ACS NEWS
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY EXPANDS ITS OFFERINGS The Journal of Medicinal Chemistry has launched two new initiatives aimed at offering an even richer experience for its authors and readers. The journal is published by the American Chemical Society, which also publishes C&EN. The first initiative, called Molecular Formula Strings, launched in February. It enables authors to append compound structures to their manuscripts in a format that lets readers easily transport this chemical information into their own searches, journal articles, and other projects. The first article using this new feature reported on the design of potent and selective inhibitors to overcome clinical anaplastic lymphoma
kinase mutations resistant to crizotinib (2014, DOI: 10.1021/jm401805h). Michael K. Gilson, associate editor and chair of the Molecular String Committee for the journal, says this enhancement is a “powerful step toward making the journal even more relevant and useful in this digital age and also provides authors with a tool to increase the impact of their research.” Gilson hopes this initiative will encourage other journals to make their chemical data more interactive and accessible to readers. “Integrating the written word and digital science has enormous potential to advance communication and research in medicinal chemistry,
chemical biology, and drug discovery,” he says. The journal’s second initiative, called Drug Annotations, is a series of articles offering insights into new compounds in the form of case studies. The articles typically feature a drug discovery story and lessons learned on the challenges that were overcome in the drug’s development. “Typically, when you go into industry or academia, and you’re doing drug discovery, it’s the problems that are solved that people learn from the most, and that’s what we’re highlighting in Drug Annotations,” says Jeff Zablocki, an associate editor of Drug Annotations for the journal. Drug Annotations articles are approximately 10 pages long, and approximately one-third of Journal of Medicinal Chemistry issues will include such an article, with plans to increase their frequency in the future. The first Drug Annotations article was published in March and featured Merck & Co.’s drug omarigliptin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (2014, DOI: 10.1021/jm401992e).—LINDA WANG
MEETINGS
Central Regional Meeting Call For Papers The 45th Central Regional Meeting (CERM 2014) of the American Chemical Society will be held on Oct. 29–Nov. 1 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh-Green Tree in the southwestern suburbs of Pittsburgh. The theme of the meeting is “Bridging Chemistry & Innovation.” Papers are requested for symposia covering analytical, biological, computational, environmental, inorganic, organic, medicinal, physical, and polymer chemistry; energy; chemical education; and more. Abstracts may be submitted online through the CERM 2014 website at www. acscerm2014.org. The deadline for abstract submission is Aug. 29. Technical program highlights include three general poster sessions and a fourth dedicated to undergradu-
ate research, a symposium on diversity in the chemical sciences, and sessions on green chemistry and on proteomics. Other sessions will cover chemistry education, materials characterization, nucleic-acid-based materials, and energy-related research. Three innovative researchers—Sara E. Skrabalak of Indiana University, Bloomington; Bradley D. Smith of the University of Notre Dame; and Vicki H. Wysocki of Ohio State University—will present plenary lectures highlighting the meeting’s theme. CERM 2014 attendees are encouraged to visit a two-day exhibition showcasing the latest products from a range of vendors and to challenge them in a Nintendo Wii tournament. Attendees are also invited to network with scientific recruiters and learn about gradu-
CEN.ACS.ORG
ate schools at the Graduate School & Recruitment Fair. Special events will include a welcome reception, “Wii, Wine & ’Wiches”; outings to learn the science of rum production; and a behindthe-scenes tour of and ride on Pittsburgh’s famous Duquesne Incline funicular. Special luncheons to serve all attendees will be held each day. They will include Younger Chemists Committee and Women Chemists Committee lunches, a Project SEED Celebration Luncheon and poster session, and an Undergraduate Network & Résumé Luncheon. Two ACS Leadership Institute courses will be held, “Fostering Innovation” and “Leading Change,” as well as the “Finding Your Pathway” career workshop and one-onone résumé reviews. The awards banquet will
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feature presentations by the ACS Pittsburgh Section’s 2014 Distinguished Service Award and 2014 Pittsburgh Award winners. Awards being presented will include the ACS Division of Chemical Education Regional Award for Excellence in High School Teaching, the E. Ann Nalley Regional Award for Volunteer Service to ACS, and the Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences. Former ACS Central Region chairs and 50- and 60-year members will also be recognized. Advance registration for the meeting will end on Oct. 3. Regular registration will continue through Nov. 1. Please visit the CERM 2014 website for registration, contact information, and up-to-date details on events as they become available.
