World’s largest scientific society convenes regional meeting October 10-13 in Lincoln, Neb.

More than 250 research findings will be presented at the 36th Midwest regional meeting of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society, in Lincoln, Neb., October 10-13. Over 500 scientists and students are expected to attend the meeting at the Cornhusker Hotel and Burnham-Yates Conference Center (402-474-7474).

Inhibitors of HIV replication will be the topic of a special lecture on Thursday, October 18, at 4:30 p.m., by Vasu Nair of the University of Iowa in Iowa City. He is the winner of the Midwest Region Award for Outstanding Achievements in Chemistry. The award consists of a medal and a $2,000 honorarium.

Other meeting highlights include:

Forensic geochemistry
Detecting allergens in food
Emission-reducing oxygenated fuels

Wednesday, October 10
7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Many patients taking anti-tumor and anticancer drug compounds suffer from several undesirable side effects. The researcher will describe the synthesis of two new classes of cancer fighting medicines that may ease these side effects. (Melvyn W. Mosher, Missouri Southern State College, Physical Sciences, Joplin, 417-625-9755)

Though its mechanisms are not well understood, etoposide has been used for decades in treating small cell lung cancer, testicular cancer and Kaposi’s sarcoma. The researcher will present synthesis and properties of new members of the etoposide drug family. (David Berkowitz, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Department of Chemistry, 402-472-2738)

Bakers and other food processors must determine if vegetable oils stored for long periods of time are rancid. The researcher has developed a new and faster infrared light method for determining the oxidation of vegetable oils. Unlike other methods, it does not generate hazardous waste. (Randy Wehling, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Department of Food Science and Technology, 402-472-2857)

Increased demand for microprocessor technology has caused exponential growth in the semiconductor manufacturing industry over the past decade, leading to an increase in perfluorocompound (PFC) emissions that are released into the atmosphere. PFCs are detrimental to the environment due to their high global warming potentials and long atmospheric lifetimes, yet they remain a vital part of the manufacturing process until suitable alternatives can be found. The researcher has developed a new method for disposing of PFC emissions that does not release them to the atmosphere. (Kayla Hamersky, University of Nebraska at Kearney, 308-238-0074)

Thursday, October 11
8:15 a.m. – 12 Noon

Improved methods to detect allergens in chocolate and baked goods are also leading to better sanitary procedures in the food industry. (Steve Taylor, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Department of Food Science and Technology, 402-472-2833)

Determining background concentrations for chemicals is critical for establishing realistic cleanup levels for sites under investigation by state and federal regulatory agencies. The toxicity of some locations is such that the background concentrations may exceed regulatory limits and constitute an “unacceptable risk.” The researcher discusses the use of forensic geochemistry to establish realistic cleanup levels of sites slated for environmental restoration and remediation projects. (Mary A. Siders, Tetra Tech EM Inc., Denver, Col., 303-312-8843)

Thursday, October 11
4:30 p.m.

The quest for inhibitors of HIV replication: discovery, chemistry and chemical biology — This is the Midwest Region Award for Outstanding Achievements in Chemistry lecture. The presentation highlights recent antiviral discoveries with improved therapeutic potential for HIV. (Vasu Nair, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 319-335-1364)

Friday, October 12
8:15 a.m. – 12 Noon

Federal requirements concerning the use of emission-reducing oxygenated fuels has lead to increased use of ethanol, methyl tertbutyl ether (MTBE), and other oxygen-containing compounds. Reports of groundwater contaminated with MTBE have also increased due to its mobility and persistence in the environment. An improved method for the sensitive analysis of oxygenated fuels in ground water has been developed. (David A. Cassada, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Water Sciences Laboratory, 402-472-8211)