Software
A capillary electrophoresis training program depth micellar electrokinetic capillary chrousers along the software, and the program matography (MECC) and CGE. These is very user-friendly. Clicking on a chapter chapters also examine the general separatitle calls up a list of topics covered in that tion mechanism of MECC, the common chapter and their page numbers, and clicksurfactants used in MECC, the advantages ing on a topic takes the user directly to the and disadvantages of CGE, the sieving efpage that discusses the topic. The first module, the Principles ofCE, is fect, the polymer gels used in CGE, and the preparation of gel-filled capillaries. Chapter divided into eight chapters. Chapter 1 in6 focuses on the various sample-injection troduces CE, its basic layout, and various operational modes such as free-solution CE modes available; chapter 7 concentrates on detectors used in CE. (FSCE), capillary isoelectric focusing Introduction to CE (CIEF), and capillary gel electrophoresis The CE Method Development module LC Resources Inc. (CGE). Chapter 2 discusses basic instruconsists of six chapters and a glossary and 2930 Camino Diablo, Suite 110 mentation as well as important concepts focuses primarily on FSCE. The program Walnut Creek, CA 94596 integral to CE, such as frictional drag, elec- covers topics ranging from sample-preparation (510) 930-9043; fax (510) 930-9136; troosmotic flow, and electricfieldstrength. techniques to the effect of buffer composiwww. L CResources. com Chapter 3 deals specifically with FSCE, in tion in CE and method development strate$595 which resolution solute relative mobility as gies in FSCE. Chapter 1 provides the module objectives, and Chapter 2 discusses Introduction to CE is designed to provide a a function of pH, buffer capacity, the addition of modifiers, and wall coatings are disdetection techniques such as indirect detecbasic understanding of fundamental concepts of capillary electrophoresis. The pro- cussed. Chapters 4 and 5 explore in greater tion. Chapter 3 examines sample-preparation gram consists of three modules: Principles ofCE, CE Method Development, end MECC Method Development. Each module is composed of individual chapters; a bibliography and a glossary are at the end of each module. The software allows new CE users to browse the topics and learn the basics at leisure. More experienced CE users can use the program as a review or for learning more advanced techniques. The program would be suitable in undergraduate-level courses such as introductory separations or instrumental analysis Introduction to CE is arrangeg much like a book and includes numerous animated illustrations and colorful tables. Installation of the software is straightforward and takes less than five minutes. The doubleclick motion on a module icon opens and begins each lesson. Each module consists of a table of contents that allows users to go directly to topics of interest; "pages" of the program can be "turned" by clicking on the buttons in the upper right corner of each screen. Also, numerous buttons and icons are conveniently labeled to guide Introduction to CE is arranged much like a book. 546 A
Analytical Chemistry News & Features, August 1, 1998
techniques, and Chapter 4 explains the relationship between buffer mobility, pH, and electroosmotic flow. Chapter 5 focuses on uncoated versus coated capillaries, which include polyacrylamide, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, and more. Chapter 6 discusses method development and strategy. The third module of the program, MECC Method Developmentt contains sfve chapters on MECC and an appendices section at the end. The layout for this module is similar to the second module. Chapter 1 introduces MECC; Chapter 2 focuses on the micelle formation and its effect on solute migration; and Chapter 3 covers MECC electrolyte components, including buffers, surfactants, and additives. A short section on chiral separations is discussed in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 examines capillaries. Chapter 5 explains method development and strategy for MECC including a flowchart of criteria that affect separation such as k values and a suggestion of how to improve separations. One feature that makes this program attractive for undergraduates and instructors of introductory separation courses is a multiple-choice quiz consisting of five to six questions on each module. A quiz key is provided under a different icon. On the one hand, the software has many pluses: easy installation, user-friendliness, quick overview, book arrangement, and convenient help program. Minuses, on the other hand, include topic overload and explanations that are sometimes insufficient for beginners. For example, in the Principles ofCE module, the discussion on buffer mobility and its impact on band broadening and peak shape is difficult to comprehend. Without having a background or prior knowledge about the adsorption isotherm, the explanation provided in the program about the difference in solute mobility in the buffer and within the solute zone and its effect on peak fronting/ tailing would not be easily apparent. Although the software cannot replace
the traditional textbook format, it offers a quick way to gain insights into CE. It may also be effective as a tutorial tool for CE beginners and undergraduates. Reviewed by Timothy J. Ward, Milllaps College
with ISO 9001, TickIT quality plans, and year 2000 dates and is based on the Windows NT operating system. Turbochrom can use Windows 95 and requires 20-MB disk space, 32-MB RAM, SVGA monitor, and an ethernet card.
Chemometrics Toolbox SOFTWARE RELEASED Organosilicon Select FT-IR Database Bio-Rad Sadtler Division 3316 Spring Garden St. Philadelphia, PA 19104-2596 215-382-7800; fax 215-662-0585; www.sadtler.com Call for pricing information
This database contains more than 500 FT-IR spectra, along with physical and chemical information such as sample source, analysis technique, molecular formula, flash point, and CAS registry number. Organosilicon Database is compatible with IR SearchMaster, Windows-based software, and data from other major vendors of instrumentation and software. The database requires approximately 1 MB of disk space to install.
Turbochrom Perkin-Elmer 761 Main Ave. Norwalk, CT 06859-0310 203-762-1000; fax203-761 -2789; www.perkin - elmer. com Release 2; prices start at $10,000
The updated version of this client/server chromatography data system for networked data acquisition from any commercial GC or LC includes electronic signature entry for all audit trail records. Users can be assigned to specific instruments, allowing them to work separately from others in the laboratory. The software is compliant
Applied Chemometrics P.O. Box 100 Sharon, MA 02067 781-784-4560; fax 781-784-7700; www. chemometrics. com Version 3.0; commercial prices start at $595; academic prices start at $195
The newest version of Chemometrics Toolbox for use with MATLAB includes improvements in the performance of key functions and additional tools for qualitative analysis and data visualization. The software is designed for developing calibrations for online process analyzers. Software requires 500-kB disk space and supports all MATLAB platform conditions.
Charm Works 98 Custom Sensors & Technology 7534 Watson Road St. Louis, MO 63319 314-962-4555; fax 314-962-4385; www. customsensors. com $2000
Charm Works 98 is a chemometric dataanalysis toolkit for developing real-time process analysis applications. The software incorporates preprocessing and display capabilities of LABview application software. Statistical analysis includes partial least squares, pattern recognition, principal component analysis, experimental design, and multivariate analysis. The software requires a 486 processor or better with floating-point capability, 8-MB RAM, and 15-MB disk space; software operates under Windows NT/95/3.1 Macintosh Sun and HP-UX.
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