Pittcon'98 - A Kaleidoscope of ChemistryMorial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana March 1st - March 2nd, 1998 (This resource page will be updated as we add resources that we share in our first meeting following this conference) Participants from Montreat, Mars Hill, and Warren Wilson Colleges report on the conference: |
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Attendance for Consortium Participants was provided by the Mellon Foundation grant for Technology Assistance Program and the Appalachian College Association. We had received approval for each school to have two faculty attend, but only four were able to attend:
Sam Boggess - Mars Hill College, Vicki Collins - Warren Wilson College,
Mark Lassiter - Montreat College, Mike Sonnenberg - Montreat College.
Consortium Conference Report:
The below is a recording of the components of the conference that were beneficial to the consortium as a whole. Many components of the conference enabled us to individually advance our individual programs, but the strength of this effort, is the opportunities that it has provided for our joint development and advancement of our consortium projects. The below presents the major collaborative interests in the conference. We present these so that we can actively exchange information and also enable others to share in our compilation of some of the conference's highlights:
Note: The below notes were obtained by meeting with the director for program administration of the conference, meeting with organizations involved in the presentations, and materials from Pittsburgh Conference TODAY publication. We were prevented from actually attending the sessions.
Moderator: Gregory Moller gave an overview of joint scientific and internet development over the last six years.
Ken Lang of Wise Wire Corporation presented his interest in developing features that would enable the internet user to navigate through information relevant to the net user utilizing search engines.
Dr. George Strawn, Director, Division of Networking and Communication Research and Infrastructure, National Science Foundation ,dealt with the funding structures of the NSF and further information is linked with this web site ("WebSite" link from Dr. Strawn's home page).
Dr. Nestor Zaluzec, Leader, Advance Analytical Electron Microscopy/TelePresence Microscopy Project and e-Lab, Argonne National Laboratory, discussed actual projects utilizing the web and his talk is posted on the Pittcon webpage.
"In an energetic multimedia presentation, Dr. Nestor Zaluzec illustrated the concept of the "telepresence collaboratory," an Internet-linked virtual laboratory. The key to all scientific experiments, he says, is the interaction of the investigators with instruments, data, and collaborators. The virtual, imaginary "collaboratory" brings together all these elements, independent[ly] of location. The system is of particular value with complex, scarce, highly specialized equipment in fixed locations. The particular example [given in the presentation] was telepresence microscopy, including a brief real-time tour of Dr. Zaluzec's electron microscopy lab at Argonne with a robotic camera via the Internet." -Steve Woltman, University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh Conference TODAY, March 3, 1998, page 77.
Note: This presentation was of particular interest to our consortium since the "collaboratory" theme presented by Dr. Zaluzec was the key component of our proposal of two years earlier to the Mellon Technology granting program. We were not funded at that time but continue to seek funding for our interest and development in this area. Any comments or recommendations for funding would be appreciated. If you are interested in reviewing our proposal, please contact Mark Lassiter (e-mail: mlassiter@montreat.edu). We are currently meeting to train each other in HTML page development. In our attendance at Pittcon'97 in Atlanta, we shared some of our ideas with Hewlett Packard and these were received with interest and we were invited to submit ideas to the HP Foundation. Since funding was not available to accelerate our development, we have decided to pursue initial training among ourselves without support until we can reach a working level of html among participants at our consortium schools. Mark did check with the HP vendor, and discuss this with the director of marketing, but we could not speak directly with any HP Foundation representative.
Anthony Durniak, Director, Special Publishing Operations,American Chemical Society Publications Division, discussed publications and journal resources. Further information can be found on the American Chemical Society's web page.
All posters in this session were examined and the following posters were selected for potential interest to those in the Consortium or science programs in ACA institutions. Reprints or information from each of these has been requested to be sent to Mark Lassiter (mlassiter@montreat.edu), who will also serve as a contact for any further information.
Advances in Spectral and Chromatographic Data Systems: Adapting to Chemists' Specific Needs- Bruce Wilson, Waters Corp.
The Role of Optical Path Length in Microplate Spectrophotometry-Michael Sevigny, Bio-Tek Instruments, Inc.
Use of a PC Plug-In UV-VIS Spectrometer to Monitor the Plasma Conditions in GC-CRIMS-Steven Colby, Scientific Instrument Services, Inc. & Robert Kearton, Ocean Optics, Inc.
Virtual Analytical Instrumentation for Chemical Education, Donald Nuzzio, Analytical Instrument Systems, Inc.
Developing Instrument Controlling Software for Atomic Spectrometry to Meet US EPA Protocol and Beyond, Douglas Shrader, Varian Associates.
Open Focused Microwave-Assisted Chemistry: Rapid Solution for Speciation Analysis, Vincent Schmitt, Prolabo.
A New Microwave Technology for Digestion, Speciation and Organic Extraction, Daniel Mathe, Prolabo.
Environmental, Industrial and Forensic Applications of a New Portable GC-MS System, Jeffrey Christenson, Viking Instruments Corp.
Improved Fiber Optics Performance with New Design UV-VIS Spectrophotometer, Alan Marks, Varian Associates.
Using Chemical Reaction Interface Mass Spectrometry (CRIMS) to Monitor Bacterial Transport in in situ Bioremediation, Mary Deflaun, Mark Fuller, Envirogen, Scientific Instrument Services, Inc.
Bar Code Printing of Samples with a Portable, Durable Label printing and Tracking Device with Operating Memory and RS 232 Communication Capabilities to LIMS Systems, Clarence Gilles, Tracking Solutions (1-937-885-2262)
The Application of Infrared and Raman Microscopic Mapping in the Characterization of Biological Materials, Michael Fuller, Nicolet Instrument Corp.
Micron Scale Surface Energy Analysis, Roger Woodward, First Ten Angstrons.
New 2D Peak Deconvolution Tool for Processing Overlapping Chromatographic Peaks, Li-Hsin Zang, Hitachi Instruments, Inc.
New Methods for the Simultaneous Measurement of pH, EC and Alkalinity, Robert Pavlis, Labtronics, Inc.
Fast and Trace Environmental Analysis Using Low Bleed, Fine-tuned Mid-polarity GC Columns, Qunjie Wang, Hewlett-Packard, Co.
New GC and GC-MS Equipment for High Speed Capillary GC, Paolo Magni, CE Instruments.
An Enzyme-Based Field Test for Nitrate.Ellen Campbell, Wilbur H. Campbell and Victoria L Salo of the Nitrate Elimination Company. This test kit uses a stable form of nitrate reductase to reduce nitrate to nitrite, and a less toxic chemical to produce the reddish color test. Kit is thus more environment-friendly that existing tests, though based on the same principles. (contact Sam Boggess)
The determination of Histamine, Putrescine and Cadaverine in Yellow-Fin Tuna using reverse-phase HPLC with Precolumn Fluorescamine Derivitizatiion. Troy A. Wilderson, Todd Gingerich, Harold M. McNair and George Flick of the Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech University, Blacksburg, VA 24061. Fluorescamine derivitization is faster than making a dansylation, and the derivitives are detectable by UV absorbance in addition to fluorescence, thus saving money as well as time. Author reports that this works for any primary amine. (contact Sam Boggess)
a. Perkin Elmer atomic absorption spectrophotometer is still in production. The bid should be raised about $2000 for a comparable system. (Vicki Collins)
b. Gas chromatograph with mass spectrometer detector, original specification is from Hewlett-Packard. This area has seen much new development, and we probably should put out some new bids. Shimadzu seems to have comparable instrumentation at a better price. We also might consider the new portable field GS-MS instruments which might be shared among the consortium members. Information was requested from Viking Instruments. (Vicki Collins)
c. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer(FTIR): The bid with Nicolet still is available, though we did request a bid from Mattson Instruments for a comparatable instrument, Genesis II, at a reduced price. This bid also includes the same ATR Gemini unit that is in the Nicolet bid. Multiple discounts and reduced costs for installation, computer savings, and service contracts appear to exist with Mattson. Bruce Branan, Mars Hill College has just received a NSF and Dryfus Foundation grant to purchase an FTIR and the consortium will include the instrument that he chooses as the item to place in our grant updates. Since his recent evaluation of the market has lead him to highly consider the Mattson instrument, we established that the same pricing package could be available for the consortium. (Mark Lassiter)
d. Capillary Gas chromatograph with fid and ecd(GC): We were able to update our bid with Hewlett Packard for the HP 6890 with the flame ionization detector, electron capture detector, and the HP3397A Integrator. Our price had increased by approximately $1000 and it may be suggested that we include support for three years unless we can continue to have the service grant through the University of Kentucky and the ACA. We also considered the 8610C GC Series from SRI Instruments and this package may be very attractive at about half of the bid from HP. (Mike Sonnenberg)
e. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance: Very little instrumentation was on display for NMR spectroscopy. Maran has a 60Mhz bench top in the $80K range coming out this year and we have requested a bid from them. (Vicki Collins)
f. High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC): Several manufacturers were consulted. As before, Hewlett-Packard's instrument gives an excellent combination of proven technology, flexibility and service at a competitive price. The previous quote is still close, but they will send us another one. We will also receive quotes from Hitachi, Alltech, Waters, BAS, ISCO and Buck. Each of these manufacturers have something to offer in one or more of these areas: simplicity, ruggedness, interest in machines specifically aimed at teaching, or price. HPLC instruments have become somewhat cheaper in the past few years, and we should probably look at this bid. Several vendors had systems in the $15,000 range with wider capabilities than we originally specified. (Sam Boggess)
g. Ultraviolet/visible Spectrophotometer (UV/vis): The previously quoted instrument from Hewlett-Packard still seems to be highly suitable for our needs. We will receive a new quote, but the price seems not to have changed much. Of note is a new Hewlett-Packard model, the 8453E, which is the same instrument as the 8453 previously quoted, except that the Chemstation PC controller and software user interface has been replaced with a small, simplified palm-top controller. This makes the unit less expensive by four thousand dollars, as well as smaller and easier to set up and use. We will receive a quote on the 8453 and 8453E as well as on instruments from Hitachi, Shimadzu and others. Recent strength of the U.S. dollar against the Japanese yen has temporarily given the Japanese instrument makers a price advantage. (Sam Boggess)
h. Multiscan Microtiter Plate Reader: LabSystems' bid still stands at the same price. The sales representatives encouraged us to consider locating demonstration models for initial purchases to introduce this instrument to the consortium (Montreat College is the only institution considering this instrument and will launch the investigation of its application to Environmental Science applications for the consortium.) Bids have been requested from two other venders: Bio-Tek Instruments' monochromatic model, a comparatable filter wheel basic model; and Molecular Devices Corp (408-747-3560) monochromatic models, packaged for Macintosh software, with shaking and incubation. The LabSystems product still offers the best option of the filter wheel configuration, but BioTek's monochromatic will probably price out as the selection for a monochromatic model. (Mark Lassiter)
i. LabVIEW Software and Peripherals. We were able to negotiate an excellent reduced price for the purchase of 10 copies of the software if funding comes through. We would need to consider all the disciplines of each school that selects this software in order to include which peripherals would be needed. (Mike Sonnenberg)
Note: Many of the vendors will be sending us updated bids and additional information.
A new technique called solid phase microextraction is available from Supelco which is extremely useful for environmental analysis, and also cheap($350)! Vicki will work with Bruce on including SPME techniques in our environmental lab manual. Consortium Contact: Vicki Collins
Vicki attended a workshop on laboratory design, where she collected important safety information and design suggestions which will be extremely valuable as Warren Wilson moves ahead in the design of their new laboratory building. She also met a leading chemical educator, Dr. Theodore Williams (williams@acs.wooster.edu), who will send his syllabi and lab manuals for some innovative coursework in general and analytical chemistry. She also will obtain new modular course work from the Chemlinks consortium which she will share with consortium members. Consortium Contact: Vicki Collins.
The Pittcon meeting included an educational forum titled "Toward a Harmonized Curriculum in Analytical Chemistry." This session presented a joint effort for an international curriculum to prepare analytical chemists. The novel curriculum stresses real world problem solving, group work, and emphasis on communication skills and interpretation of results. Vicki will obtain their new textbook and share it with other consortium members. (Wiley and Sons, Publishers) Corsortium Contact: Vicki Collins.
Grant Sources:
-Green Chemistry Challenge (established to recognize and promote fundamental and innovative green chemical technologies that accomplish pollution prevention and that have broad application in industry)- NSF and EPA's Partnership for Environmental Research , Consortium Contact-Mark Lassiter
-University of Kentucky collaboration with our consortium was discussed with representatives at the conference from the Engineering Department at UK. We also discussed the potential development of links with our consortium and the developing energy consortium at UK and the potential research link available for faculty. Consortium Contact-Mark Lassiter
Data Bases:
-EPA Database of Analytical Methods for Regulated Substances and CD-ROM of water Analysis under the EPA's Office of Water Science and Technology, Consortium Contact-Mark Lassiter
Other Materials or Resources:
-Water Purity for instrumentation: Millapore Corp. has a unit for about $3000 that could replace Distillation units and would bring water to type I levels. U.S. Filter could also be considered to supply Ion Cartridges for water preparation and offered to enable us to test our water in order to develop plan for purification systems needed. Consortium Contact-Mark Lassiter
-FiberLite Centrifuge Ultra Speed Composite Rotor: Piramoon Technologies, Inc., Consortium Contact-Mark Lassiter
-SAFEskin Nitrile Gloves (4 and 6 microns) provide a durable product that can be purchased through Fisher Scientific, Consortium Contact-Mark Lassiter
-Amicon has a simple, relatively inexpensive device for recovering DNA bands from agarose gel slices without using DEAE paper. It fits in a microcentrifuge tube, and when spun at moderate force (4,000 x g) macerates the agarose, freeing the DNA-containing gel buffer, which collects in the bottom of the tube. It this works as well as claimed, it would save time and frustration. I will be getting samples and will give them the student acid-test. Consortium Contact: Sam Boggess.
Note: During portions of this conference, we each explored the vendor exhibition to gather materials that would extend our individual and joint ventures in strengthening our science programs. Before our next consortium meeting, we will receive additional materials and review this in order to share these with each other. We will update these notes on our web posting as necessary.
Funding for $4000 was granted to the Consortium for Environmental Curriculum
Development and Research by the Mellon Foundation and the Appalachian College
Association through the grant program for Technology Assistance. Each of
the fours school in the consortium, Montreat College, Mars Hill College,
Warren Wilson College and Lees-McRae College, were given an opportunity
to send two participants to the conference, however, Lees-McRae was not
able to send anyone and both Mars Hill and Warren Wilson colleges were only
able to send one participant, therefore our reimbursements total $2000.
We are very grateful to have received the funds that made this conference
attendance possible. These organizations also funded the consortium's attendance
at the Chicago Pittcon'96 for the initial development of our instrumentation
grant work. Mark Lassiter and Bruce Branan attended the Atlanta Pittcon'97
with funds provided by their schools primarily to update the vendor bids
in our instrumentation grants and for Bruce Branan's successful NSF grant
for FTIR Sprectrophotometer research. The project section of the consortium's web site
(hosted by the Christian Environmental Studies Center @ Montreat College)
highlights our current funding and projects. We are expanding our efforts
and currently pursuing grants that would enhance our joint professional
development and training in instrumentation, internet collaborative instrumentation
instruction, and environmental curriculum and research.
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Please mail any comments to Dr.
Mark Lassiter.
