up to eight different protocols, each with up to eight distinct segments specifying ramp rate, hold temperature, and hold time.

Elimination of liquid nitrogen handling and usage, better freezing results, simple straightforward operation, and SP Scientific's world-class service support all make the Bio-Cool the controlled rate freezer of choice for most clinical, commercial, and research applications.

For further information please contact SP Scientific on Leslie.Mather@SPScientific.com or telephone +1.845.255.5000 (+44-1473-240000 in Europe).

Eliminating the Difficulties In Handling Adhesive Sealing Films

Porvair Sciences has announced MicroBurst™ - a revolutionary new microencapsulated clear sealing film for microplates.

Using adhesive seals whilst wearing laboratory gloves can often prove to be difficult. The glued surface of the seal can easily stick to your glove rather than your microplate. Porvair MicroBurst sealing films have been developed to eliminate this problem.

With its adhesive encapsulated in millions of tiny spheroids, MicroBurst sealing film, when first handled, is not sticky and can be quickly and easily moved into position. Only when you are satisfied that the film is in the correct place do you press down hard to burst and activate the MicroBurst adhesive microcapsules. No more mess, no more incorrectly positioned adhesive seals.

The patented MicroBurst technology is being offered for the first time in the laboratory industry by Porvair Sciences Ltd. The clear film has excellent optical properties and once activated, produces a very firm seal which quickly strengths to form a near-permanent seal on your plates. MicroBurst film can be pierced by pipette tips or robot liquid handlers and is temperature stable - making it ideal for PCR work.

For further information or to request a test sample of MicroBurst sealing film please contact Porvair Sciences Ltd. on telephone +44-1372-824290 or email int.sales@porvair-sciences.com.

2011 Herman Skolnik Award Winner Announced

Dr. Alexander (Sandy) Lawson will be the recipient of the 2011 Herman Skolnik Award presented by the ACS Division of Chemical Information (CINF). The award recognizes outstanding contributions to and achievements in the theory and practice of chemical information science and related disciplines. The prize consists of a $3,000 honorarium and a plaque. The winner will also be invited to present an award symposium at the Fall 2011 ACS Meeting.

Sandy Lawson is recognized as a pioneer and far-sighted visionary in the fields of chemical structure handling, database searching, chemical nomenclature, reading machines, and linking text and structural information. He has made numerous innovative contributions, often struggling with the limitations of nascent technology, to develop early prototypes to validate concepts, which sometimes only bore fruit when the technology caught up with his ideas. Sandy has spent a large part of his career associated with "Beilstein," initially working with the Beilstein Handbook. As early aids to searching in Beilstein, he developed the Lawson Number and the SANDRA program. He was instrumental in the creation and development of the electronic Beilstein Database, including both the organization, data structure, and indexing, and also the development of the powerful CrossFire search engine and interface, capable of handling millions of molecules, reactions, and properties.

Sandy has a deep and abiding interest in chemical nomenclature and has been active on IUPAC Committees for Publications, Databases, and Structural Representation, including Division VIII Chemical Nomenclature of Organic Structures. His expertise lead him and his team to develop the first commercial program for generating systematic names from structures, AUTONOM, and then its counterpart, to generate structures from names. More recently Sandy has been involved in the consolidation of Beilstein, Gmelin, and Patent Chemistry Database into a unified database with modern and chemist-friendly interface, Reaxys. In his current role within Reed Elsevier, and in earlier organizations, he pioneered building bridges between the structured world of molecules and reactions in databases and the looser but nonetheless related realm of text in journals, and the early DYMOND Linking project presaged later developments such as Project Prospect from the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Sandy Lawson received a B.Sc. from the University of St. Andrews, and a Ph.D. and D.I.C. from the University of London. He did post-graduate work at the Universities of Kent and Mainz, and was an extramural professor at the latter. He has been awarded the Irvine Medal (1966), Forrester Prize (1966), Gold Medal (1985, for Sandra), EuroCase IT Prizewinner (1997, for CrossFire), and the CSA Trust Mike Lynch Award (2008). He has continued to pursue his love of cheminformatics research and development through a series of organizations, including the Beilstein Institute, Beilstein Informationssysteme GmbH, MDL Information Systems GmbH, Elsevier Information Systems GmbH, and latterly Elsevier Properties SA in Neuchâtel.

Sandy Lawson is among the handful of truly excellent cheminformatics scientists at work today, and is widely and thoroughly respected. He is a gentleman's scientist with a tremendous understanding of chemistry and computers. He embodies the best qualities of cheminformatics and is truly worthy of this award.

Micronic Launches Informative Multi-media Sample Storage Website...

Micronic Europe has announced the launch of a new comprehensively featured website (http://www.micronic.com/) designed to offer a wide variety of useful information to organisations involved with safeguarding one of their most valuable assets - their samples.

JUST PUBLISHED: The latest issue of Talanta

Click on the link below for papers published in the latest issue of Talanta http://rss.sciencedirect.com/publication/science/5288

National Government Standards Lab Selects JEOL Atomic Resolution Microscope

JEOL announces a major order for the company's atomic resolution analytical JEM-ARM200F Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The purchase was made through a competitive award process and funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The TEM will be a featured instrument in the NIST Precision Measurement Laboratory, Boulder, Colorado.

"We are very excited to be partnering with this premier federal government facility and are confident the opportunity will recognize the high performance capability of this new TEM platform," said Peter Genovese, JEOL USA President. “We believe having hands-on access will open up unexplored horizons and world-class results for the scientific team who will be using it.”

 

The ARM200F, introduced in 2009, has set a new benchmark for advanced aberration-corrected S/TEM technology with the highest resolution (78pm) commercially available in its class.  The instrument represents more than 60 years of TEM expertise at JEOL and was designed from the ground up to integrate aberration correction into a super-shielded electron column that safeguards the ultrahigh-powered optics from environmental interferences.

 

JEOL USA, Inc.

JEOL is a world leader in electron optical equipment and instrumentation for high-end scientific and industrial research and development. Core product groups include electron microscopes (SEMs and TEMs), instruments for the semiconductor industry (electron beam lithography and a series of defect review and inspection tools), and analytical instruments including mass spectrometers, NMRs and ESRs.JEOL USA, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of JEOL, Ltd., Japan, was incorporated in the United States in 1962. The company has 13 regional service centers that offer unlimited emergency service and support in the U.S.

For more information about JEOL USA, Inc. or any JEOL products, visit http://www.blogger.com/www.jeolusa.com, or call 978-535-5900.

Efficient Isolation of High Yield gDNA…

Agilent Automation Solutions has released an application note that demonstrates how the Agilent gDNA Isolation Workstation, utilizing the Invitrogen ChargeSwitch EasyPlex kit, provides the throughput, and walk-away time necessary to keep up with the demands of genomic applications.

Efficient isolation of high-yield gDNA is an important step in high-throughput analysis of the genome. Isolating gDNA can be accomplished by a number of approaches. Automated liquid-handling workstations can be used to isolate gDNA in a reliable, repeatable, and contamination-free manner. This application note outlines a protocol for the Invitrogen ChargeSwitch EasyPlex gDNA kit using the Agilent gDNA isolation workstation in which up to 10 microplates (96-well) can be processed simultaneously.  The throughput of the outlined protocol is 10 minutes for each plate processed (depending on exact liquid handling procedures).

In the described set-up - microplates and tip boxes were delivered to an Agilent Bravo Automated Liquid Handling Platform by an Agilent BenchCel Microplate Handling. The Bravo gripper was used to transport microplates and tip boxes around the platform. After the washing steps, the microplates were sealed with an Agilent PlateLoc Thermal Microplate Sealer and stored in the BenchCel Workstation for downstream use. The authors show how the Agilent Bravo Automated Liquid Handling Platform has the capacity for managing the necessary reagents, plates, and tips in a compact footprint. Further the integration of three Agilent BenchCel stackers for tip boxes is shown to provide an uninterrupted supply of tips without user intervention. The Agilent PlateLoc Thermal Microplate Sealer is shown to securely seal the plates after processing, and is easily integrated into the process workflow. Agilent VWorks Automation Control software was used to create an event-driven protocol to seamlessly integrate and reliably manage the entire process.

For a copy of the application note please visit www.chem.agilent.com/Library/applications/5990-3549en_lo%20CMS.pdf or contact your local Agilent Automation sales office.
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High-Performance Mass Spectrometry Platforms and Advances in Applied Proteomics Solutions

At the Human Proteome Organisation's (HUPO) 9th Annual World Congress (www.hupo2010.com), Bruker displays leading technologies and solutions for proteomics in the next decade. Bruker's "Continuing Revolution" campaign demonstrates the company's commitment to enabling the proteomics community to pursue an ever increasing range of scientific investigations, as well as clinical proteomics research and emerging applied proteomics methods:

-- The autoflex(TM) speed is a flexible and high performance MALDI-TOF(/TOF) system specifically designed for enhanced workflows in proteomics research. The fields of MALDI tissue biomarker and drug imaging, where Bruker is leading and continually innovating, is greatly advanced by the novel FAST-SRM mode for single reaction monitoring capabilities. Enhanced speed and reliable operation are delivered by the 1 kHz smartbeam(TM)-II laser and the MALDI Perpetual(TM) self-cleaning ion source, previously introduced in Bruker's market leading ultrafleXtreme(TM) MALDI-TOF/TOF. Further enhancements on the autoflex speed as a proteomics platform for MALDI based workflows are its wide mass range resolving power of up to 26,000 delivered by the PAN(TM) technology, the innovative FlashDetector(TM) system and the novel 4 Gs/s digitizer. Edmass(TM) top-down intact protein sequencing for long sequence readouts, including Bruker's patented T³-Sequencing(TM) technology, is now fully supported on the autoflex speed.
-- High performance molecular imaging of small molecules including drugs, metabolites and lipids in tissue is now available on the new unrivalled MALDI-solariX(TM) FTMS platform, which combines extreme performance with resolving power > 1,000,000 at 7 tesla with a robust and highly sensitive MALDI source. Its unique instrument design with a dual ion funnel and quad-based ion selection for signal enhancement by CASI(TM) (continuous accumulation of selected ions) provides unparalleled sensitivity for the analysis of therapeutic doses of drugs and their metabolites directly in tissue. Its dual ESI/MALDI source allows easy switching between both ionization modes by simple push-button software. Fast data acquisition of up to 1 pixel/sec with the smartbeam(TM) II laser at a 1 kHz laser rate and laser spot sizes down to 20 um for high spatial resolution are essential features of this ultimate MALDI small molecule tissue imaging system.
-- As MALDI Imaging matures as a key proteomic application, it becomes essential to cover the complete workflow for effective and scientifically relevant clinical research. The MALDI Molecular Imager(TM) concept, on ultrafleXtreme and autoflex speed MALDI-TOF platforms, as well as on the solariX MALDI-FTMS, enables non-targeted molecular histology with high spatial resolution in an integrated solution (research use only) for biological tissue and clinical pathology investigations. The entire, highly effective workflow is provided by seamless integration of the mass spectrometers with sample preparation by the proprietary Bruker ImagePrep(TM) station and with the data processing software FlexImaging(TM). This workflow is completed by ClinProTools(TM), the first commercially available software solution for small molecule statistical class imaging. By continuous innovation, Bruker remains committed to the development of MALDI Imaging as a key proteomics technology.
-- Bruker provides high performance top-down protein sequencing and characterization workflows across a range of systems. A breakthrough has been recently achieved in collaboration with scientists by applying ETD on the maXis(TM) UHR-TOF system. High mass accuracy, resolving power and dynamic range, essential for the dissection of complex patterns of product ions in protein fragmentation, have been harnessed for the first time to perform ETD dissociation of intact biomolecules up to 150 kDa with ease. This represents a new record for mass spectrometric sequencing of intact proteins and demonstrates the dramatic advantages of maXis ETD technology in top-down protein structure analysis. This achievement underlines Bruker's leading position in all fields of top-down proteomics.
-- The amaZon ETD, Bruker's 4th generation ion trap platform, offers class leading ETD and PTR (Proton Transfer Reaction) for unmatched sensitivity in an extremely robust setup. Ion trap mass resolving power up to 20,000 in full scan mode across the 50-3000 m/z range with scan speeds up to 52,000 u/sec, fast enough to be useable for LC coupling, make real-life, routine LC-ETD experiments for PTMs a reality.
-- MALDI-ISD (In-Source Decay), leveraging innovations incorporated into the industry leading ultrafleXtreme and autoflex speed MALDI-TOF(-TOF) platforms completes Bruker's comprehensive set of workflows as the leading supplier for top-down protein sequencing and characterization.
-- Bruker's ProteinScape(TM) 2.1 software is the most established proteomics bioinformatics platform addressing scientists' needs in biomarker profiling, quantification and validation. As a comprehensive solution for qualitative and quantitative LC-MS/MS protein analysis, ProteinScape supports all current label chemistries including multiplexed labels, as well as label-free quantification. Interactive validation of protein quantification based on raw LC/MS data is simple and straight forward. It streamlines the discovery process through decoy auto-validation algorithms, combined database searches with various algorithms and the ProteinExtractor(TM) module that produces non-redundant protein result lists across entire proteomics projects. Its archiving capabilities allow the retrieval of data generated years ago, e.g. for their joint re-analysis with novel analytic capabilities and mining tools. The ProteinScape processing pipeline adopts the "HUPO Brain Proteomics Project processing guidelines" (forum.hbpp.org) and will facilitate the direct submission process of project data adhering to HUPO/PSI publishing guidelines.
Clive Seymour, Executive Vice President of Bruker Daltonics, commented: "As the field of proteomics evolves, Bruker continues to innovate and deliver workflows suited to the needs of those engaged in an expanding discipline. Offering solutions based on a broad range of technologies and workflows without compromising performance and ease of use, underlines the philosophy and defines our leadership in proteomics. Whatever the application, whether it is 'traditional' expression proteomics or novel fields such as top-down proteomics, tissue imaging or quantitation with or without labels, we strive to provide the highest performance solutions."
In addition to supporting HUPO 2010 as a Gold Sponsor, Bruker will be present in the scientific program with more than 40 contributions. Bruker Daltonics staff will be available for in-depth meetings during exhibit hours at Bruker's booth (No. 1). The Bruker Luncheon Seminars will be held on Tuesday, September 21st, 12:30-1:30 PM, in the Baysite Gallery Auditorium A during which a panel of prestigious international researchers including Christoph Borchers from ProteomeCenter, Victoria, Canada, and Keith Ashman, CNIO Madrid, Spain, will present talks, detailing a series of innovative proteomic applications. For more information on Bruker's HUPO events, please visit www.bdal.com/hupo

JUST PUBLISHED: The latest issue of Sensors & Actuators A: Physical

Click on the link below for papers published in the latest issue of Sensors & Actuators A: Physical
http://rss.sciencedirect.com/publication/science/5282

German Language Freeze-Drying Webinar Program

SP Scientific has announced a new program of free German language webinars devoted to a range of important Freeze-drying topics.

Drawing upon contributions from leading international experts in Freeze-drying each educational webinar has been designed to include about 30 minutes of presentation followed by an interactive question and answer session immediately afterwards.

JUST PUBLISHED: The latest issue of Biosensors & Bioelectronics

Click on the link below for papers published in the latest issue of Biosensors & Bioelectronics
http://rss.sciencedirect.com/publication/science/5223

New AQUACOUNTER® Karl Fischer Volumetric Titrator

JM Science announces their new AQUACOUNTER® Karl Fischer Volumetric Titrator (AQV-2200S). This high-end titrator is the perfect choice for a very wide range from 100 ppm to 100% water content with is maximum capability for automation and future up-gradability.

This new titrator is ideal for users who: 1) have many kinds of samples to be analyzed; 2) exchange KF reagents frequently or after each measurement; 3) are eco-minded and budget-conscious.

Small volume titration cell requires only 20mL of titration solvent for accurate measurements. Less reagent volume reduces waste and is easy to replace with fresh solvent for the next measurement. Combining one additional KF station with either a volumetric or coulometric module enables two different measurements to be performed at the same time. With both a volumetric and coulometric channel, one can measure moisture over the entire range from 1ppm to 100% or double your sample throughput with 2 identical KF stations.  

A two-channel option means easy “plug-and-play”. End-users can add various peripherals, such as a second channel, and the system recognizes the new channels and begins working with them immediately.  Current status, data and function keys are displayed on a colorful and large screen. Color touch screen is 7.5-inches wide.  All helpful and necessary information is always at hand! Result data with curves can be viewed on your PC internet browsing program without optional software. Save and load parameters and results via USB flash memory.  Built-in thermal printer has easy paper loading and high resolution printouts.

For more information contact us at 1-800-495-1678 or visit us at www.jmscience.com

$25 m software contract

Colorado Springs-based Intelligent Software Solutions, a provider of software contracting to the government, said this morning that it has been awarded a $25M, task order from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. The firm said the contract is an addition to an existing, $500M contract the firm has with the Air Force. Intelligent Software Solutions said the program covers its Web Enabled Temporal Analysis System Tool Kit (WebTAS-TK), software used to visualize and analyze intelligence data. Intelligent Software Solutions provides serviecs to such entities as the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, National Intelligence Organization, and others.

Indian research institute places multiple system order with Oxford Instruments

Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, leader in etch, deposition and growth systems, has recently received an order for three plasma etch and deposition tools from the Centre of Excellence in Nanoelectronics (CEN) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore, India. The three System100 tools will be situated in the CEN’s state-of-the art nanofabrication facility’s new clean room and consist of two PlasmaPro™ System100 ICP Cobra etch tools and one PlasmaPro System100 PECVD tool.

A flexible and powerful solution for plasma etching and deposition processes, the System100’s load-locked wafer entry allows fast wafer exchange, the widest range of process gases and an extended process temperature range.  Allowing maximum process flexibility for compound semiconductor, optoelectronics, photonics, MEMS and microfluidics applications, the PlasmaPro System100 plasma etcher and deposition tool can have many configurations, including the ICP and PECVD options ordered by IISc.

The two ICP-RIE systems and the PECVD systems have been configured for the widest range of processes required at CEN, IISc, which is a multi-user national facility.  The etch chemistries include the capability to etch poly-silicon, silicon oxide, silicon nitride and a variety of metals. In addition to the silicon processing, the tools are also configured for GaAs and GaN process capability for high speed, high frequency power transistors. The PECVD system enables stress engineered nitride for MEMS sensors, low temperature oxide and very thick poly-silicon membrane as a structural material for inertial sensors.

Comments Prof.Navakanta Bhat from the Department of Electrical Communication Engineering at IISc, “We chose to order Oxford Instruments’ systems for their superior process uniformity, and the high level of support offered by the company.  We were particularly impressed by the technical capabilities of the staff and their willingness to work with their customers, considering the customer as a partner. 

Our new facility will be one of its kind in the country with a 14,000 sq.ft clean room in a new building (90,000 sq.ft) for the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE).  The state of the art clean room will house the best tools, catering to the diverse needs of researchers, and the Oxford Instruments’ systems offer the breadth of processes and leading edge technology we need. Oxford Instruments’ systems will enable IISc to carry out frontier research in a number of areas, including Nanoscale electronics and MEMS and help achieve our aim of creating technologies that can be commercially exploited by industry.”

Mark Vosloo, Sales & Customer Support Director for Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology is delighted with this order, “This second order in a year from an important Indian Research Institute results from our ability to meet our customers’ needs through advanced technology and service, while having the experience for them to be able to rely on our innovative world class products.”

Reusable bio-chip offers ultra-low cost, high sample throughput SNP genotyping

Fluidigm Corporation has launched its reusable FR48.48 Dynamic Array™ integrated fluidic circuit (IFC) - the world's first reusable bio-chip for the SNP genotyping market. This chip begins a new era of ultra-low cost, high sample throughput SNP genotyping and marks the beginning of Fluidigm's drive toward one-penny-per-data point.

The FR48.48 Dynamic Array IFC is the first in a line of reusable chip products that will significantly lower costs and enable the use of SNP genotyping in a wide range of applications, including plant and animal biotechnology. The dramatically lower costs and accelerated workflow will provide tremendous economic value, allowing researchers to bring the benefits of molecular breeding, quality control, and genetic testing to farmers and consumers. The chip has been specially designed to give remarkable performance in the three primary areas of importance for SNP genotyping -- cost, throughput and data quality.

The reusable chip can decrease the cost per genotype by up to 80 percent for ultra-high throughput SNP genotyping customers when compared to Fluidigm's single-use 48.48 Dynamic Array IFC and is designed to support an accelerated workflow for higher sample throughput applications. Each chip can be used up to five times and is able to produce results for 48 samples across 48 assays for a total of up to 11,520 genotypes over the five uses. Fast-loading and thermal cycling allows a single operator to run more than 3X the numbers of samples in a day when compared to using single-use 48.48 Dynamic Array IFCs. The reusable chip provides 99 percent or greater call rates, and 99.75 percent or higher accuracy.

"We have seen a tremendous amount of interest since the announcement of our reusable chip architecture," states Gajus Worthington, Fluidigm President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are proud to offer the first of our reusable IFC products enabling our customers to utilize this breakthrough technology and enjoy the benefits of ultra-low cost, high sample throughput SNP genotyping."

The launch of the reusable FR48.48 Dynamic Array IFC is accompanied by the introduction of the new IFC Controller WX, a device that automatically performs fast loading or cleaning of this reusable IFC. The reusable FR48.48 chip can be loaded in just 30 minutes and the overall time for loading and thermal cycling is only about one hour, compared to approximately three hours for single-use 48.48 Dynamic Array IFCs. 

The FR48.48 chip and the IFC Controller WX are part of a complete system designed to meet the needs of high sample throughput SNP genotyping. The product family now includes the reusable FR48.48 Dynamic Array IFC, the IFC Controller WX, the ultra-fast FC1™ Cycler, and either Fluidigm's EP1™ Reader or BioMark™ System.

Fluidigm develops, manufactures and markets proprietary Integrated Fluidic Circuit (IFC) systems that significantly improve productivity in life science research. Fluidigm IFCs enable the simultaneous performance of thousands of sophisticated biochemical measurements in extremely minute volumes. These "integrated circuits for biology" are made possible by miniaturizing and integrating liquid handling components on a single microfluidic device. Fluidigm systems, consisting of instrumentation, software and chips, increase throughput, decrease costs and enhance sensitivity compared to conventional laboratory systems.

For more information, please visit http://www.fluidigm.com/.

Environmentally Friendly Ductless Fume Hood

Air Science has introduced its NEW Purair ECO™ line of Energy-Saving Ductless Fume Hoods designed for both chemical and particulate protection over a broad range of laboratory and industrial applications.

Development of the Purair ECO is in response to an increasing worldwide demand for safe, cost-effective and energy-efficient ductless containment cabinets that minimize stress on facility HVAC systems without compromising protection for personnel and the environment.

The Purair ECO is available with a choice of controllers including the company’s new ECOair™ touchpad control with color display interface.

An optional BACnet network interface connects all cabinet control, monitoring and alarm functions to an open-source facility monitoring system. The system is based on an industry-wide, non-proprietary ASHRAE compliant protocol for green building management.

The Purair ECO is available in five standard sizes from 30" wide to 69" wide.

For complete detail and specifications on the NEW ECO™ Energy-Saving Ductless Fume Hoods, call, visit the website, or email Air Science.

Air Science USAPO Box 62296
Fort Myers, Florida 33906 USA

Toll Free: 800-306-0656
Phone: 239-489-0024
Fax: 800-306-0677

E-mail: info@airscience.com
Web: http://www.airscience.com/

JUST PUBLISHED: The latest issue of Journal of Chromatography B

Click on the link below for papers published in the latest issue of Journal of Chromatography B
http://rss.sciencedirect.com/publication/science/7220

KNAUER donates a high-quality analyzer to the Hamburg University of Technology

What do food, textiles, environmental samples, chemical manufacturing processes and doping tests have in common? The chemical composition of all of these can be analyzed using the same analysis method - HPLC.

From left to right: Mattias Röhr, Bastian Kannengiesser, Dr. Alexander Bünz, Jost Wellensiek, Prof. Dr. Edwin Kreuzer, Prof. Dr. Rudolf Müller, Prof. Dr. Andreas Liese and Prof. Dr. An-Ping Zeng. Photo: Jupitz, TUHH

The Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) accepted the donation of a new Smartline HPLC system from KNAUER for use in education and training in the chemical engineering department. KNAUER's Managing Director, Dr. Alexander Bünz, presented the HPLC system worth 28 000 Euro to Prof. Dr. Andreas Liese in the presence of the Dean of Studies Prof. Dr. An-Ping Zeng, as well as several students of process engineering on July 9th.

HPLC stands for "high performance liquid chromatography", a powerful and universal chemical analysis method which has become indispensable in modern laboratories. With an HPLC system of their own, process engineers studying at TUHH can learn how to use this important technology during their studies, before they enter the professional marketplace.

"We want to introduce students to interdisciplinary research early on, as is typical of the TUHH. The instrumentation donated by KNAUER enables our future engineers to become familiar with modern analysis methods at the interface of chemistry and chemical engineering", said Prof. Dr. Andreas Liese at the donation ceremony in Hamburg.

"The use of modern analytical instruments is very important for future engineers. We are pleased to support a higher standard of education at the TUHH with our donation" said Dr. Alexander Bünz, himself a former engineering student at TUHH in the 80's and one of the first to receive a doctorate from the university in 1995.

KNAUER develops and manufactures chromatography instruments for diverse analysis tasks in laboratories - for example, for the quantification or purification of dissolved substances in fluids with a complex composition. KNAUER is specialized in several chemical analysis methods including ultra-high performance liquid chromatography at pressures up to 1000 bar, as well as analytical and preparative HPLC. These systems are used worldwide in research and development and in quality control as well as production laboratories. Applications include pharmaceutical and medical research, the analysis of foods, petrochemical products, and fine chemicals, as well as environmental analysis.

NEW ISSUE - JUST PUBLISHED

Click on the link below for papers published in the latest issue of Analytica Chimica Acta
http://rss.sciencedirect.com/publication/science/5216

Robot-Compatible Blowdown Evaporator...

Porvair Sciences' Ultravap™ Microplate Evaporator has become a trusted standard for removing unwanted solvents from laboratory microplates. The open-access design of the Ultravap, combined with full RS232 control of every parameter, enables integration with laboratory robotics.

In response to customer feedback - Porvair have refined the Ultravap™ design to further ease integration with laboratory robots, increase operational versatility and to enable simple safe venting of removed solvents.

The plan form of the leading edges of the unit has been re-designed to allow robot gripper arms an extra  22mm of linear  access to the evaporation deck. This allows the gripper to handle even the heaviest deep well blocks with ease and to position them under the evaporation head more precisely.  In addition, Porvair has made available a set of side panels which fit on either side of the unit to ensure that exhaust gas carrying solvent fumes can be easily extracted either to the front or rear of the unit. To facilitate easy connection of the rear vent to a standard fume extraction duct, a new optional adaptor allows direct connection of a 4" diameter fume duct to the evaporator.

Software and hardware drivers for the Porvair Ultravap™ are now available for Tecan, Hamilton and Beckman laboratory robots.

Designed to quickly and safely remove solvents from 96 or 384-well plates, the Ultravap™ Microplate Evaporator is a versatile tool proven to optimise microplate sample preparation productivity.  The Ultravap™ achieves high sample throughput through advanced evaporator head technology and an innovative manifold design, which directly injects heated nitrogen into each individual well of the microplate simultaneously.  The system is proven to remove most popular chromatography solvents in just minutes. For heat sensitive and thermally labile samples the Ultravap™ may be operated in a unique two-stage mode combining rapid initial dry-down with carefully controlled final solvent evaporation. The Ultravap™ has been designed to be simple to install, operate and maintain.  Installation just requires connection to a gas supply / cylinder and standard mains socket and you are ready to go. Safety of operation is ensured as the CE marked compact unit fits into all fume cupboards.

For further information on automated solvent removal using the Ultravap™ Microplate Evaporator please contact Porvair Sciences on telephone +44-1372-824290 or email int.sales@porvair-sciences.com.

LATEST ISSUE - JUST PUBLISHED

Click on the link below for papers published in the latest issue of Journal of Chromatography A http://rss.sciencedirect.com/publication/science/5248

Rock & Mineral FTIR Diffuse Reflectance Spectral Libraries

A2 Technologies' has announced the availability of two new diffuse reflectance mid-infrared spectral libraries of rocks and minerals further extending the utility of their innovative Exoscan and FlexScan handheld FTIR analyzers for geoscience applications. The first library contains spectra of general rocks and minerals sourced from around the world, while the other is focused on commercially important or strategic minerals.

FlexScan and Exoscan are the world's first FTIR analyzers that have the performance and robustness to be applicable to field based geoscience investigations.  The analyzers are equipped with diffuse reflectance sampling interfaces, thus enabling rocks, minerals and soils to be analyzed with minimal, or no sample preparation.  Now, minerals of interest located in outcroppings, ore bodies, drill cores, and mines can be analyzed directly at the locale.  The capability of FTIR to elucidate how atoms are bound together to form the chemistry of rocks and minerals is an important complement to widely used hand-held XRF analyzers, which identify the elements that comprise the geological sample.
 
The diffuse reflectance infrared spectra of rocks and minerals are different than those that are contained in classical transmission IR libraries that already exist.  For this reason, A2 Technologies is building, and will continue to build, these unique diffuse reflectance libraries in support of its efforts to bring FTIR analyzers to geoscience applications.  Since the chemistry of rocks and minerals is complex and highly dependent on the specific locale and condition of formation, A2 Technologies analyzers permit users to easily create their own diffuse reflectance IR libraries to meet the requirements of their particular area of interest

Mr. Graham Miller, President of A2 Technologies comments:  "The capability to use FTIR spectroscopy directly at important field sites has created strong interest in the geoscience community.  The advantages of bringing  the analyzer to the sample location are significant.  The investigator can identify and focus their efforts on important areas of the site, enabling them to make decisions about the locale in real time.  The addition of the Rocks and Minerals Diffuse Reflectance libraries further enhances the capability and value of the Exoscan and FlexScan systems to geoscientists."

For more information on using handheld FTIR for Geoscience applications please contact A2 Technologies on +1-203-312-1100 (Headquarters) / +44-7765-970-210 (Europe / Asia) or email info@a2technologies.net.

Analytica Chimica Acta editor honoured by ACS

The American Chemical Society has named UTA’s chemist Purnendu “Sandy” Dasgupta the recipient of its 2011 chromatography award.

Dasgupta is being honored by the largest scientific society for his ground-breaking work in the field of chromatography, air pollution, drug development, among other things.

Dasgupta will receive the award in March 2011 from the American Chemical Society committee. Along with his award he will also receive $5,000, which is sponsored by Supelco Inc., a labratory equipment distributor.

“I’m of course tickled and honored that I will be receiving this award, but I really didn’t think I’d be getting it I don’t consider myself to be a chromatographer,” he said.
Each year new scientists are nominated for the chromatography award, and previous nominees are able to stay on the nomination board for three years. Chromatography is the method of seperating and identifying the components of a complex mixture.

Dasgupta is a Jenkins Garrett Professor and joined the faculty in 2007 after a career at Texas Tech. During his career at Texas Tech he became known as the youngest professor to become the Paul Whitfield Horn Professor.

Whenever an individual or group donates to a university, they may use the money to name chairs or professorships. Donations usually cover the salary for those positionsw.

“I think this award is not for something that Sandy did yesterday,” said Daniel Armstrong, Robert A. Welch Chemistry chairman. “This is something that has happened through his career, it’s not an overnight thing,” he said.

Armstrong was the American Chemical Society’s 1999 winner of the Chromatography Award, and nominated Dasgupta for the award this year.

Dasgupta has mentored more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students. He has worked 330 peer-reviewed papers, written over 30 book chapters, has given about 300 lectures world-wide, is an editor for a science magazine and currently holds 18 U.S. patents.

Biochemistry senior Darshan Patel hasn’t had Dasgupta as a professor but he’s familiar with his work.

“I’m definitely a huge fan, the guy’s got like 20 U.S. patents,” he said.

Patel said Dasgupta’s work with sickle cell anemia is ingenious.

Though Dasgupta has never sought personal recognition or awards, his work has been recognized by the American Microchemical Society,the Dow Chemical Co., the Society of Toxicology and Pharmacology, to name a few.

“We are absolutely proud of him,” Armstrong said. “It’s our outstanding chemistry department has helped make this one of the top five analytical chemistry departments in the nations in the last five years,” he said.
Source: http://www.theshorthorn.com/content/view/20085/265/

BioElectronics Names Stacy Wood, Ph.D., to Board of Directors

BioElectronics Corporation developers of innovative pain-relieving medical devices, today announced the addition of Dr. Stacy Wood to its Board of Directors. Dr. Stacy Wood is an internationally recognized scholar in the study of new product development and the psychology of consumers' innovation adoption. Her recent projects have investigated how to improve consumer learning of new product information, how consumers in flux embrace change, and how consumers deal with complex medical/pharmaceutical innovations. Her work has been published in Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Marketing, Journal of Consumer Psychology and Journal of Retailing. Additionally, she has won numerous significant research awards from top institutions such as the American Marketing Association, including the MSI/H Paul Root Award in 1997 and the Louis W. Stern Award in 2005.
Dr. Wood earned her Ph.D. at the University of Florida in 1998 and currently serves as the Langdon Distinguished Professor of Marketing at North Carolina State University's College of Management. Previous to joining NC State in 2010, she was on the faculty at the University of South Carolina where she founded the USC Center for Neuroeconomic Research. At NC State, Dr. Wood is developing a corporate center for consumer innovation insight to better understand and facilitate the business practices that encourage individuals and societies to embrace growth and change.
"We first got to know Dr. Wood when she provided us unique guidance on how to market and position our Allay(TM) Menstrual Pain Therapy product. We were greatly impressed with her insights and her significant consulting experience in the healthcare industry. Thus we were extremely pleased that she has agreed to join our team," said Dr. Richard Staelin, Chairman of the Board of BioElectronics Corporation. "We believe her addition to the Board will significantly enhance our ability to understand how consumers perceive our innovative anti-inflammatory and pain management products and thus our ability to successfully launch our products throughout the globe."
About BioElectronics Corporation BioElectronics Corporation (PINKSHEETS: BIEL) is the maker of safe, inexpensive, drug-free medical devices and patches that deliver pulsed electromagnetic energy to relieve pain and inflammation. The Company's wafer thin patches contain an embedded microchip and battery that deliver pulsed electromagnetic energy, a clinically proven and widely accepted anti-inflammatory and pain relief therapy that heretofore has only been possible to obtain from large, facility-based equipment. BioElectronics markets and sells its current products under the brand names ActiPatch(TM), RecoveryRx(TM), Allay(TM) Menstrual Pain Therapy and HealFast(TM) Therapy for cats, dogs and horses. The Company is headquartered in Frederick, MD. For more information, visit www.bielcorp.com.

Ultrasensitive biosensor can detect proteins, aid in cancer diagnosis

Researchers at Boston College discovered that a cluster of carbon nanotubes coated with a thin layer of protein-recognizing polymer forms a biosensor capable of using electrochemical signals to detect minute amounts of proteins. This new biosensor could provide a crucial new diagnostic tool for the detection of cancer and other illnesses.

Source: http://www.nanowerk.com/

Analytical and preparative HPLC in a single system

Until now, you couldn't get around having two systems if you wanted to use analytical and then preparative HPLC - not to mention the high costs and problem of space.

KNAUER now reveals that there is also an easier way. Using just one high pressure gradient unit, the new Smartline ScaleUp System can analytically separate and purify products in a gram scale. In this way, the user accomplishes the same goal as with two HPLC systems.

This is achieved by preliminary optimization of the method under analytical conditions followed by preparative separation and fractionation of the sample using the same unit.

Future-proof: An advantage compared to other available solutions is that KNAUER can respond directly to the customers' requirements due to the modular system design, i.e. select the components that are actually needed for the applications. Modifications or additions are easy to do.

No compromises: There are two separate flow paths - one for the analytical and one for the preparative application. This results in a very low dead volume that is especially important for the analytical stage. The system also makes no compromises during detection as it uses two separate detectors - one with a photodiode array and another with a variable wavelength where the volume and path length of the flow cells are optimally adapted to the relevant application area.

Adaptable: The preparative stage is suitable for flow rates up to 100 ml/min and 200 ml/min, i.e. the user can choose whether he wants a 100 ml or a 200 ml pump head. This increases the range of applications. The 100 ml pump head is preferable when using separation columns with small particles because it can reach a pressure of 400 bar. Less back pressure is produced when working with larger particles (e.g. 10 µm). The user benefits from the larger flow range with the 200 ml head.

Full integration with KNAUER's GLP conform ChromGate® chromatography data software makes the Smartline ScaleUp system easy to control and provides a complete set of analytical functions as well as advanced fraction collection capabilities.

The new ScaleUp System from KNAUER is the perfect tool for the development of preparative applications.

 Click here to open the Smartline ScaleUp System brochure

Click here for inquiries or to request a quote »

LATEST ISSUE JUST PUBLISHED: Microchemical Journal



Click on the link below for papers published in the latest issue of Microchemical Journal
http://rss.sciencedirect.com/publication/science/6599

Innovative Components, Consumables & Instruments for HPLC, uHPLC and LC/MS

Dorton Analytical has announced the availability of a new 140-page catalogue describing a broad range of reliable, high performance components, consumables and instruments for High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), ultra High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (uHPLC) and related separation techniques.

Available in hard copy or downloadable pdf format the catalogue details a comprehensive range of HPLC replacement parts and accessories, HPLC Pumps, Static Mixers, Pulse Dampers and Flow Splitters. To ensure the reliability and performance of these products a commitment to 100% inspection of every critical dimension on every part that affects product performance is given.

LATEST ISSUE JUST PUBLISHED: Sensors & Actuators B: Chemical

Click on the link below for papers published in the latest issue of Sensors & Actuators B: Chemical
http://rss.sciencedirect.com/publication/science/5283

Olympus releases v1.4 of its peerless Stream materials science microscopy imaging software

Olympus has launched an update for the highly successful Stream materials science microscopy imaging software family. Stream v1.4 provides a number of new and improved features, which not only increase workflow efficiency, but also enhance the overall capabilities of the software. Importantly, Stream v1.4 and the associated Olympus hardware components are now compatible with Microsoft Windows 7, and there is improved interfacing with Microsoft Office 2003 and 2007 programmes. Users will also benefit from functional improvements to the processing and measurement tools and database utilities. The Olympus Stream family is a comprehensive series of materials science software products, offering a peerless combination of imaging, analysis and microscope control features for superior performance and user-friendly operation.

Version 1.4 of the Olympus Stream software has been introduced to provide updated functionality and greater efficiency. As well as support for Microsoft Windows 7 (32 bit) by the Stream software and related Olympus hardware components, Stream v1.4 enables improved report creation capabilities via Microsoft Word (MS Office 2003 & 207). This includes the ability to integrate images, charts and workbooks, as well as documents from different sources. As a result, users can now create standard Word templates, making styling more intuitive, and use the Stream Report Composer for the straightforward, drag-and-drop selection of templates and content for the report. Furthermore, the final report can be edited directly within Word before being finished and submitted.

Database functionality and integration have also been improved in Stream v1.4 with a number of updates. A new database creation wizard ensures that the starting a new database is more intuitive and a number of default settings are pre-defined. In addition, database related file extensions - DBE and DBC – link straight through to Stream, opening the programme as well as initiating the wizard (DBE files), or the related database (DCE files). The Database Tool Window has also been updated so that if no database is open it shows links to ‘recent databases’, to the ‘open database’ dialogue, and to the ‘create a database’ wizard. Furthermore, the migration of existing Star and a4i databases into Stream has been made much simpler and quicker.

Image processing and measurement within Stream has also been enhanced with a series of additions. An auto-arrange function makes it easier to manage the open images within a workflow window, sizing and positioning them to fit in one overview. A new Differential Contrast Enhancement (DCE) filter selectively enhances areas of weak contrast for better detail and focus. New, simple, 3D measurement functions have been enabled since, in addition to the actual image generated during enhanced focal imaging (EFI), a height map is also produced and saved as a separate layer and this makes measurements in all three dimensions rapid and easy. The Stream Essentials and Motion programmes have always provided the capability to be supplemented by a set of 13 specialised measurement extensions to cover key processes such as layer thickness and micro hardness measurement as well as inclusion rating and grain sizing. The Extension Manager solution introduced in Stream v1.4 provides a common interface for all these extensions and makes them much easier to use, with wizard style interfaces and flexible image sources.

Other updates introduced in Stream v1.4 include: a new driver for the Olympus DP21 digital imaging camera to ensure full compatibility, and a complete list of materials science default settings for Olympus microscope frames.

Building on each other from the entry-level ‘Start’ package to the sophisticated automation and measurement tools available in the ‘Motion’ package and the additional ‘Extensions’ modules, the Stream family provides flexible and easy to use functionality for better image acquisition, measurement, archiving and automation.

Please contact:

OLYMPUS EUROPA HOLDING GMBH
Katja Ansmann
Marketing Communications Manager
Tel: +49 40 2 37 73 - 5913
Fax: +49 40 2 37 73 - 4656
E-mail: microscopy@olympus-europa.com
www.microscopy.olympus.eu