samples by standard techniques. We then synthesize a unique DNA probe for the gene of interest and label it with fluorescein." The RNA population is then hybridized with the DNA probe. If the initial sample contains HIV-1 RNA a DNA/RNA complex forms. "Excess RNA is digested with RNAase One, and the hybridization [DNA/ RNA] complex is analyzed by CE-LIF." Two peaks elute—the DNA/DNA unbound probe complex comes off first, followed by the DNA/RNA complex. Labeling the probe with fluorescein in conjunction with the use of a thiazole orange intercalator WAS found to greatly improve sensitivity and stability for RNA analysis.
PEOPLE
Galen W. Ewing dies at 83
published in 1954. This volume influenced many generations of students around the world in itsfiveAmerican and many foreign language editions. The Journal regrets to report that Galen Among Ewing's other texts are The LabW. Ewing died, after oratory Recorder (with Harry Ashworth), a brief illness, on Electroanalytical Chemistry (with Basil VasJan. 19. sos), and Analog and Computer Electronics for Scientistt (with Vassos). He eesigned Ewing is best and edited the Analytical lnstrumentation known for his influHandbook, a 1350-page volume that apential textbooks and Ewing at EAS in peared in its second edition in August 1997, his many contribuan appropriate culmination of his devotion tions to the advance- 1979 ment of the profession of analytical chemis- to educating the scientific community about A lower detection limit of 19 fg (1710 the capabilities of analytical instrumentation. try. He was educated at Swarthmore Colcopies/mL) was obtained for the hybridiza- lege, the College of William and Mary, and Vassos, a close collaborator for nearly 30 tion (DNA/RNA) complex. Quantitative years notes that "Galen emphasized the the University of Chicago. He taught at analysis of RNA/RNA complexes by CEneed to educate chemists to lose their fear of Blackburn College (where he met his wife LIF was found to be reproducible; however, Alice they celebrated their 55th wedding complex-seeming instrumentation. He the detection limit was not as low as with anniversary last Thanksgiving), Union Col- sought a crystal-clear presentation in everycurrent HIV assays. However, the analysis thing he wrote." In recognition of Ewing's lege, New Mexico Highlands University, of DNA/DNA complexes by CE-LIF was accomplishments as an educator he reand Seton Hall University. His lifelong infound to offer the lowest detection limit of ceived the Division of Analytical Chemistry terest in analytical instrumentation began 36 ag (4 copies/mL), which is significantly however while at the Sterling-Winthrop Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1994 lower than the most sensitive commercially Research Institute in the mid-1940s where Ewing will also be remembered for his available kit for detecting HIV-1. CE-LIF is he was among thefirstto use the Beckman devotion to the profession. He served five a sensitive and reliable method for the anal- DU Spectrophotometers terms as Councilor for the ACS Division of ysis of RNA and nucleotide fragments, says Analytical Chemistry and co-edited with At Union College, Ewing developed a Kolesar. The method offers great sensitivpioneering course in instrumental methods Herb Laitinen the Division's History ooAnaity (down to attomole levels of molecules) lytical Chemistry, published for the ACS and reproducibility and has the potential to of analysis that led to the textbook Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis, firs, Centennial. Roland F. Hirsch be used for numerous other applications besides HIV testing cesses, and hyphenated chromatographic European A-page techniques with NMR spectroscopy.
FYI NIST 98 available
A new version of the NIST, EPA, NIH Mass Spectral Database—NIST 98—has been released. The mass spectral library has been expanded to include nearly 130,000 spectra and more than 107,000 compounds. This version should be the most accurate to date, because it is the result of a 10-year, spectrum-by-spectrum review of the entire library. For more information, or to order the database, contact the Standard Reference Data Program, Rm. 113, Bldg. 820, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001; phone, 301-975-2208; fax, 301-926-0416; e-mail, srdata® nist.gov. Information is also available on the World Wide Web at http:// www.nist.gov/srd/.
Advisory Panel inaugurated
Philip N. Bartlett, professor at the UniTo improve its coverage of important analytiversity of Southampcal topics and to better serve a global readerton (U.K), received ship, Analytical Chemistry has chosen five his B A degree from members of the international analytical comthe University of munity to become the nucleus of the EuroOxford (U.K.), and pean A-page Advisory Panel. Members will his Ph.D. from Impeserve three-year terms and will meet at the rial College, London Analytica meeting, held every other year in (U.K.). His research Munich, Germany. The number of members interests include biosensors and bioelectroon the panel is expected to increase. chemistry, electrochemistry of conducting polymers, and artificial olfactory systems. Klaus Albert, professor at the University Matthias Mann, professor at Odense of Tubingen (Germany), received his University (Dendiploma and Dr.re. mark), received his nat. from the UniPh.D. in chemical versity of Tubingen. engineering at Yale His research interUniversity. His reests include stationsearch interests foary chromatocus on applying MALDI, electrographic phases, molecular recognition proAnalytical Chemistry News & Features, April 1, 1998 245 A
