Highlights for Chemists

MALDI MS-based methods for Bacillus spore species characterization 

The availability of genome information for a particular pathogen allows the adaptation of bottom-up [36,37] or top-down [38 0] proteomics methodologies for microorganism identification by MS [41 5] (Fig. 3). These proteomics-based approaches are based on the initial identification of one or more individual protein biomarkers (from, e.g., their corresponding tryptic peptides and/or tandem mass spectra). By inference, the microorganism from which these proteins originate is then identified. For instance, rapid in situ (on a MALDI sample slide) proteolysis of 

Microorganism identification using bioinformatics-derived signatures 

Organism Ribosomes in mass range a-Cyano Detection (%) Matrix Synaprnic acid 

Note In this case, only highly expressed ribosomal proteins are included in the in silico generated biomarker database. Results scale to a database of 1000 organisms at 95% confidence level of identification. 

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In the words of a recent paper on MSE education (Flemings and Cahn 2000), chemistry departments have historically been interested in individual atoms and molecules, but increasingly they are turning to condensed phases . A report by the National Research Council (of the USA) in 1985 highlighted the opportunities for chemists in the materials field, and this was complemented by the NRC s later analysis (MSE 1989) which, inter alia, called for much increased emphasis on materials synthesis and processing. As a direct consequence of this recommendation, the National Science Foundation (of the USA) soon afterwards issued a formal call for research proposals in materials synthesis and processing (Lapporte 1995), and by that time it can be said that materials chemistry had well and truly arrived, in the... 

Besant also highlighted, for instance, Professor Darwin s claim to the British Association at Cape Town that Although even the dissociative stage of the alchemistic problem still lay beyond the power of the chemist, yet, modern researches seemed to furnish a sufficiently clear idea of the structure of atoms to enable them to see what would have to be done to effect a transformation of the elements ([Besant] 1905, 2). 

The state of the art in friction and wear of PTFE-filled rubbers include the effects of many important system parameters, such as the composition of the rubber formulation, particle dispersion, bulk mechanical properties, ability of transfer film formation, and the chemistry between PTFE powder and the rubber matrix. Although the present study has explicitly highlighted the potential of PTFE powder in rubber matrixes with significant property improvements in the friction, wear, and physical properties, it has simultaneously opened a new field regarding the use of PTFE powder in rubber compounds, with some challenging tasks for chemists, engineers, and material scientists. 

The ability to understand and apply the information contained in MSDSs is very important for chemists in the modern workplace. This exercise highlights that aspect of a chemist s work and also reemphasizes (after having done Experiment 6) the importance of safety considerations in a chemistry laboratory. It also connects chemistry to the students personal lives by requiring a close look at the chemical information found on the labels on common consumer products. 

The Beyond the Molecular Frontier report provided a list of Grand Challenges for Chemists and Chemical Engineers that highlights modern issues in the chemical sciences. (See Box 2-1.)... 

In addition, we hope to have highlighted the challenges that remain for chemists in this field ... 

The objective of this chapter is to review degradable materials, including polymers, and the resulting delivery systems fabricated from them that are usefid for the delivery of proteins and peptides. Owing to the diverse nature of the subject area, we have chosen to divide the chapter into sections on hydrophobic synthetic polymers, hydrophilic polymeric biomaterials, and hydrophobic nonpolymeric biomaterials. Each section seeks to briefly highlight ftie chemist and characteristics of the polymer or matrix and provide recent examples of their use in the delivery of proteins. 

To sum up, a systematic effort has been made in this book to review the recent advances made in evolving novel catalytic approaches to make chemical processes greener and enviromnentally sustainable. It has also highlighted the importance of novel separation processes to achieve sharper product cuts and the use of well-designed multiphase reactors for enhanced process performance. It has imequivocally stressed the need for chemists and chemical engineers to adopt irmovative PI strategies to reduce the envirorunental burden of line and specialty chemical processes. 

Finally, the method must be shown to be practical for use as a routine monitoring method. The method must use commercially available reagents, standards, and equipment. The method must not be too complex or poorly described such that an experienced analytical chemist could not understand or perform the method. Steps of the procedure that are critical should be highlighted in the method so that they can be appropriately controlled. The method must be short enough so that it can be used... 

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